A look back at comedian Stewie Stone, who died at 88

June 23, 2022 Andrew Buss Features, In Memoriam, News

On Friday, we learned that comedian Stewie Stone has passed away at the age of 88. Stone had been battling Parkinson’s disease for a few years, according to a GoFundMe page that was started in 2020.

Stewie Stone – who was until his death the Vice-President of the famous Friars Club in New York – was one of the last survivors of the Borscht Belt era of comics. Stone got his start as a drummer, where starting at 16 he was in a band where he could observe comedians onstage. From there he started working at the famed Pip’s in Brooklyn and traveling the Playboy club circuit when it was at its peak.

Stone made a name for himself playing other venues all throughout the country including Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and the big venues in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. He was also a frequent staple of the Friar’s Club roasts, which have of course become a thing of legend.

As was standard for a comedian of his generation, he also worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Katy Perry, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Frankie Valli, Barry Manilow, Paul Anka, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, The Village People, and Sonny and Cher, among countless others.

Despite never becoming a massive household name, the career of the great Stewie Stone spanned well over 50 years, making people all over laugh. Members of the comedy and entertainment community took to social media to remember Stewie Stone.