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David Brenner dies

LOS ANGELES

David Brenner, the gangly, toothy-grinned “Tonight Show” favorite whose brand of observational comedy became a staple for other stand-up comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Reiser, died Saturday. He was 78.

Brenner, who had been fighting cancer, died peacefully at his home in New York City with his family at his side, according to Jeff Abraham, his friend and publicist.

Brenner’s stand-up routines became a favorite of “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson starting in the 1970s.

His 150-plus “Tonight Show” appearances 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 worked steadily through 2013 doing stand-up.

Associated Press