Jack Carter, comedian and entertainer, dead at 93

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 30 (UPI) -- Jack Carter died of respiratory failure at his home in Beverly Hills Sunday. He was 93 years old.

Carter was a comic, actor, singer, dancer director and mimic whose career spanned 70 years. He is best known for his work on several variety shows and musicals. Carter appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show at least 50 times, and guest-starred on The Dean Martin Show, The Andy William Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Judy Garland Show and various Bob Hope specials. He was nominated for at least two Emmy's during his career.

After returning home from serving in the Army for WWII, the entertainer made his professional debut on Broadway in Call Me Mister. He also performed in the Broadway hits Mr. Wonderful and Top Banana, among many other stage appearances. The versatile entertainer also hosted the first-ever televised Tony Awards in 1956.

Later in his life, Carter acted for various roles in Monk, Desperate Housewives, iCarly, Parks & Recreation, Family Guy, New Girl, Rules of Engagement and Shameless.

Carter's career branched out to all media outlets of the time. He appeared on radio, television, cinema and the stage. He also made a name for himself behind the camera as a director for Lucille Ball's CBS comedy, Here's Lucy, as well as several plays including A Thousand Clowns, Silver Anniversary and Mouth-Trap.

Carter's surviving family includes his wife Roxanne, children Michael, Chase and Wendy, and grandchildren Jake and Ava.