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Calvert DeForest Obituary
The Brooklyn-born DeForest, who was 85, died Monday at a hospital on Long Island, Letterman's "Late Show" announced Wednesday.
He made dozens of appearances on Letterman's shows from 1982 through 2002, handling a variety of twisted duties: dueting with Sonny Bono on "I Got You, Babe," doing a Mary Tyler Moore impression during a visit to Minneapolis, handing out hot towels to arrivals at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
"Everyone always wondered if Calvert was an actor playing a character, but in reality he was just himself - a genuine, modest and nice man," Letterman said in a statement. "To our staff and to our viewers, he was a beloved and valued part of our show, and we will miss him."
The gnomish DeForest was the first face to greet viewers when Letterman's NBC show debuted on Feb. 1, 1982, offering a parody of the prologue to the Boris Karloff film "Frankenstein."
"It was the greatest thing that had happened in my life," he once said of his first Letterman appearance.
DeForest, given the nom de tube of Melman, became a program regular. The collaboration continued when the talk show host launched "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS in 1993, though DeForest had to use his real name because of a dispute with NBC over "intellectual property."
Cue cards were often DeForest's television kryptonite, and his character inevitably appeared in an ill-fitting black suit behind thick black-rimmed glasses.
DeForest often drew laughs by his bizarre juxtaposition as a "Late Show" correspondent at events such as the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway or the anniversary Woodstock concert that year.
His last appearance on "Late Show," celebrating his 81st birthday, came in 2002.
DeForest also appeared in an assortment of other television shows and films, including "Nothing Lasts Forever" with Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd.
At his request, there will be no funeral service for DeForest, who left no survivors.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Calvert DeForest
75 Entries
Steve Russey
October 21, 2020
Recently "re-lived" the memories watching a compilation of "Kenny The Gardner" skits... I had forgotten how enjoyable and absolutely hilarious they are... "WHAT?" (BOYOYOYOYOing [spring coil sound])... By the end I was in tears I was laughing so hard... Thanks for bringing me so many "Plants & Good Cheer!" RIP, Mr. DeForest... You are VERY missed! Steve Russey
rick phillips
November 13, 2018
Thanks for all the great good natured memories...Wherever you are eating Toast on a Stick and Little Debbie snack cakes, I know your wearing you ill-fitted suit and black glasses,...not because you need them, but because they make you "Look good,......Damn good"...rest peacefully
Harry Simpson
March 19, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rod Kluin
March 19, 2014
'TOAST ON A STICK!' GOD SPEED LARRY BUD MELMAN
April 3, 2010
For Calvert...the white-haired, bespectacled nebbish who gained cult status as the oddball Larry "Bud" Melman on David Letterman's late night television shows.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Vasili
April 4, 2007
Dear Fans of Calvert DeForest,
I am sorry for your loss of a legend. God bless his soul. He does not have anybody. God bless him and his fans and friends. Best wishes
Bill P
March 27, 2007
Warm, sweet, talented, and very funny. Calvert added a lot to the Letterman shows. I always enjoyed "Ask Mr Melman"...
Calvert, you had a great run. Thanks for everything you shared.
Monica Smith
March 26, 2007
I laughed many good nights at your wonderful contributions to Dave's show. May you rest in peace. You brought joy to us all.
Phillip Gore
March 26, 2007
Larry "Bud" you were one of the highlights I watched Lettermen for. You will be sorely missed.
Francesca Cangialosi
March 26, 2007
You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Brian Clark
March 26, 2007
You made me laugh for years. We will miss you.
Kraig
March 26, 2007
Thanks Larry "BUD" you were one of a kind!
Dale Osborne
March 26, 2007
Absolutely one of the funniest guys ever. He was incredible. His Larry Bud character is one of the most memorable of all time.
TJB Jr
March 26, 2007
We will all raise a Toast on a Stick in your honor.
MB
March 26, 2007
Thanks for the many laughs over the years. You were a true original!
cheryl jessup
March 26, 2007
what a great guy, he will be missed.
Bob Gross
March 25, 2007
I always looked forward to Bud Melman's appearances on Letterman.
Mike Williams
March 25, 2007
You were The Best, Sir... my life was better because of your work.
