[Deathwatch] Jackie Gayle, comedian, 76

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

Comedian Jackie Gayle Dead at Age 76

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian and character actor Jackie Gayle, who
opened for Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner, Tom Jones and Tony Bennett and
who appeared in such films as "Tin Men" and Woody Allen's "Broadway
Danny Rose" has died at age 76, his publicist said on Monday.

Publicist Warren Cowan said Gayle died Saturday at Mount Sinai Memorial
Hospital in Miami Beach of complications following open heart surgery.

A Brooklyn native, Gayle was introduced to show business as a drummer
for Sally Marr, mother of comedian Lenny Bruce, and became a close
friend of Bruce's. It was Bruce who convinced him to try stand-up
comedy and in 1964, Gayle helped opened the Los Angeles Playboy Club
with Tony Bennett.

In Las Vegas, he headlined at Caesar's Palace, the Tropicana, Sahara,
Aladdin and Sands hotels, and became the opening act for such stars as
Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Tina Turner.

Considered a "comedian's comedian," his late-night lounge shows were a
magnet for stars such as Johnny Carson, Jack Benny and Bob Hope, Cowan
said.

He appeared in several films, including "The Tempest," "Broadway Danny
Rose" and "Tin Men." On television, he starred in his own show on the
HBO cable network, "On Location With Jackie Gayle." He was also a
regular on Dean Martin's celebrity roasts.

Gayle is survived by his wife Tracy and son Justin.