Comedy legend James Gregory ‘The Funniest Man in America’ dies at 78
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WFXR) — The man known as “The Funniest Man in America” has died at the age of 78. Comedian James Gregory passed away yesterday in Tennessee from cardiac complications.
Gregory came to comedy a little later in life. While working as a salesman, he was 36 years old before he answered an ad to take part in a comedy night in the basement of an Atlanta-area restaurant.
He figured his experience entertaining clients would translate well on the comedy stage. He was right.
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Within a year, he was regularly entertaining audiences with what he called his “down-home common-sense humor.”
With his Georgia-born southern drawl, Gregory was especially popular throughout the South.
He made regular appearances on “The John Boy and Billy Big Show” on the radio and The Nashville Network on television.
Gregory reportedly turned down an appearance on The Tonight Show when he refused to speed up his delivery.
Touring almost to the end, Gregory also performed for American troops overseas. During “Operation Enduring Freedom,” he entertained soldiers in Bahrain, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
James’ three nieces cared for their “Uncle Bubba” in his last days and weeks.
Just before his death, the comedian had just completed his autobiography, “A Bushel of Beans and A Peck of Tomatoes.” It is set to be published in the Fall.
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