Sammy Shore
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Born Name:
Sammy Shore
Born Date: February 7, 1927
Born Place: Schenectady, New York
Died Date: May 18, 2019
Died Place: Las Vegas, Nevada
Occupations: Actor, stand-up comedian
Brief Biography: Sammy Shore was best known for co-founding The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip and for serving as the opening act for Elvis Presley. He was also the father of actor and comedian Pauly Shore.
Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Shore started his career in the "Borscht Belt" circuit of the Catskill Mountains. There, he began forming his signature comedic timing and formed early partnerships, including one with comedian Shecky Greene.
Elvis Presley and The Comedy Store:
After relocating to Los Angeles, Shore's career received a massive boost when Elvis Presley personally selected him to be the opening act for his 1969 Las Vegas comeback tour. In April 1972, Shore co-founded The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip alongside his then-wife Mitzi Shore and writing partner Rudy De Luca. While he relinquished his share of the club during a divorce settlement in 1974, the venue went on to become an iconic launching pad for generations of legendary comics.
Later Years and Legacy:
Shore continued touring and performing for decades, frequently opening for superstars like Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, and Sammy Davis Jr. He also made numerous television appearances on shows like Sanford and Son and in Mel Brooks films such as History of the World: Part I and Life Stinks. Later in his career, he famously toured as a father-son comedy act with his son Pauly.
Born Date: February 7, 1927
Born Place: Schenectady, New York
Died Date: May 18, 2019
Died Place: Las Vegas, Nevada
Occupations: Actor, stand-up comedian
Brief Biography: Sammy Shore was best known for co-founding The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip and for serving as the opening act for Elvis Presley. He was also the father of actor and comedian Pauly Shore.
Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Shore started his career in the "Borscht Belt" circuit of the Catskill Mountains. There, he began forming his signature comedic timing and formed early partnerships, including one with comedian Shecky Greene.
Elvis Presley and The Comedy Store:
After relocating to Los Angeles, Shore's career received a massive boost when Elvis Presley personally selected him to be the opening act for his 1969 Las Vegas comeback tour. In April 1972, Shore co-founded The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip alongside his then-wife Mitzi Shore and writing partner Rudy De Luca. While he relinquished his share of the club during a divorce settlement in 1974, the venue went on to become an iconic launching pad for generations of legendary comics.
Later Years and Legacy:
Shore continued touring and performing for decades, frequently opening for superstars like Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, and Sammy Davis Jr. He also made numerous television appearances on shows like Sanford and Son and in Mel Brooks films such as History of the World: Part I and Life Stinks. Later in his career, he famously toured as a father-son comedy act with his son Pauly.