Legendary comedian Dick Capri dead at 93: Star who worked with Frank Sinatra passes away after Christmas
Comedian Dick Capri died in his sleep on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 93.
The late star was able to celebrate Christmas with his family in Florida, his son Jeff said TMZ after confirming his father’s death.
Before his death, Capri was diagnosed with a bleeding, enlarged aorta, but doctors were unable to operate due to his age.
However, Dick continued to live life to the fullest – despite his time being limited – and enjoyed the holidays with Jeff, his daughter-in-law and life partner. He was also able to FaceTime loved ones who couldn’t travel to Florida.
The actor – who worked with stars including Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones over the course of his successful career – enjoyed a meal at his favorite restaurant on Christmas Day before going to bed and died in his sleep.
As his family mourns the loss of Capri, his son Jeff told TMZ, “The world is not as funny today as it was yesterday.”
Comedian Dick Capri died in his sleep at the age of 93 in the early hours of Thursday, December 26; seen in 2014 in NYC
Dick – whose full name is Richard Capri – was born in the town of Reading, Pennsylvania.
His first step into the world of comedy began when he worked in his father’s supermarket, where he would perform comedic mimes for customers, according to the late star’s wishes. official website.
The actor quit his marketing job to focus on comedy full-time before building a decades-long career in the entertainment industry.
He became famous when he started touring in 1973 with singer Engelbert Humperdinck as a comedy attraction.
Capri also collaborated with other celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Liza Minnelli.
Later he had the opportunity to perform for two American presidents: Gerald Ford and George Bush.
Dick also showcased his comedic skills on stage at iconic venues such as Radio City Music Hall and the Minskoff Theater in New York City, as well as MGM’s Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
In addition, he made audiences laugh in other countries and made a stop at the London Palladium in Great Britain
The late star was able to celebrate Christmas with his family in Florida, his son Jeff told TMZ after confirming his father’s death; seen in 1998 in New York
As his family mourns the loss of Capri, his son Jeff told TMZ, “The world is not as funny today as it was yesterday; Jeff and Dick seen together
In 1991, Capri made his Broadway debut in the show Catskills On Broadway, which ran for a total of 14 months before touring the US.
Dick – who wrote most of his own material – also took part in a special for Comedy Central entitled New York Friars Club Roast In Honor Of Drew Cary.
He has also appeared on The Tonight Show, The Merv Griffin Show and also on Toast Of The Town.
Capri’s comedic skills are described as a “style firmly rooted in the Borsht Belt.”
He also “used his Italian heritage and his unique manner to combine comedy and mime, clearly setting him apart from the traditional stand-up comic,” according to the star’s official website.
‘His unique style is characterized by a measured and well-considered presentation and his material is clear and current.’
“This blend of comedy clearly sets him apart from traditional stand-up comedians,” the description continued.
Capri became famous when he began touring in 1973 with singer Engelbert Humperdinck as a comedy attraction; Humperdinck and Tom Jones seen above in 1969
Capri’s comedic skills were described as a “style firmly rooted in the Borsht Belt” and he “used his Italian heritage and his unique delivery to combine comedy and mime, clearly setting him apart from the traditional stand-up comic”; seen in 2007 in New York
Capri also starred in films such as They Still Call Me Bruce (1987), Bittersweet Place (2005) and One Angry Man (2010).
His son, Jeff, has followed in his father’s footsteps by also pursuing a career in comedy.
He has performed at various comedy clubs and events, most notably traveling to Iraq in 2003 to entertain American troops.
Jeff appeared in Comics Unleashed, Last Comic Standing and Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star. In 2020 he released the Dry Bar Comedy Special: Capricious.