Avery Lawrence Schreiber (April 9, 1935 – January 7, 2002) was an American comedian and actor. He was a veteran of stage, television, and film.

Biography

Schreiber was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Minnie (née Shear) and George Schreiber. He started his career in Chicago at the Goodman Theatre. He joined The Second City and later teamed with Jack Burns to form the comedy team of Burns and Schreiber. They recorded several comedy albums and appeared on numerous television shows.

Schreiber is remembered for his many Doritos ads in the 1970s, as well as his appearances in classic television shows. He was easily recognizable for his trademark bushy moustache, curly hair, and comedic reactions. In 1965, Schreiber played the role of Captain Manzini on My Mother the Car.

In the summer of 1973, he co-hosted the ABC comedy show, The Burns and Schreiber Comedy Hour.

Schreiber was a regular guest star on Chico and the Man. He was also a frequent guest on the game show Match Game and a guest in a first-season episode of The Muppet Show (written by former partner Jack Burns, whom he mentioned during a stand-up routine in the episode).

Avery continued to work in film, television and the Theater, as well as teach Improvisational Theater technique to thousands of students up until the time of his death. He taught master classes at The Second City in Chicago and Los Angeles as well as teaching out of his living room.