Legendary comedian Dick Capri passed away at the age of 93 earlier this week following a fatal health incident. His son, Jeff, confirmed the news, explaining that Capri had been diagnosed with an inoperable, bleeding enlarged aorta due to his age. Despite the diagnosis, Capri continued to live life fully in his final weeks, visiting with family and spending time with his life partner during Christmas. They even FaceTimed other family members who couldn’t join them in Florida. The day after a family dinner at Capri’s favorite restaurant on Christmas Day, he was found dead.
Capri was born in 1931 in Reading, Pennsylvania, and started his career in stand-up comedy in the 1960s. He became a staple on TV, appearing on shows like “The Merv Griffin Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.” His big break came when he joined Engelbert Humperdinck’s national tour in 1973. Over the years, he became known for his sharp comedic timing and worked with icons such as Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, and Liza Minnelli. He also performed for presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush and entertained U.S. troops during the Iraq War in 2003.
Capri’s career spanned various forms of entertainment, including a successful Broadway run in Catskills on Broadway, as well as film appearances in They Still Call Me Bruce (1987), Bittersweet Place (2005), and One Angry Man (2010). Known for his unique style, Capri blended comedy and mime with a distinct Italian heritage, setting himself apart from other comedians.
His life partner, Alison Kaplan, shared a heartfelt message on social media after his passing, recalling their 24 years together. She described him as a loving and generous man, expressing her sorrow over the short time they had left. She will always remember him for his love, kindness, and sense of humor.
