Comedian-actor Alan King, 76
Posted: Monday, May 10th, 2004 12:47 pm
Alan King, 76, the dyspeptic wisecracker whose withering stare, Brooklyn accent and mockery of modern American life made him a comic favorite for six decades, died May 9 at a hospital in New York. He had lung cancer.
The comedian, known also for his ever-present cigar, amused audiences in nightclubs and on stage and television with routines about the ailments of suburban living. His acts exemplified an old school of Jewish New York humor in which one could practically hear the rimshot after each line. …
Mr. King was born Irwin Alan Kniberg in a tough part of Brooklyn where he learned to use his mouth as a weapon. He also boxed, just in case words failed him. …
His breakthrough came in 1956 when mainstream reviewers caught his act on the same bill with Judy Garland at the Palace Theatre in New York. With excellent feedback, he and Garland toured Europe and performed for royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II.
After that show, he had an audience with the queen, who asked, “How do you do, Mr. King?”
He replied: “How do you do, Mrs. Queen?” … Read full obituary
