Award-winning comedian, Jackie Mason, passes away at 93
Jackie Mason, an iconic entertainer who served as a rabbi before redirecting his focus to a career in comedy, passed away at the age of 93.
Mason died at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan Saturday, with his wife Jyll Rosenfeld and a few friends by his side, according to Mason's longtime friend and attorney Raoul Felder.
The New York native got his start in show-business in the 1950's and became popular for his social commentary, talk show appearances, and one-man shows on Broadway.
He went on to win a number of awards throughout a decades-long career in entertainment, including a Tony Award and an Emmy for voicing Krusty the Clown's father on The Simpsons.
BBC News reports that Mason comes from a long line of rabbis.
The news outlet says his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather were all ordained rabbis. After college Mason followed suit and began leading congregations in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
He told the Chicago Tribune that a lot of non-Jewish people "would come to the congregation just to hear the sermons" because he told so many jokes.
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It was after his father's death in the 1950's that Mason embarked on a career in entertainment and gained fame for his often politically incorrect style of comedy.
A number of well-known comedians are mourning his death and expressing their feelings regarding the loss on social media.
One of the best. RIP Jackie Mason pic.twitter.com/l7AGvrrkeq
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) July 25, 2021
.@TheSimpsons I feel like Krusty. We will very much miss Jackie Mason. pic.twitter.com/y2RC4pl9MD
— Al Jean (@AlJean) July 25, 2021
Love and prayers for our friend Jackie. Irreverent, iconoclastic, Funny, smart, and a great American Patriot. He will be missed by so many. God Speed Jackie. Love and prayers to him and his wonderful family. https://t.co/dmRjr4HgzA
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) July 25, 2021
Mason is survived by his wife Jyll, and his daughter, Sheba.