Comedy legend Pat Cooper and Queen of Bossa Nova, Astrud Gilberto, pass away

Pat Cooper, a beloved veteran stand-up comedian who graced both Seinfeld and the Howard Stern Show during his long and accomplished career, sadly passed away at 93.

Steve Garrin, Cooper's former personal assistant, confirmed Cooper's death on Tuesday in his Las Vegas home. According to Cooper's wife, Emily Conner, the funnyman was 'telling jokes up until the end', keeping his warm-hearted sense of humour, even as he faced the final curtain.



Though an official cause of death has not yet been reported, Garrin disclosed that Cooper had 'lots of health problems' and knew that the end was near in the weeks leading up to his passing.

For those who appreciate the golden era of comedy, you'll undoubtedly remember Pat Cooper, also known as the 'Comedian of Outrage', for his fiery, passionate stage persona.

Born Pasquale Caputo on July 31, 1929, in Brooklyn, he began his illustrious career in the 1950s, taking on the stage name Pat Cooper and performing at local New York clubs.


Credit: MDA Telethon.


Cooper skyrocketed to fame after an appearance on The Jackie Gleason Show in 1963. This success landed him coveted gigs opening for the likes of Frank Sinatra at the Sands in Las Vegas, as well as for Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Jerry Lewis, and Sammy Davis Jr. at various clubs and casinos.

In 1965, Cooper released the critically acclaimed comedy album Our Hero, followed by the even more successful Spaghetti Sauce and Other Delights in '66. He soon became a radio show favourite and began appearing on TV, including guest-hosting the Mike Douglas Show in the '70s.

A regular on the Howard Stern Show throughout the 2000s, Cooper also made a memorable cameo on Seinfeld's 'The Friars Club' episode, where he played himself.



Many would also know Cooper as a skilled roast master, often leaving audiences in stitches with his sharp wit and risqué humour. Cooper's talents extended to the silver screen, too, appearing alongside Robert De Niro as a mobster in the 1999 comedy Analyze This and its 2002 sequel, Analyze That.

Additionally, he was featured in The Aristocrats, a highly-acclaimed documentary focusing on the world's dirtiest joke, alongside numerous other comedians.


Credit: Historic Films Stock Footage Archive.


Cooper's personal life saw its fair share of ups and downs. Married three times, he welcomed two biological children with his first wife, Dolores Nola, before eventually divorcing.

During his second marriage to singer Patti Prince, the couple adopted a daughter. Tragically, Prince passed away in 2005 at the age of 69. In 2010, Cooper found love again with theatre producer Emily Conner, whom he met at the Friars Club.



Here at Seniors Discount Club, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat Cooper's family, friends, and fans. As we reflect on his incredible career and the countless laughs he's given us, we know that his comedic genius will continue to live on in the hearts of many.

As we mourn the loss of one beloved celebrity, another tragic event has shaken the entertainment world, leading us to the untimely passing of yet another remarkable star.


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Two iconic figures, renowned comedian Pat Cooper and the illustrious Queen of Bossa Nova, Astrud Gilberto, have passed away. Credit: YouTube/Seinfeld, YouTube/The Ed Sullivan Show.



It's with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Astrud Gilberto, the iconic Brazilian singer whose enchanting voice immortalised the famous 'The Girl from Ipanema' song, and brought the captivating sounds of Bossa Nova to the world.

Born in Salvador, the capital of Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia, in 1940, Astrud Gilberto was a pioneer alongside her husband Joao Gilberto, who was also a founding father of the Bossa Nova genre and sadly passed away in 2019.

Together, they were a powerhouse couple that brought a much-adored and distinctive sound to our generation.



Although she recorded 19 albums throughout her outstanding career, Astrud was proudly introduced to the world through 'The Girl from Ipanema', a classic tune by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. Her soft, beguiling voice charmingly weaved in the English verses as she collaborated with the American saxophonist Stan Getz and her guitar-playing husband, Joao.

Astrud's first Grammy nomination soon followed, and in 1965, she won Song of the Year. The rise to fame was a mix of whirlwind emotions and life-changing events, as she eventually moved to the United States permanently, leaving her husband for Getz.

The memorable live performances of the trio's concert at New York's Carnegie Hall in October 1964 only further showcased the soulful beauty of her silky voice.



At just 24 years old, she overcame stage fright and wowed audiences around the world as she shared the stage with Getz and toured with the nickname, 'The Queen of Bossa Nova'.

It's important to highlight Astrud's resilience when it came to both her personal life and career. Despite not earning any royalties from 'The Girl from Ipanema', she remained determined, delivering a string of hits, including 'Fly Me to the Moon' (1972) and 'Far Away' (1977). Additionally, she embraced songwriting with albums such as Astrud Gilberto Now and That Girl from Ipanema.


Credit: iTubeNL.


After a career that had seen her conquer stages globally, Astrud retired gracefully in 2001. In 2002, she was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame, and in 2008, she earned a Latin Grammy for Lifetime Achievement.

Tributes have been pouring in from fellow musicians and fans alike. Tim Burgess, frontman for the alternative rock band The Charlatans, bid farewell on Twitter with a touching black-and-white video of Astrud performing 'Girl from Ipanema'. American musician Mark Lambert praised her immeasurable contributions to bringing Brazilian music to the world stage.



Singer-songwriter Bebel Gilberto paid tribute on Instagram, calling Astrud her 'eternal Muse'.

As we sadly say goodbye to Astrud Gilberto, let us remember the joy her music has brought into our lives and continue to celebrate her enduring legacy. Our heartfelt thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these difficult times.

Key Takeaways

  • Veteran stand-up comedian Pat Cooper, known for appearances in Seinfeld and the Howard Stern Show, has passed away at the age of 93.
  • Cooper's wife, Emily Conner, said the comedian was 'telling jokes up until the end'.
  • Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian singer who made 'The Girl from Ipanema' a worldwide sensation in the 1960s, died at age 83.
  • She earned the nickname 'The Queen of Bossa Nova' and helped bring the Brazilian musical style to the world.

As we bid farewell to Pat Cooper and Astrud Gilberto, the world mourns the immeasurable loss of their extraordinary talents, leaving an indelible void in the realm of entertainment that shall forever be remembered.

May they rest in peace.
 
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