Ollie Joe Prater (born Gilbert Hartzog; August 22, 1946 – November 25, 1991) was an American stand-up comedian and television personality. He made frequent appearances on ''

The Tonight Show ''The Tonight Show'' is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. The show has been hosted by six comedians: Steve Allen (1954–1957), Jack Paar (1957–1962), Johnny Carson (1962–1992), Jay Leno (1992–2009 and 201 ...

''. Prater got his start in stand-up comedy in the 1970s at

The Comedy Store The Comedy Store is an American comedy club opened in April 1972. It is located in West Hollywood, California, at 8433 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip. An associated club is located in La Jolla, San Diego, California. History The Comedy ...

and eventually performed in comedy clubs throughout the United States and was a featured performer at many Las Vegas casinos. Prater acted in the film '' Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?'' that featured

Robin Williams Robin McLaurin Williams (July 21, 1951August 11, 2014) was an American actor and comedian. Known for his improvisational skills and the wide variety of characters he created on the spur of the moment and portrayed on film, in dramas and come ...

in his first film performance. Prater went on to release comedy video specials and albums. Prater died from complications of a stroke on November 25, 1991.

Discography

* ''The Best of Ollie Joe Prater'' (1991) Laughing Hyena Records

References

External links

* 20th-century American comedians American stand-up comedians American male film actors American television personalities 1991 deaths 1946 births 20th-century American male actors {{US-comedian-stub