Budd Friedman, Improv founder who built a comedy empire, dies at 90
He helped pioneer the modern comedy club, opening venues in New York and L.A. that fostered the careers of Jay Leno, Richard Pryor, Adam Sandler and others.
Today is Friday, June 5, 2026 Broadway Baby Birthdays: Michael K. Lee Brian McKnight Charmaine Lord Ellen Foley Ronald Dyson David Hare June Gable Colm Wilkinson Spalding Gray Tony Richardson Bill Hayes Helen Marcy Stan Jones Mickey Katz Edmon Ryan John Abbott Franklyn Farnum Augustus Harris Stanley Beck Scott Waara Roger Michell Richard Zobel Mark Harelik Daniel von Bargen Lu Leonard Jack Bittner Joseph Warren Joe Young