Standup comic George Miller, who appeared on David Letterman's talkshows more than any other comic, died Wednesday March 5 at UCLA Medical Center from complications of a blood clot in his brain. He was 61 and had suffered from leukemia.
He and Letterman befriended each other during their early days in the biz in Hollywood during the 1970s.
Letterman paid tribute to the comic, saying, "George was my oldest friend, and one of the funniest people I ever knew."
Miller also appeared numerous times on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" as well as the local top L.A. comedy clubs.
He was born George Wade Dornberger in Seattle and became quite good at playing pool -- often at the expense of his education. He said he enrolled at the U. of Washington -- where he "majored in registering."
As time went on, he became a regular at the Comedy Store, the Improv and the Laugh Factory.
He last appeared on Letterman's show Sept. 4.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday March 16 at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.
Contact Variety Staff at
news@variety.com