Bob Einstein, an offbeat comedian and writer whose career stretched from The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour to Curb Your Enthusiasm, has died of cancer. He was 76.
Einstein was known most recently for playing Marty Funkhouser, the aggravating old friend of Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Einstein also created the character of Super Dave Osborne, the fearless but accident-prone daredevil who made appearances on a range of comedy-variety shows starting in the 1970s.
At 6 feet, 4 inches tall, Einstein could pull off the part of an Evel Knievel wannabe whose stunts always ended in disaster.
Einstein's style of droll, character-based comedy was a forerunner of the mockumentary and improv format employed in Curb, The Office and other contemporary shows.
Einstein's death was confirmed on Wednesday by his brother, comedian and filmmaker Albert Brooks.
"R.I.P. My dear brother Bob Einstein. A great brother, father and husband. A brilliantly funny man. You will be missed forever," Brooks wrote.
Einstein is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Roberta Einstein, a daughter, and two grandchildren, as well as two brothers, Brooks and older brother Cliff Einstein.
Australian Associated Press
