Legendary comedian dies

Soupy Sales, known for his pie throwing antics, died aged 83...

13:23 23 October 2009

US comedian Soupy Sales, famed for having some 20,000 pies thrown at him during a career spanning half a century, has died at the age of 83.

Sales died in a hospice in New York. He was admitted a week ago, his former manager Dave Usher has stated.

During the 1950s and 60s, Sales was one of US television's most recognisable faces and beloved entertainers.

Having pies hurled at him and his guests became his trademark act.

In a 1985, and he acknowledged that this would be why he would be remembered: "I'll probably be remembered for the pies, and that's all right."

Sales, whose real name was Milton Supman, was on born on January 8 1926, in Franklinton, North Carolina.

His television career began in 1951 hosting a children's show in Cleveland. His move to Detroit saw him garner a large fan base.

He premiered 'The Soupy Sales Show' in 1964, which included guests such as Frank Sinatra.

Sales remained a familiar television face. From 1968-75 he appeared on the popular game show 'What's My Line?' and later on 'The Love Boat'.

He also played himself in the 1998 Eddie Murphy film 'Holy Man' and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005

Sales is survived by his wife, Trudy, and two musician sons, Hunt and Tony. The brothers formed Tin Machine with David Bowie in 1989 after working for Iggy Pop.