Dave Barry; Vegas Comedian Opened for Wayne Newton, Other Top Names

Dave Barry, a comedian well-known to a generation of visitors to Las Vegas as the opening act for a number of top performers, including Wayne Newton, has died. He was 82.

Barry, who was not related to the humorist and writer of the same name who inspired the popular television series “Dave’s World,” died of cancer Thursday at his home in Beverly Hills.

Born in Brooklyn, the son of a furniture store owner, Barry started his career at age 16 on radio’s “Major Bowes and the Original Amateur Hour.” He also was a frequent performer in the Catskills.

By the early 1940s, he moved to California, and then served in the Army during World War II as part of a Special Services unit that entertained troops.

He began performing in Las Vegas in the late 1940s at the El Rancho Hotel. He was featured at the Desert Inn in a revue called “Hello America.”

In an interview with The Times some years ago, Barry explained what kind of comedy worked in Vegas.

“I think the people from Keokuk, Iowa, want to hear something they don’t hear there--something a little risque, a little salty but not too much. They are still ladies and gentlemen.”

He said his style was suited to Middle America.

“I’m the kind of comic who fits here. I work fast. My jokes are short and punchy. I give the audience no time to think. They’ve been saturated with free drinks in the casino, are well-fed. To give them cerebral comedy would be deadly.”

Barry added, “Some very sophisticated comedians have played Las Vegas. They don’t do well.”

During his more than eight years with Newton, Barry said he was satisfied with his role as front man for the star.

“I’ve never become a major attraction, but this niche is OK,” he said. “You get resigned to it. There’s no pressure. I’d be foolish not to admit the yearning to experience the misery of being a big star--you never give up--but I’m comfortable.”

Barry had television and film credits, most notably in Billy Wilder’s “Some Like It Hot,” where he played the role of Beinstock, the band’s manager.

In the latter part of his career, he entertained on cruise ships and appeared in the Follies, a Palm Springs variety show.

He is survived by his wife, Ginny; a daughter, Wendy; and four sons, Alan, Dana, Kerry and Steve.