Shelley Berman, Stand-Up Comic and Larry David’s Dad on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ Dies at 92

Actor and comedian passed due to “complications from Alzheimer’s,” performer’s official Facebook fan page reports

Shelley Berman
Shelley Berman

Stand-up comedian and actor Shelley Berman died this morning due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 92.

Berman played Larry David’s dad on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” for which he received an Emmy nomination in 2008. Berman’s most recent acting credit was a guest spot on CBS’ “Hawaii Five-O,” per IMDb.

He appeared as himself in 2005’s “The Aristocrats,” and played scripted roles in comedies like “Meet the Fockers” and “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan.

Here’s a post announcing the news on Berman’s official Facebook fan page:
Shelley passed away this morning at 1:24 a.m., at his home in Bell Canyon, CA, due to complications from Alzheimer’s. He was 92 years old. He slipped away peacefully, in his sleep, with no pain, as far as his hospice care workers could tell.

Right now, I’m a bit of a wreck, having spent much of the last couple of hours crying, pacing, being unable to concentrate, and, frankly, being conflicted as to how I should feel about all of this. I will have more to say in this group in the days ahead, but Sarah (who I just spoke to) wanted me to let all of Shelley’s Facebook fans know about Shelley’s passing. Sarah loves the fact that Shelley has so many devoted followers on social media.

There will be a private service for family and close friends, followed by a public memorial. I will provide details as they are finalized.

I’m going to leave it here for now, and I want all of you to please enjoy one of my favorite photos of Shelley, taken in Palm Beach, Florida, in the early ’60s — a star in his dressing room before showtime!

I love you, Shelley.

Berman was born in Chicago in 1925. He married his wife Sarah in 1947. Together, the couple adopted two children — son Joshua and daughter Rachel — in the mid-1960s.

Joshua died in 1977 at 12-years-old after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Berman taught humor writing in the Master of Professional Writing program at USC.

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