R.I.P. Budd Friedman (1932-2022)
by Budd Friedman didn’t intend to set the standard for stand-up comedy clubs across America (and the world). You might say it only happened thanks to …
Tag: Budd Friedman
Exclusive book excerpt from Budd Friedman’s “The Improv: An Oral History of The Comedy Club That Revolutionized Stand-Up”
Budd Friedman, with help from Tripp Whitesell and interviews from dozens of the famous comedians, musicians and actors who worked for Budd over the past …
Episode #155: Mark Lonow
Mark Lonow is an actor, producer and talent manager, but he’s perhaps best known for something else he did offstage — going into business with …
The Improv: 50 Years Behind The Brick Wall
When Budd Friedman’s Improv comedy club turned 40, he celebrated with a primetime anniversary special on NBC (that aired against the final sing-off of the …
Before They Were Famous: 19 Stand-Up Comedians Who Performed on A&E’s An Evening at the Improv
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Improvisation comedy club’s opening in New York City (since closed in NYC, though The Improv chain has …
Budd Friedman reminisces about The Improv on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
You don’t often see a comedy club owner on as a guest for a late-night TV talk show. But Budd Friedman has owned one or …