Larry King Becomes Dean of Friars Club

The Friars Club today announced that Peabody Award-winning radio, television and internet show host Larry King has been appointed as the new Dean of the Friars Club, taking over for Freddie Roman. As Dean, which is also known as the President of the club, King will work closely with the Friars Club's Abbot Jerry Lewis, overseeing the Board of Governors on all matters surrounding the "Monastery," including participating in the famous Roasts and dinners, as well as other events happening in and around the Club, for the next two years. The appointment will be made official at a special ceremony at the Friars Club.

"I've been a Friar for many years and at one time served as Abbot of the Friars of Beverly Hills. I am honored to be asked to be Dean of the Friars," said Larry King. He continued: "I grew up in Brooklyn, so this is like coming home. It's a great group with an important foundation that serves in many areas. So now --- I'm Dean!"

Freddie Roman, creator, producer and star of the successful "Catskills on Broadway," will step down from a position he has held for the last 20 years and is proud to pass the mantel on to his successor. Previous entertainment professionals that have served as Deans of the Friars Club include: William Morris Endeavor agent Jack L. Green (1986-1993), radio personalityWilliam B. Williams (1982-1985), acrobatic dancer and chairman of Creative Management Agency Buddy Howe (1964-1981), and Vaudevillian Harry Delf (1954-1964). Roman successfully brought the Friars Club into the new millennium and has left his own remarkable imprint on the Club's legacy.

"Larry has been a wonderful Friar for many years as well as an honoree at a recent Testimonial Dinner. He knows the inner workings of the Club and is passionate about its history as well as the impact it has made in the community," said Freddie Roman. "I am confident that the Club is in capable hands and I proudly pass the Friarly baton on to this broadcasting legend."

The news comes on the heels of the latest announcement from the Club that Jeff Garlin, star and executive producer of HBO's award winning "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and star of ABC's new hit comedy "The Goldbergs," will be the Roastmaster of the upcoming Friars Club Roast of Boomer Esiason, taking place on Thursday, January 30 at the Waldorf Astoria, in New York City. Delta, the official airline partner of the Friars Club, will sponsor the Roast. For more information on the Friars Club, including the latest news on the Friars Club Roast honoring Boomer Esiason, please visit www.friarsclub.com,facebook.com/friarsclub or twitter.com/friarsclub.

About the Friars Club

The Friars Club was founded in 1904 as a meeting place for entertainers and has achieved legendary status over the years. Its membership includes the likes of Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Brian Williams, Barbra Streisand, Jerry Seinfeld, Rosario Dawson, Les Moonves, Whitney Cummings, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro. The Friars Club Monastery is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan in a classic townhouse and is a haven for entertainers young and old. For more information including news on upcoming events, please visit www.friarsclub.com. Follow the Friars Club on social media by visiting www.facebook.com/FriarsClub or www.twitter.com/FriarsClub.