The inimitable Pat Cooper, who brought joy and laughter to millions throughout his remarkable career, passed away Tuesday night at his home according to his wife, Emily Conner. Cooper was 93.
With a quick wit, biting humor, and an unmistakable voice, Cooper left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his fans and loved ones.
Born Pasquale Caputo on September 24, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Cooper discovered his passion for making people laugh at an early age. From his humble beginnings performing in local clubs and venues, he honed his craft, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the world of stand-up comedy. Pat’s ability to captivate audiences with his raw, unfiltered humor set him apart and established him as a true original.
Cooper’s career spanned decades, encompassing numerous appearances on television, radio, and stage. His appearances on popular shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and The Howard Stern Show brought his humor to millions of households worldwide. Whether he was delivering rapid-fire one-liners or engaging in lively banter, Cooper had an uncanny ability to connect with audiences and leave them in stitches.
Beyond his stand-up prowess, Cooper also showcased his talent as an actor, making notable appearances in films like Analyze This (1999) and Analyze That (2002) alongside Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. His on-screen presence and comedic timing were assets that enriched these films and solidified his status as a versatile entertainer.
Also known for his nonstop, rapid-fire delivery, Cooper appeared as himself on the 1996 Seinfeld episode “The Friars Club.”
REELated:
In his 2011 memoir, How Dare You Say How Dare Me!: An Autobiography of a Life in Comedy, Cooper wrote that he never appeared again on The Tonight Show after a drunken Johnny Carson accidentally peed on him in a New York nightclub men’s room in the early 1970s.
Pat’s razor-sharp wit and unique perspective on life endeared him to fans and fellow comedians alike. His ability to find humor in everyday situations, often through his characteristic Italian-American persona, made him a relatable and beloved figure. He fearlessly confronted the absurdities of human nature and used laughter as a tool to bridge divides and bring people together.
“I am a semi-name,” he told the New York Observer in 1999. “I am not a Rodney Dangerfield. I am not a Bob Hope. I am a consistent performer. I’m packing rooms. But I’m happier than Rodney will ever be.”
While Cooper’s comedic genius will forever be etched in our memories, it is his warmth, generosity, and love for his family that will be cherished by those who knew him best. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his family was a constant source of inspiration and support throughout his career.
Cooper’s legacy will live on through the countless laughs he shared and the joy he brought to so many lives. Though he may be gone, his humor will continue to resonate, and his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who laughed along with him.
In addition to his three children and his third wife Cooper’s survivors include his sisters, Grace, Carol and Marie, and five grandchildren. Donations in his name can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Neon Museum Las Vegas.
