
Person
Shelley Berman
Acting · 1925–2017 · Chicago, Illinois, USA
Biography
Shelley Berman (February 3, 1925 – September 1, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, writer, teacher, lecturer, and poet. Berman gained fame for his distinct style of comedic storytelling, often performing monologues that delved into relatable yet humorous observations about everyday life. His use of personal anecdotes and dry wit set a trend in stand-up comedy, influencing many comedians who followed. He released several successful comedy albums, including "Inside Shelley Berman" (1959), which became the first comedy album to earn a gold record. His achievements also extended to television and film, with notable appearances in various shows and movies. Berman's impact on the comedy landscape, marked by his intelligent humour and storytelling abilities, solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy. He passed away in 2017, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the entertainment industry.
Known for

Grey's Anatomy
Jed Sorento

Friends
Mr. Kaplan Jr.

Hawaii Five-0
Morty Sapperstein

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self

The Mike Douglas Show
Self

MacGyver
Abe Sherman

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Nat David

Night Court
Al

CSI: NY
George Savar

The King of Queens
Skitch
Filmography
- 2013When Jews Were Funny
- 2011Looking for LennySelf
- 2010The Legend of Secret PassIra (voice)
- 2010Hawaii Five-0Morty Sapperstein
- 2009The Unusuals
- 2008Raising the BarDanny Rose
- 2008You Don't Mess with the ZohanZohan's Father
- 2007Pushing DaisiesGustav Hofer
- 2007Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70sSelf (archive footage)
- 2006The HolidayNorman
- 2006Hannah MontanaDr. Froman
- 2005The AristocratsSelf
- 2005Grey's AnatomyJed Sorento
- 2004Meet the FockersJudge Ira
- 2004Boston LegalJudge Robert Sanders
- 2004CSI: NYGeorge Savar
- 2004EntourageUncle Shelley
- 2003Dead Like MeTheo
- 2001The Bernie Mac ShowShelley Berman
- 2001That's My Bush!Principal
- 2001Lizzie McGuireNobby Frostybump
- 2000Curb Your EnthusiasmNat David
- 2000The Last ProducerPoker Player
- 2000Even StevensJackie the Janitor
- 1999Providence
- 1998The King of QueensSkitch
- 1998L.A. Doctors
- 1997Chicago SonsMr. McLashan
- 1996Arli$$Ollie Fogle
- 1994FriendsMr. Kaplan Jr.
- 1992Carol Leifer: Gaudy, Bawdy & BlueShelley Berman
- 1992The Tonight Show with Jay LenoSelf
- 1991MotoramaMillion Dollar Driver
- 1990Elliot Fauman, Ph.D.Stromberg
- 1989Teen WitchMr. Weaver
- 1988MonstersLeo Tandoski
- 1988Rented LipsBill Slotnik
- 1987The Kid Who Wouldn't Quit: The Brad Silverman StoryHarold
- 1986L.A. LawBen Flicker
- 1985MacGyverAbe Sherman
- 1984Brothers
- 1984Night CourtAl
- 1982St. ElsewhereBill Belvedere (voice)
- 1982Knight RiderJosh Bevin
- 1982Matt Houston
- 1982Hotel
- 1979Eischied
- 1979Brenda Starr, ReporterA.J. Livwright
- 1978Dick Clark's Good Old Days Part II
- 1978Flying High
- 1978Vega$
- 1977Forever Fernwood
- 1977CHiPsDesperate Car Owner (uncredited)
- 1975Keep Off My Grass!Director
- 1974Police Woman
- 1972Beware! The BlobMr. Carmel, Hair Stylist
- 1970The Mary Tyler Moore ShowDr. Walter Udall
- 1970Every Home Should Have OneNat Kaplan
- 1969Love, American StyleWindow Washer
- 1969The Barbara McNair ShowSelf
- 1968That's Life
- 1968Adam-12Phil Duke
- 1968Rowan & Martin's Laugh-InSelf (uncredited)
- 1967Divorce American StyleDavid Grieff
- 1966Hollywood SquaresSelf
- 1966The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.Dr. Vladimir Toulouse
- 1965Get SmartElwood Box (uncredited)
- 1965Mister Roberts
- 1964The Man from U.N.C.L.E.Sheldon Veblen
- 1964BewitchedMr. Brinkman
- 1964The Best ManSheldon Bascomb
- 1964The Hollywood PalaceSelf - Comedian
- 1963The Judy Garland ShowSelf
- 1963Burke's LawKing Dmitri
- 1963Breaking Point
- 1962The Merv Griffin ShowSelf
- 1962The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonSelf
- 1961The Mike Douglas ShowSelf
- 1961The DuPont Show of the WeekSelf
- 1960The Fabulous FiftiesSelf
- 1959The Twilight ZoneArchibald Beechcroft
- 1959RawhideMendel Sorkin
- 1958Kraft Music HallSelf
- 1958Peter Gunn
- 1957The Lux ShowSelf
- 1957Tonight Starring Jack PaarSelf - Guest Host
- 1956The Dinah Shore Chevy ShowSelf
- 1956The Steve Allen ShowSelf
- 1955DementiaStoned Beatnik (uncredited)
- 1954The George Gobel ShowSelf
- 1953General Electric TheaterStanley
- 1950What's My Line?Self - Mystery Guest
- 1948The Ed Sullivan ShowSelf
Follow their work on Vescene
Rate films and shows on two axes — quality and fun — and share taste with friends.