Saying Goodbye
On October 13, 1974, at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital, Sullivan passed away just a few weeks after receiving a terminal diagnosis. Over 3,000 people showed up for his funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, demonstrating just how adored he was. People were shocked to see stars—previously believed to be Sullivan’s enemies—step out to pay their respects despite their many disputes and disagreements with him over the years.
Saying Goodbye
Mason Mates
Even though many of the celebrities who appeared on Sullivan’s show during his lengthy career were the subject of infamous fights and arguments, many of these celebrities paid tribute to the late and revered TV personality after his passing. Mason told Vanity Fair, “He was a wonderful guy,” adding that much of his argumentative nature resulted from insecurity. Off the show, he was the most charming and refined man. He became very intense during the show itself, and before every show, he got incredibly anxious. He was extremely insecure and was just trying to make the show perfect.
Mason Mates
