Freddie Prinze

Freddie Prinze (June 22, 1954–January 29, 1977) was a American stand-up comedian and actor of Jewish and Puerto Rican descent. In his short career he was mostly widely known as the star of Chico and the Man.

Career

He worked at several comedy clubs in New York City, including Catch A Rising Star and The Improv. For his budding career as a comedian, he changed his name to Prinze. He chose that because, according to his friend David Brenner, he wanted to be known as the "King" of comedy, but Alan King already had that last name, so he would be the "Prince" of comedy instead.

Related Topics:
Comedy club - Catch A Rising Star - The Improv - Career - David Brenner

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In 1973, he made his first TV appearance on one of the last episodes of the Jack Paar Show. In December 1973, he had his biggest break, an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Freddie was the first young comedian to be asked to sit down and chat with Carson on his first appearance. He was to appear on, as well as guest host, The Tonight Show on numerous occasions after that.

Related Topics:
1973 - TV - Jack Paar - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

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From 1974 to 1977, he starred as Francisco "Chico" Rodriguez in the NBC TV series Chico and the Man with Jack Albertson. Both Prinze and the show were an instant hit.

Related Topics:
1974 - 1977 - NBC - Chico and the Man - Jack Albertson

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Freddie Prinze made several appearances on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, most notably at the roasts for Sammy Davis Jr. and Muhammad Ali. He made a few other TV appearances as well, including on the Tony Orlando and Dawn Show.

Related Topics:
Sammy Davis Jr. - Muhammad Ali

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In 1976, he starred in a made-for-TV movie, The Million Dollar Rip-Off. Also in 1975, he released a comedy album that was taped live at Mr. Kelly's in Chicago titled Loooking Goood—his catch phrase from Chico and the Man.

Related Topics:
1976 - Made-for-TV movie - Chicago

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Prinze had a little-known talent for singing, examples of which were heard in the background of the title song of the Tony Orlando and Dawn album "To Be With You", in his appearances on their variety show. and on rare occasions on his own sitcom.

Related Topics:
Tony Orlando and Dawn - Sitcom

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