Shecky Greene, the legendary standup comic who was lord of the Vegas strip for decades, has died at the age of 97.

Greene was a gifted improviser who thrilled crowds at the biggest casino showrooms on the Strip from the 1950’s through to the ’80s.

He was especially beloved by fellow entertainers, including Johnny Carson, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra, who made Greene his opening act.

The Chicago-born comic appeared in films and TV sitcoms and was a favourite guest on late night talk shows.