March 25, 2007
You will be missed
Thomas Green
March 25, 2007
Calvert (Larry Bud): You had such a humble innocence, your humor was the best kind, I enjoyed it so much, I always looked forward to seeing you on D.L. Show, you'll be missed.
Kind Regards and Love!
Tony and Cindy Shuck
March 24, 2007
I know that you are making the Angels laugh Bud!! Thanks for all the laughs you gave to us. RIP
Micheal l. Nesbitt
March 24, 2007
To Mr. Calvert DeForest:
You were the best.GOD bless,rest
in peace.
Micheal L. Nesbitt
Monte Andrews
March 24, 2007
Calvert's "Larry Bud" will be forever etched in my mind. Those late nights in college and beyond were made all the better with his appearances. Thank you Calvert, for the laughs; and thank you Dave, for seeing true comic foil.
March 24, 2007
To a great man with a larger family than he ever could imagine. You were loved by many.
God Bless
Myra and Jim
March 24, 2007
Thanks so all the laughs.You were a wonderful man enjoyed all the funny skits and pranks you and David did. You brought lots of good memories. Rest in peace my friend.God bless you!
J William Swilp
March 24, 2007
Calvert DeForest was a true friend and will be missed by many. Rest now my friend....
Eraina Woodworth
March 24, 2007
Every time I saw L"B"M on DL I could not help but smile/laugh. Thank you for many joyous memories.
Donna Emery
March 23, 2007
Your obituary says you left no surviours.
I disagree,
You left all of us with wonderful memories and laughs. You were apart of my newly found 'adulthood'. I wish my kids could have seen you. You were a funny guy!
March 23, 2007
I got bumped to first-class once and they gave me a "hot towel", it made me think of you and I laughed. You were so funny because you were genuine. You made me happy, thanks. Rest in peace......
Karen
March 23, 2007
Mr DeForest..Thank you for all the laughs watching you on Letterman from day one. You made my nights brighter. Rest in peace.
Lansing Small
March 23, 2007
Larry you were all the things these many fans here have said and more...I was sad to hear you passed but happy you got so famous on TV...You made us all laugh...That's a good thing to say about a special man...bye...HAHAHA
Gail Siegel
March 23, 2007
Thanks for all the laughs thru the years.
Rest In Peace, Calvert DeForest.
Charles Balint
March 23, 2007
May God bless you Calvert, Bud
your mission on this planet ended with big bang we miss you Peace be with you our Friend.
Charles Balint
Ken Perdue
March 23, 2007
I enjoyed watching Mr. DeForest on "The Late Show" for years. He showed how just being an average person can make you laugh out loud til you cried without belittling himself with off-colored actions or words. God Bless You Calvert and thank you David Letterman For letting us enjoy his wit.
Suzanne T.
March 23, 2007
Nothing great lasts forever- thats why we can stand back and say life was a little sweeter because that funny little man made me laugh.My boys were him for Halloween when they were little.
anita dellacroce
March 23, 2007
Larry, Bud, Calvert, the energy and humor you shared was remarkable... honest and sincere is a legacy by which too few of us will ever be know. Thanks for the laughs and memories. May God Bless...
Mary Lanosa
March 22, 2007
Mr. DeForest,
They said you had no family, but really you did, all of us who watched you everynight on Letterman and Mr. Letterman and his staff were all your family. I wish you a gentle trip into the hands of God, I know he has a sense of humor. Make em laugh Calvert.
Ronald
March 22, 2007
You were really funny on a funny show and you will be missed.
Anonymous
March 22, 2007
Thank you for giving us the greatest gift of all -- THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER-- in times like these!
God will bless you, sir, and He will be laughing more as will all of the Heavenly host.
Again, thank you.
Fran
March 22, 2007
I remember you when I worked at NBC. Caught the live show many times there. Loved you then and still do. RIP "Bud"
Lynne
March 22, 2007
Gosh, it was always extra funny when Larry Bud Melman was on Letterman. I watched him during my college days....fun times and lots of memories. You will be missed!
JD Erickson
March 22, 2007
I grew up with Larry while in college and he always cracked me up. Reminds you of an old squirly family member. RIP Larry Bud.
March 22, 2007
Larry Bud, you will be missed by all of your friends in West Reading, PA who looked forward to seeing you on Dave's show after a grueling second shift at work! You helped us put things into perspective with your genuine funny self!! HAHAHA.... Much love from, Joann, Karen, and Angie
joseph a. destra sr.
