Joey Bishop Dies

Joey Bishop, the stone-faced comedian who was part of “The Rat Pack” died on Wednesday night at his home in Newport Beach. He was 89 and had been in failing health for some time.

The Rat Pack, during the 60’s and 70’s, was considered the coolest gang of entertainers of their era. Other members were Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Sammy Davis Jr. The group starred in the original “Oceans Eleven.”

Bishop starred in a late night talk show on ABC opposite Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin for 2 ½ years in the late 1960’s. Regis Philbin was his announcer and sidekick in the show.

He also starred in “The Joey Bishop Show” which was a situation comedy that ran in prime time from 1961 to 1965.

Bishop was married to his wife, Sylvia, for 58 years, and she preceded him in death in 1999.