WEST HOLLYWOOD—Comedian Sammy Shore, 92, died from natural causes in his Las Vegas home surrounded by family on Saturday, May 18. The news was announced via Twitter by his son Pauly Shore, 51. Pauly paid tribute in a tweet of his father’s passing.

“Dad, you lived an amazing life and I’m so proud to say that you are my father. When you’re in heaven I’ll be killing the crowds night after night and carrying on your legacy,” said Pauly.

The comedian was co-founder of the world-famous Comedy Store located in West Hollywood, with screenwriter and actor Rudy de Luca in 1972. Many famous comedians in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s started their careers performing on the stage like Jim Carrey, Garry Shanding, Robin Williams and Jay Leno.

Shore regularly played at Harrah’s Casinos and Hotels. He begin his comedic career playing at summer resorts at the New York’s Catskills mountains, performing alongside comedian Shecky Greene, and opening for Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones and Tony Bennett. The elder Shore also appeared in many films including the 1960s “The Bellboy,” 1981 History of the World, and 1991 “Life Stinks.”

Shore’s and his first wife Mitzi divorced in 1974. She gained complete ownership of The Comedy Store as part of the divorce settlement. Mitzi died in 2018 from a neurological disorder.

Pauly and his father spent the past 20 years touring together as a father-son comedy team. The star leaves behind his wife Suzanne Dennie Shore,  three children and two grandchildren.

Written By Sanestina Hunter