Dennis Wolfberg (March 29, 1946 – October 3, 1994) was an American stand-up comedian and actor.

Early life

Born on March 29, 1946, on Long Island to Frances and Sidney Wolfberg, Dennis attended Queens College, where he received a master's degree in

clinical psychology Clinical psychology is an integration of human science, behavioral science, theory, and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well ...

. He was a school teacher before launching a full-time comedy career in 1979.

Family

Wolfberg married fellow comedian Jeannie McBride on September 8, 1985; the couple had three sons: Daniel and twins Matthew and David.

Comedy career

Wolfberg began his comedy career in New York City at the Comic Strip. Although he always wanted to be a comedian, he auditioned as a singer, playing his Martin guitar. Fortuitously, his audition piece was the Comic Strip's owner's favorite song: " American Pie." Wolfberg appeared twice on ''

The Tonight Show ''The Tonight Show'' is an American late-night talk show that has been broadcast on NBC since 1954. The program has been hosted by six comedians: Steve Allen (1954–1957), Jack Paar (1957–1962), Johnny Carson (1962–1992), Jay Leno (1992–2 ...

''. In addition, he was a frequent guest on '' The Merv Griffin Show'', ''

The Pat Sajak Show ''The Pat Sajak Show'' is an American late-night television talk show that aired on CBS from January 9, 1989, to April 13, 1990. Cast The show was hosted by Pat Sajak, best known as host of the game show '' Wheel of Fortune''. To do the talk ...

'', and '' The Arsenio Hall Show''. He starred in his own half-hour comedy special on

HBO Home Box Office (HBO) is an American pay television service, which is the flagship property of namesake parent-subsidiary Home Box Office, Inc., itself a unit owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The overall Home Box Office business unit is based a ...

in 1990. He also had a recurring role as Gooshie on NBC's '' Quantum Leap'', and in April 1993, ''

Entertainment Tonight ''Entertainment Tonight'' (or simply ''ET'') is an American Broadcast syndication, first-run syndicated news broadcasting news magazine, newsmagazine program that is distributed by CBS Media Ventures throughout the United States and owned by Par ...

'' aired "A Day in the Life of Dennis Wolfberg," focusing on his relentless touring schedule. He headlined at comedy clubs across the country as well as working in Las Vegas and Atlantic City on a regular basis. He was twice named America's top male comic in votes by clubgoers and owners nationwide. In 1991, he won an American Comedy Award as best male stand-up.

Death

Wolfberg died of

melanoma Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer; it develops from the melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes. It typically occurs in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye (uveal melanoma). In very rare case ...

on October 3, 1994, aged 48. He had been diagnosed with cancer at least two years before his death, and he continued to work through the end of August 1994. At the time of his death, he was negotiating a deal for his own TV show.

Filmography and TV appearances

* 1982 - ''The Clairvoyant '' * 1986 - ''Late Night with David Letterman'' - guest * 1984, 1987 - ''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' - guest, 2 episodes * 1989–1993 - '' Quantum Leap'' - 5 episodes * 1990 - ''Teacher Teacher'' (TV short), Plot Outline: Wolfberg relived some of his finest moments as a teacher and proves that in a tough classroom, a good sense of humor is the most essential weapon. * 1991 - ''

To Tell the Truth ''To Tell the Truth'' is an American television panel show. Four celebrity panelists are presented with three contestants (the "team of challengers", each an individual or pair) and must identify which is the "central character" whose unusual ...

'' - panelist - 5 consecutive episodes * 2002 - ''Best of the Improv'' Volume 4 * 2007 - ''Comedy Club Greats''

References

External links

* *
Gooshie's Legacy: A Tribute to Dennis Wolfberg of Quantum Leap
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wolfberg, Dennis 1946 births 1994 deaths Male actors from New York (state) American male comedians People from Long Island Deaths from melanoma in California Queens College, City University of New York alumni 20th-century American male actors Comedians from New York (state) 20th-century American comedians Burials at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery Jewish American comedians Jewish male comedians 20th-century American Jews