Freddie Roman, a beloved Borscht Belt comedian and actor best known for his roasts at New York City’s Friars Club and later Comedy Central, passed away on Saturday at the age of 85, according to his family.
Roman suffered a heart attack at Boynton Beach, Florida, according to his daughter.
After being offered the chance to emcee at his uncle and grandfather’s Crystal Spring Hotel in the Catskills when he was 15 years old, the comedian had spent the most of his life in show business.
Roman, born Fred Kirschenbaum, was a staple in nightclubs in locations such as New York and Las Vegas with his old-fashioned jokes.
On Comedy Central’s Roasts, he made fun of celebrities such as Jerry Stiller, Hugh Hefner, Drew Carey, Rob Reiner, and Chevy Chase while serving as the dean or president of The Friar’s Club.
According to IMDB, he has appeared in a variety of films, including the award-winning documentary “Welcome to Kutsher’s: The Last Catskills Resort” (2012), “Bittersweet Place” (2005), “Christ in the City” (2005), “Finding North” (1998), and “Sweet Lorraine” (1987).
Recently, he co-starred in Amazon’s smash comedy series “Red Oaks,” portraying a grumpy New Jersey Jewish country club member. Additionally, he appeared as a guest on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “The Tonight Show.”
According to Deadline, Roman is survived by his wife, Ethel, and daughter, Judi Levin.
»Freddie Roman, a Borscht Belt comedian known for his roasts, dies at the age of 85«