Sammy Shore

Sammy Shore (7 February 1927 – 18 May 2019) was an American actor, stand-up comedian and co-founder of the Comedy Store. He started his career doing stand-up comedy with Shecky Greene in the Catskill Mountains. He was chosen, in 1969, to open for Elvis Presley’s comeback performance at the International Hotel. He then opened for Elvis’ road shows until 1972. Shore continued to do comedy, opening for such acts as Tony Orlando, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr. and many others.

On April 7, 1972 he founded the Comedy Store with his writing partner Rudy De Luca. In 1974 his ex-wife, Mitzi, became the owner of the club. The club launched the careers of many comedians including Rodney Dangerfield, David Letterman, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey and others including his own son, Pauly.

Shore appeared in many films including The Bellboy with Jerry Lewis and both Life Stinks and History of the World Part 1 from Mel Brooks. He appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and was on Sanford and Son.

Shore was voted Best Comedy Act in Atlantic City, and the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors named a day after him on July 24, 1990. He is known to be the only comedian who worked at Harrah's Casinos and Hotels more than any other entertainer.

Shore died in Las Vegas, Nevada of natural causes at the age of 92.

Shore was married to Suzanne for 29 years, and was the father of four, including actor and comedian Pauly Shore.