March 22, 2007
you were the everyday persons hero!
thank you.
March 22, 2007
Your passing is a true loss for humanity. May you have a beautiful eternity.
Tommy C.
March 22, 2007
I love that guy!! What a character!! Thank you for the laughs and the memories and may you rest in Peace brother!!
Rev. Joseph P Hildebrandt Sr.
March 22, 2007
Thanks for the laughs!! You were a riot. May God bless your family.
Scott Richardson
March 22, 2007
Thank you so much for all of the years of laughter that you gave all of us.
David Thornton
March 22, 2007
You always made me laugh and you made watching David Letterman that much better. You will certainly be missed.
Alex Horvath
March 22, 2007
Calvin DeForest as Larry Bud Melman was so damned side-splittingly funny. I am grateful for his appearances on Letterman and for making me stay up late!
John Schramm
March 22, 2007
Dear Larry,
I'll never forget the immortal words you uttered; "How much is a FREE SAMPLE?" and "Please. please, enjoy some toast on a stick!"
I still use those lines
km
March 22, 2007
I guess I will go home and "have a hot towel " in his honor.
Ryan T.
March 22, 2007
Mr. DeForest has been a TV fixture my whole life - he will be very missed. I'll think of him every time I get "pelted with rocks and garbage!"
Tommy Housworth
March 22, 2007
I've never seen Dave laugh harder than when watching Larry/Calvert do an interview where he couldn't keep the microphone straight. For that moment, and so many more thank you, and God Bless.
May you be as happy now as you made others happy during your time here on earth.
Jerry Chester
March 22, 2007
Loved you on the Letterman show, I miss your bits. Rest in Peace.
M.W. Holland
March 22, 2007
Mr. DeForest was an original. He could get laughs without resulting to vulgarities ... a true rarity these days.
May God bless him.
TONYA
March 22, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tom Ward
March 22, 2007
What a talented and funny man you were Calvert. Rest in God's peace.
Michael Iezzi
March 22, 2007
Bud,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand. Thank you for the many laughs.
Kathy Montero
March 22, 2007
What a great addition "Bud" was to the already hillarious Letterman Show.
GOD BLESS the family & friends that loved you.
Maria
March 22, 2007
You were such a cute, funny man! Rest in peace.
P. Carey
March 22, 2007
Thanks for the laughs over the years. Rest in Peace and God Bless.
alma renner
March 22, 2007
may God be with you
angela mason
March 22, 2007
May God comfort you during this time of sorrow.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
March 21, 2007
REAST IN PEACE, CALVERT
Susan Roscillo
March 21, 2007
Thanks for the Many laughs you'll be truly missed.
Susan Roscillo(Largo, Fl.)
March 21, 2007
What a wonderful guy, you'll have them laughing in heaven now.
John D.
March 21, 2007
Calvert, Larry you will be missed. Numerous times on TV etc. Calvert made us laugh. However my best memory of Calvert is October of 1984 when he visited Columbia, Missouri. After the show he had just completed at MU, he was leaving the building and entertaining hundreds of folks on his way to his car. He talked to us about his times at the Late Show With David Letterman and of many other things. Before he left he gave us his famous laugh "HAHAHA". So heaven today has a bit more laughter.
Rob Witham
March 21, 2007
My condolences to the friends and colleagues of Mr. DeForest.
I will always remember watching with great anticipation the first Letterman show on CBS in 1993. Sure enough, the CBS eye shows up, out comes the middle, and there's Mr. DeForest.
"This is CBS."
Absolutely perfect.
He was grand marshall at our Christmas Parade several years ago; and I'm thankful he was able to share his talents, his incredible way to make America laugh, with people like me.
From a Letterman fan going back to his daytime show on NBC in 1980, thank you Mr. DeForest, and rest in peace. :)
Cass
March 21, 2007
You brought smiles and laughter to millions. Thank you for sharing your unique, quirky humor.
Richard Brown
March 21, 2007
Calvert DeForest,
I am saddened at your passing as you were one of my favorite television personalities of all-time.
Forget "inellectual property." YOU are and ALWAYS will be Larry "Bud" Melman. Thanks for getting me through the late nights in college.
God Bless you and Rest In Peace.
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