Catskills Comedian Jan Murray Dies at 89
Jan Murray, a Jewish comedian who got his start in the Catskills, died Sunday at 89. Murray, who was born Murray Janofsky in the Bronx to immigrant parents, was one of a generation of Jewish comedians that includes Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Shecky Greene and Buddy Hackett. He was a star of 1950s television, using his gravelly voice and his quick wit as a host of such game shows as “Treasure Hunt.” Murray’s second wife, who was not Jewish, hosted an annual Passover Seder at the couple’s house that was a Hollywood tradition, The New York Times reported.
Murray was also the longtime master of ceremonies for the annual West Coast Chabad Telethon.
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