Freddie Roman was a comedian known for his work in the “Borscht Belt” of Catskills Mountains resorts, and for co-creating “Catskills on Broadway.”
- Died: November 26, 2022 (Who else died on November 26?)
- Details of death: Died at Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida of a heart attack at the age of 85.
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Comedy career
Roman discovered his talent for comedy early, as his family owned the Crustal Spring Hotel in the Catskills. He began emceeing their shows as a teen, which led to comedy appearances at other area hotels and resorts. Roman rose to become a headliner beloved on the Borscht Belt circuit as well as around the country, including at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. In 1991, he conceived the idea of “Catskills on Broadway,” which ran for 13 months at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and toured nationwide. Roman was the dean of the Friars Club for years – the comedians’ club changed its bylaws to allow him to serve for more than two terms. He roasted comedy greats including Chevy Chase and Jerry Stiller (1927–2020), and he was a mentor to rising comedians. Roman appeared in movies and TV shows including “Red Oaks” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
Notable quote
“There was no way I could make a living as a comedian. So I went into my dad’s shoe store and worked with him and then opened my own. I then realized the day after I opened my own store – I hated it. After six years I sold it. I started selling life insurance to give me some semblance of an income and then on the weekends worked in the Mountains. I got very lucky and within two years I gave up everything else and I just worked as a comedian.” —from a 2011 interview for Classic Television Showbiz
Tributes to Freddie Roman
Full obituary: Deadline
