Jack Carter, the pioneering comedian whose brash and caustic humor made him television star in his early years and helped him to continue his career for more than 50 years in TV, nightclubs, movies and on-stage, passed away on Sunday at his Beverly Hills residence in California. The 93-year-old died from respiratory failure, according to the Associated Press.
Carter became famous after making his first appearance on "Texaco Star Theater," Milton Berle's variety show. Later, he hosted "The Jackie Gleason Show," the precursor to "Cavalcade of Stars," for about a year before getting his own show: :The Jack Carter Show."
He was frequently seen on the game show "The Hollywood Squares" and "The Ed Sullivan Show" at a later point in his career. In recent times, he was a guest actor on popular TV shows such as "New Girl," "Shameless," "Parks and Recreation" and "Rules of Engagement."
Apart from television, Carter also had a noteworthy career in theater, making his Broadway debut in 1946 as a replacement in the musical show "Call Me Mister." Ten years later, Carter starred in a lead role opposite Sammy Davis Jr. in Mr. Wonderful," and thereafter hosted the 10th annual Tony Awards, on the show's first televised ceremony. The comic's other stage credits include "Guys and Dolls," "Top Banana," "The Odd Couple," "Oliver!," "Little Me," and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," according to Entertainment Weekly.
Carter also appeared in several movies, including Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas," "The Horizontal Lieutenant," "The Extraordinary Seaman" and "The Funny Farm."
The actor is survived by his wife, Roxanne, whom he tied the knot with in 1971; two sons, Michael and Chase Carter; daughter Wendy Carter; and two grandchildren Jake and Ava, according to Variety.
