Who was comedian Judy Tenuta and what are some of her best specials and TV appearances?
The Chicago-based comic known for her acerbic humour and stage presence has died aged 72.
Maybe not everyone has heard of stand-up comic Judy Tenuta, but her list of accomplishments and comedy partners over the years would endear her to many. Unfortunately, her manager confirmed her death at the hands of ovarian cancer at the age of 72.
Some of the names she worked with in her career include Weird Al Yankovic, a long time collaborator with Tenuta featuring in a number of his film and TV projects.
Tenuta also worked alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone, Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead, and Rita Rudner on HBO’s Women Of The Night stand-up special back in 1987.
Other names she worked with include George Carlin as well as radio host Howard Stern. She featured as a regular guest on his show from 1988 to 1995.
Among her accolades include the first woman to be named best female comedian at the American Comedy Awards. She also nominated twice for Grammy awards for two comedy albums.
Tenuta was also a big advocate for LGBT rights. She was ordained as a minister to officiate same-sex marriages according to her website.