Dennis Wolfberg
Dennis Wolfberg (March 29, 1946 – October 3, 1994) was an American stand-up comedian and actor. Early life. Born on March 29, 1946 on Long Island to Frances and Sidney Wolfberg, Wolfberg was a school teacher before launching a full-time comedy career in 1979. Wolfberg attended Queens College, where he received a master's degree in clinical psychology. Family. Wolfberg married fellow comedian Jeannie McBride on September 8, 1985; the couple had three sons, Daniel and twins Matthew and David. Comedy career. Wolfberg began his comedy career in New York City at the Comic Strip. Although he  always wanted to be a comedian, he auditioned as a singer, playing his Martin guitar. Fortuitously, his audition piece was the Comic Strip's owner's favorite song: "American Pie." Wolfberg appeared twice on "The Tonight Show". In addition, he was a frequent guest on "The Merv Griffin Show", "The Pat Sajak Show", and "The Arsenio Hall Show". He starred in his own half-hour comedy special on HBO in 1990. He also had a recurring role as Gooshie on NBC's "Quantum Leap", and in April 1993 Entertainment Tonight aired "A Day in the Life of Dennis Wolfberg," focusing  on his relentless touring schedule. He headlined at comedy clubs across the country as well as working in Las Vegas and Atlantic City on a regular basis. He was twice named America's top male comic in votes by clubgoers and owners nationwide. In 1990 he won an American Comedy Award as best male stand-up. Death. Wolfberg died of melanoma on October 3, 1994, aged 48. He had been diagnosed with cancer at least two years before his death, and he continued to work through the end of August 1994. At the time of his death, he was negotiating  a deal for his own TV show.