David Brenner Dies: 'Tonight Show' Guest And Veteran Comic Dead At 78

David Brenner , a stand-up comedian and frequent guest on “The Tonight Show” when Johnny Carson was the host, died of cancer at is house in New York City. He was 78. He was surrounded by his family, according to publicist Jeff Abraham.

He began his career writing, producing and directing documentaries but then he realized that he wasn’t going to change the world by doing documentaries. He decided to try comedy for a year. Before that year was over his agent brought a booker for “The Tonight Show” to see Brennan perform. He then auditioned and booked a gig. He appeared on “The Tonight Show” more than 150 times as a guest and substitute host. He had four HBO specials and in 1987 he even got married on one of those.

Richard Lewis, also a comedian tweeted "Brenner was a star. The king of 'hip, observational comedy’. He was family. This leaves an irreplaceable hole."

“In David's final request he asked that one hundred dollars in small bills be placed in his left sock “just in case tipping is recommended where I'm going. His final resting spot will read, 'If this is supposed to be a joke – then I don't get it!'" according to a statement issued by Abraham.

He leaves behind his wife Ruth, his three sons, Cole, Wyatt and Slade and his grandson Wesley. Watch a video of his debut on "The Tonight Show."