LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Singer/actor Steve Lawrence, who gained fame singing alongside his wife Eydie Gormé in the 1950s and 1960s but also became a regular comedic guest on television programs and even appeared in "The Blues Brothers," died Thursday at his Los Angeles home at age 88.
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According to his publicist, Lawrence died due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. His wife Eydie died in 2013.
"My dad was an inspiration to so many people," Lawrence's son David said in a statement. "But, to me, he was just this charming, handsome, hysterically funny guy who sang a lot. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his insanely talented wife. I am so lucky to have had him as a father and so proud to be his son. My hope is that his contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered for many years to come."
Born in Brooklyn, Lawrence had a series of hits including "Go Away Little Girl," "I've Gotta Be Me," "Party Girl" and "Pretty Blue Eyes." He and his wife -- whom he met while singing on Steve Allen's late-night talk show in New York, which later became "The Tonight Show" -- were successful touring artists for nearly three decades, and they even had their own TV series in the late 1950s, "The Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé Show." In the 1960s, Lawrence led "The Steve Lawrence Show," but he also became a regular face on the small screen, appearing frequently on "What's My Line?" and "The Carol Burnett Show."
His TV career blossomed over the years, appearing in shows including "Sanford and Son," "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," "Police Story," "Murder, She Wrote," "Diagnosis Murder" and even portraying the father of Fran Drescher's character on "The Nanny."
He also made a brief but memorable appearance as music manager Maury Sline in the classic comedy film "The Blues Brothers." He and his wife won an Emmy Award in 1979 for comedy-variety or music program for "Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin." Lawrence was also a Grammy winner earned a Tony Award nomination in the 1960s for "What Makes Sammy Run."
Lawrence is survived by his son David, granddaughter Mabel and brother Bernie.
Donations in his memory can be made at https://connect.alzheimersla.org/campaign/steve-lawrence-tribute-page/c502357.
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