David Brenner Left Behind Girlfriend Tai Babilonia and Three Sons: 'Tonight Show' Favorite Dies of Cancer at 78

david brenner

David Brenner, who delivered his observational style of stand-up comedy on TV and holds the record of the most "Tonight Show" guest apperances, died Saturday. He was 78.

Brenner, who had been fighting cancer, died peacefully at his home in New York City with his family at his side, according to Jeff Abraham, his friend and publicist.

"David Brenner was a huge star when I met him and he took me under his wing. To me, historically, he was the godfather of hip, observational comedy," comedian Richard Lewis said in a statement. "He mentored me from day one. ... His passing leaves a hole in my life that can never be replaced."

David Brenner was born on Feb. 4, 1936, in Philadelphia. He graduated from Temple University with a communications degree. Brenner shot to fame in 1971 after becoming a late-night TV favorite.

His father, Louis, was a vaudeville singer, dancer and comedian who performed as "Lou Murphy," and Brenner always said he was the funniest man he ever met.

He gained fame by telling anecdotes about daily life, or as he said, "the dumb things that we say and do." Over the years, as he continued to perform stand-up and began appearing on television shows on Fox News, his comedy focused more on current events.

His family said in a statement on Saturday, "In David's final request he asked that one hundred dollars in small bills be placed in his left sock 'just in case tipping is recommended where I'm going.' "

Brenner was married to actress Elizabeth Slater in the closing minutes of his Live from The Venetian Hotel show in Las Vegas, Nevada HBO Special. But after a year they split. The couple have two sons Slade and Wyatt while he also had another son Cole with an ex-girlfriend.

He was engaged to Tai Babilonia, a former pairs figure skater since 2011. Babilonia, 54, is the 1979 World champion and a five-time (1976-1980) U.S. national champion. With her skating partner Randy Gardner, the pair qualified for the 1976 and 1980 Winter Olympics.

Watch Brenner's debut on Tonight show below:

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.