In the golden age of American television variety shows, few entertainers captured audiences of all walks of life like Rickie Layne, a masterful ventriloquist whose charm, wit, and crafted characters made him a staple on The Ed Sullivan Show. Across more than three decades Layne brought laughter and delight to millions, connecting traditional vaudeville with the modern TV era.
Born Richard Cohen in Brooklyn, New York, on October 30, 1924, Layne grew up in the borough’s close-knit neighborhood that defined Brooklyn life at the time. Even as a child he had a knack for performing. By the age of nine, he was already entertaining family and friends with impressions of stars like Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor. A pivotal moment came when his uncle gave him a ventriloquist dummy. What started as a toy quickly grew into a passion. The dummy was first called Willie Gladstone before eventually taking on the name that would become famous, Velvel.
Layne went on to hone his skills in the Catskills, where venues such as Grossinger’s welcomed his blend of comedy and ventriloquism. He toured with revues, steadily building a reputation as a gifted entertainer who could win over audiences of every background. His act built around Velvel’s Yiddish-accent, clever banter and playful mischief made him a stand out among performers in the Borscht Belt tradition.
His big break came in 1955, performing at Ciro’s nightclub on the Sunset Strip. Layne was appearing on a bill with singer Maria Cole, the wife of Nat King Cole. Nat, impressed by Layne‘s skill and stage presence, personally recommended him to Ed Sullivan. That introduction led to Layne’s debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in January 1956. He was an instant success. Audiences adored Velvel’s Yiddish-accented wisecracks and Layne’s easy delivery, and over the years he would be invited back more than 30 times, cementing his place as one of the show’s most beloved recurring acts.
Beyond television, Layne toured extensively across the United States. His performances were celebrated not only for their humor but for his artistry, his voice work, the timing, and the way he gave Vevel personality that made him feel alive.
Rickie Layne’s impact stretched far beyond his own career. At a time when television was transforming American culture, he helped keep the vaudeville tradition of ventriloquism alive for a new generation, inspiring countless performers who followed.
Layne passed away in 2006 in Northridge, California, but his influence endures. Velvel remains an iconic character in comedy history, and Layne’s work helped pave the way for future ventriloquists like Jeff Dunham. Layne left behind not only a character but also an art form that continues to inspire performers today.