Budd Friedman born Gerson Merton Friedman was an American actor, comedian and founder of the Improvisation Comedy Club which was opened in 1963 in Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood in Manhattan. He was described by The Washington Post as the godfather of comedy and pioneer of modern comedy club where stand-ups performed one after the other without playing second fiddle to dancers or musicians. He played a very important role in launching careers of Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Lewis, Robert Klein, Jay ... moreBudd Friedman born Gerson Merton Friedman was an American actor, comedian and founder of the Improvisation Comedy Club which was opened in 1963 in Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood in Manhattan. He was described by The Washington Post as the godfather of comedy and pioneer of modern comedy club where stand-ups performed one after the other without playing second fiddle to dancers or musicians. He played a very important role in launching careers of Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Lewis, Robert Klein, Jay Leno, Andy Kaufman, Freddie Prinze, Steve Landesberg, Jimmie Walker and Bette Midler.
Friedman was born in Norwich, Connecticut. After graduating high school, Friedman joined the United States Army and fought in the Korean war. He was injured by an ernemy grenade and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Initially Friedman intended to open up a theater but due to lack of funds he ended up opening Improvisation which became a huge success, he sold off the company in 2018. On top of that he was also an actor and producer. In 1980 he was awarded with the Native Son Award and the Golden Goody Award in 2013.
