Comedian David Brenner, 'Tonight' favorite, dies at 78

March 15, 2014 at 5:36 p.m.

by The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 1986 file photo, comedian David Brenner hosts avant garde fusion musician Frank Zappa, center, and his children, Dweezil, left, and Moon Unit, during a taping of Brenner's "Nightlife" talk show in New York. Brenner holds a necktie given to Frank Zappa upon entering a restaurant earlier in the day. On Saturday, March 15, 2014, publicist Jeff Abraham announced Brenner has died at the age of 78.
FILE - In this Sept. 24, 1986 file photo, comedian David Brenner hosts avant garde fusion musician Frank Zappa, center, and his children, Dweezil, left, and Moon Unit, during a taping of Brenner's "Nightlife" talk show in New York. Brenner holds a necktie given to Frank Zappa upon entering a restaurant earlier in the day. On Saturday, March 15, 2014, publicist Jeff Abraham announced Brenner has died at the age of 78.

LOS ANGELES — A spokesman for the family of comedian David Brenner says the Tonight Show favorite has died. He was 78.

Brenner died Saturday afternoon at his home in New York City, said Jeff Abraham, who was Brenner's publicist.

The gangly, toothy Brenner made more than 150 appearances as a guest and substitute host on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, starting in the 1970s.

His Tonight exposure turned the former documentary filmmaker into a hot comedian. Brenner was a regular on other TV talk shows and game shows and starred in four HBO comedy specials. He also briefly hosted his own syndicated talk show in 1987.

Brenner continued to work steadily doing standup shows. A four-day gig last December included a New Year's Eve show at a casino-resort in King of Prussia, Pa.

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