No Celebration of Life Ceremony for Greene
Musso Greene, the renowned comedian known for his stand-up performances and appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” has passed away. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no celebration of life ceremony. Musso’s wife, Musso Greene, shared that their 41 years of marriage were filled with joy and laughter. In her words, “He always made humor out of whatever he could. He made you laugh and feel good. It was a happy time.”
A Career Born in Las Vegas
Born as Fred Sheldon Greenfield in Chicago in 1926, Musso Greene’s career took off in Las Vegas when he performed alongside singer Dorothy Shay at the new Frontier Casino. It was during this time that Greene encountered a young Elvis Presley at the same hotel, although he admitted to not knowing who the budding star was at the time. This encounter led to a memorable switch in billing, with Greene headlining the show.
A “Love/Hate” Relationship with Frank Sinatra
As Greene’s name became synonymous with comedy, he also became part of the extended Rat Pack circle. He frequently opened for Frank Sinatra, with whom he had a complicated relationship. Greene once stated, “He loved me and we hated each other. I didn’t love him. I far from loved him. But I (expletive) respected him for what he was.” Sinatra even saved Greene’s life during a fight, proving their complex bond.
Battles with Mental Health and Alcoholism
Behind the laughter, Musso Greene struggled with mental health issues and stage fright. He revealed his struggles with manic depression, panic attacks, and a desire to leave show business in various interviews. Additionally, Greene battled alcoholism, which resulted in a notorious incident in 1968 when he crashed his car into the fountains outside Caesars Palace. Despite these challenges, Greene continued to perform and bring joy to audiences.
A Multifaceted Career
Aside from his stand-up comedy career, Musso Greene also made appearances in movies such as “Splash” and “Tony Rome,” as well as TV series like “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” and “The A-Team.” After decades of entertaining audiences in Las Vegas, Greene delivered his final performances in 2011, leaving an indelible mark on the comedy world.
A Fond Farewell
Musso Greene is survived by his wife, Musso Greene, and his children. His legacy as a comedy legend and his ability to bring laughter to countless individuals will be cherished and remembered.