Comedy legend Sid Caesar, one of television’s first comedic stars in the 1950s, died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home after a battle with an undisclosed illness. He was 91.
Caesar became recognized as a comedy genius through improv and variety hour programs like “Your Show of Shows” and “Caesar’s Hour.” He won two Emmys and paved the way for future sketch comedy and long-form skit shows on television. Ceaser starred on Broadway and continued to pop up in movies (“Grease”) and TV shows (“Mad About You”) well into the 1990s.
Hit play on the above video for an example of Caesar’s renowned inventiveness and comedic wit as he and Nanette Fabray argue through a manic pantomime to the tune of Beethoven’s 5th symphony.
Reuters has Caesar’s full obituary.
