Gregory attributed the launch of his career to Hefner who , based on that performance , hired Gregory to work at the Chicago Playboy Club as a replacement for comedian '' Professor '' Irwin Corey .
Gregory attributed the launch of his career to Hugh Hefner , who watched him perform at Herman Roberts Show Bar . 
 Based on that performance , Hefner hired Gregory to work at the Chicago Playboy Club as a replacement for comedian '' Professor '' Irwin Corey .