The world of comedy mourns the loss of a true icon as Shecky Greene, the legendary figure in the Las Vegas stand-up scene, bid farewell at the age of 97. His passing occurred peacefully at his Las Vegas home on December 31, 2023, leaving behind a legacy etched in laughter and memories.

Shecky Greene’s illustrious career spanned the golden age of entertainment, with numerous appearances and guest-hosting stints on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

His comedic talent wasn’t confined to the stage, as he graced both the big and small screens with notable contributions to movies such as “History of the World, Part I” and television programs like “Combat!” and “Laverne & Shirley.”

The news of Shecky Greene’s passing was shared by his wife of 41 years, Marie Musso Greene, with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. His manager, Howard Rapp, confirmed the somber news to PEOPLE, offering insights into the life and career of the beloved comedian.

According to Marie Musso Greene, her husband’s departure was attributed to natural causes, marking a peaceful Sunday morning at their Las Vegas residence. She reflected on Shecky’s ability to find humor in every situation, noting, “He always made humor out of whatever he could.” This characteristic, a hallmark of his comedic brilliance, remained with him until the end, leaving a legacy of laughter and joy.

Howard Rapp, in a statement to PEOPLE, paid tribute to Shecky Greene’s enduring talent. Rapp recalled Greene’s impressive career, which included leading off for seven years and returning for a triumphant comeback at Kutchers Hotel. Rapp shared a recent conversation with Greene, describing it as a “fun talk” that concluded with a song, showcasing the comedian’s love for entertaining until the very end.