This will sadden many of you. I've known about it for some time and it saddens me. One of the greatest comedians of our time, and a gentleman I had the honor of knowing a little and working with a little is Shelley Berman. I don't think a lot of people realize how important he was to the art we call stand-up comedy, even though he did a lot of his sitting on a stool. He is — well, I guess I have to say was — a brilliant, funny man but what's happened to him is not funny at all.
Announcer Christopher Bay is a close friend of the Bermans and he's been helping them out for several years now. This morning, Christopher issued this statement…
Folks —
Earlier today, I spoke with Sarah, Shelley's devoted wife of 68 years, and she has asked me to make a statement regarding Shelley's health, as there have been many questions and quite a bit of speculation in recent months.
I am sorry to report that our beloved Shelley is suffering from Alzheimer's. It was discovered early last year, and has progressed to a point where I have been asked to make this announcement.
Shelley is no longer able to perform onstage or to give interviews. His physical health is frail, but considering that he is 91 years old, he is doing relatively well physically.
His mental state, however, is failing. As Sarah said in a letter to friends, "Shelley is at a stage where he does not remember most of his past. He mixes events up a lot." He still sees people and and loves being around them, though. Sarah says, "He is still a performer."
He will remain at home as long as possible. The Bermans' daughter Rachel comes in as often as she can to help her mother, and they are surrounded by friends who will also lend a hand whenever they are needed.
Sarah wants me to thank all of Shelley's friends and fans on Facebook for all of your support and loyalty over the years.
Please keep the Bermans in your thoughts and prayers as they face this final trial, together as always.
There it is. That great comedy mind is failing and there's nothing anyone can do about it. On the one hand, you can say he's lived a rich, full life, blessed by great success and his wonderful spouse. On the other, it's just plain sad. Maybe some of you would rather not hear about the sad part but I felt you should know.