Freddie Roman was an American stand-up comedian, best known for his frequent appearances at “Borscht Belt” hotels.
Roman grew up in Jamaica, New York. His father was a shoe salesman. His uncle and grandfather owned the Crystal Spring Hotel in the Catskills.
There, Freddie was given a chance to emcee on summer nights at age 15. He became a teenage comic in small resorts but later left show business to work for his father.
He became the proprietor of a ladies’ shoe store but soon realized his true love was “not in the shoe business, but show business”.
Roman headlined at resort venues, including Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip and Harrah’s Atlantic City. He continued to perform, well into his later years.
The Friars Club changed its two-term maximum bylaw so Roman could stay on as its dean. He was, ultimately, succeeded by Larry King, who was the next dean of The Friars Club.
Roman co-wrote, and starred in, the stage show Catskills on Broadway, as well as appearing in several films.
Roman died in Boynton Beach on November 26, 2022, at the age of 85 from a heart attack.
His funeral arrangement is yet to be announced by the family.