I mentioned here the other day that David Brenner was a real nice guy. Want proof? Here's a story involving the comedian, Richard Lewis…
After earning a marketing degree from Ohio State, he [Lewis] returned to New Jersey and spent five years working two, sometimes three jobs as an advertising copywriter, a librarian and a sporting goods clerk. Not until 1971, after his father died, did Lewis decide to tackle his dream. He showed up for open-mike night at a Greenwich Village club. He soon found himself driving 50 to 100 miles a night to work suburban comedy clubs.
It was comic David Brenner, now a close friend, who really gave him his big break. "We're sitting in a deli and I'm saying, 'I can't take it, man. I'm working three jobs, sleeping two hours a night.' He said, 'What do you need to be a comic full time?' I said $1,000. He whipped out a check and gave it to me. I quit my jobs and I've never looked back."
I'd heard that story for years and someone I know asked Brenner if it was so. He said, "No…I gave him cash. I never carried checks." Now, that's a good human being.