Rodney Dangerfield, 82; Comedic Legend

Rodney Dangerfield, the comedian who coined the phrase “I get no respect” passed away on Tuesday (10/4) from complications and a stroke suffered following heart valve surgery. Mr. Dangerfield, best known for his self-deprecating humor and one-liners, began his TV career in the 1960s with appearances on the “Ed Sullivan Show.”

In 1969, Rodney Dangerfield founded his own New York comedy nightclub and along with his HBO “Young Comedians” specials in the 1980s, helped launch the careers of many of today’s most successful comedians including Tim Allen, Louie Anderson, Rosanne Barr, Jim Carey, Jeff Foxworthy, Rita Rudner, Jerry Seinfeld and Robert Townsend to name just a few.

Throughout the 1980s and '90s, Rodney Dangerfield made close to 100 appearances on “The Tonight Show” (both with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno as the hosts). He also parlayed his talents into a successful movie career during this time period, appearing in “Caddyshack,” “Easy Money” and “Back To School.”

Mr. Dangerfield is survived by Joan, his wife of the past eleven years, his two children from a previous marriage, and two grandchildren. He was 82 years of age.