Comedian and character actor
Jackie Gayle, comedian and character actor, died Nov. 23 at the Miami Beach Mount Sinai Memorial Hospital after heart surgery. He was 76.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he first worked in showbiz as a drummer for Sally Marr, mother of Lenny Bruce, who later became a close friend. The controversial comic persuaded Gaylestandup a try.
In 1964, Gayle got his first break when he opened the Los Angeles Playboy Club with Tony Bennett and performed in Playboy clubs across the country. As his success grew, he headlined at Caesar’s Palace and other Las Vegas hotels, and became the opener for such stars as Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Tina Turner. Known as a comedian’s comedian, his popular latenight shows drew the likes of Johnny Carson, Jack Benny and Bob Hope.
Gayle later expanded his performing repertoire by appearing in films including “The Tempest,” “Broadway Danny Rose” and “Tin Men.” His TV credentials include regular spots on Dean Martin’s celebrity roasts, “Murder, She Wrote,” “Hollywood Palace” and “Brooklyn Bridge.”
Gayle is survived by his wife, Tracy, and a son and daughter-in-law, who is expecting.
A memorial honoring will be held at a future date. Instead of flowers, the family wishes for contributions to the American Heart Assn.
ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXF%2BjqyanqaVZL2mu8%2BlnGamlazAcLbAnKKinV2crrq4xGZoamlnbYR3g5NqZg%3D%3D