Alan King Dead at 76

Comedian Alan King, whose transformed sharp observations on suburbia, marriage and modern life into biting jokes, died Sunday of lung cancer. He was 76.

King was a frequent guest on The Ed Sullivan Show, and he played supporting roles in more than 20 films including Bye Bye Braverman, I, the Jury, The Anderson Tapes, Lovesick, Bonfire of the Vanities," Casino and Rush Hour 2.

He also produced several films, including Memories of Me, Wolfen and Cattle Annie and Little Britches, and the 1997 television series The College of Comedy With Alan King.

Born Irwin Alan Kniberg, he grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. As a young comic, King delivered tired one-liners in strip joints and night clubs, but found new material at home, after his wife persuaded him to leave his native Manhattan for the suburbs.

His observations on suburban life became hugely popular, and he appeared regularly on the Sullivan show, Garry Moore's variety show and The Tonight Show.