About David Frye
David Frye (born David Shapiro, November 21, 1933 - January 24, 2011) was an American comedian who specialized in comic imitations of famous political figures and celebrities. His best-known impressions were of U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, along with figures such as Hubert Humphrey, Spiro Agnew, William F. Buckley Jr., and George C. Scott. His heyday was in the 1960s and early 1970s, when his Nixon and Johnson impersonations were considered definitive, and his comedic narratives were noted as politically savvy and topical. In 1973 his album Richard Nixon: A Fantasy, dealing with Nixon's Watergate troubles, faced marketing problems when New York network affiliates rejected commercials promoting it. His later recordings included the 1998 album Clinton: An Oral History. Frye died of cardiopulmonary arrest at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2011.
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Frequently asked questions
What was David Frye known for?
David Frye was an American comedian who specialized in comic imitations of political figures and celebrities, above all U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon.
Who else did David Frye impersonate?
Beyond Johnson and Nixon, his impressions included Hubert Humphrey, Spiro Agnew, William F. Buckley Jr. and George C. Scott.
What happened with the album Richard Nixon: A Fantasy?
Frye's 1973 album, which dealt with Nixon's Watergate troubles, ran into marketing problems when New York network affiliates rejected commercials promoting it.
When was David Frye at his peak?
His heyday came in the 1960s and early 1970s, when his Nixon and Johnson impersonations were considered definitive and his comedic narratives were noted as politically savvy and topical.
Did David Frye record an album about Clinton?
Yes, his later recordings included the 1998 album Clinton: An Oral History.
What was David Frye's birth name?
David Frye was born David Shapiro on November 21, 1933, and he died in 2011.
