Joey Bishop was a renowned American comedian, actor, and television personality who was popular in the mid-20th century. He was best known for his work in films and TV shows like “The Joey Bishop Show,” “The Rat Pack,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Here are 20 astonishing facts about Joey Bishop.
- Joey Bishop was born Joseph Abraham Gottlieb in The Bronx, New York, on February 3, 1918.
- Bishop was the youngest member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford.
- He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1940s and performed in various nightclubs in New York City.
- Bishop made his television debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1948.
- He appeared in several films in the 1950s and 1960s, including “The Naked and the Dead,” “Sergeants 3,” and “Johnny Cool.”
- In 1957, Bishop hosted his own television show called “The Joey Bishop Show,” which aired for four seasons.
- Bishop was the last surviving member of the Rat Pack, dying in 2007 at the age of 89.
- He was married to Sylvia Ruzga from 1941 until her death in 1999. They had one son together named Joey Bishop Jr.
- Bishop was known for his deadpan humor and witty one-liners.
- He appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” over 170 times.
- Bishop was a close friend of Frank Sinatra and served as the best man at Sinatra’s wedding to Mia Farrow in 1966.
- He was a frequent guest on talk shows, including “The Merv Griffin Show,” “The Mike Douglas Show,” and “The Dick Cavett Show.”
- Bishop was also a writer and wrote several books, including “Mouse in the Rat Pack” and “How to Talk to Women.”
- In the 1970s, Bishop hosted his own talk show, “The Joey Bishop Show,” which aired for two seasons.
- Bishop was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1998.
- He had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Bishop was a regular performer in Las Vegas, and he performed with the Rat Pack at the Sands Hotel in the early 1960s.
- He had a small role in the 1966 film “The Oscar” alongside fellow Rat Pack members Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
- Bishop appeared in the TV series “Fantasy Island” and “Charlie’s Angels” in the 1970s and 1980s.
- He passed away on October 17, 2007, due to multiple organ failure.
Joey Bishop was a remarkable entertainer who left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and television. His quick wit, humor, and charm made him one of the most beloved figures of his time. He will always be remembered as a true icon of the entertainment industry.