The Passing Of Sarge Pickman

I moved to south Florida 4.5 years ago and met Sarge a half dozen times, and each conversation left me impressed by his warmth and his ability to bring smiles to everyone around him. Even his last Facebook post, on November 27th, 2025, reflected his spirit: “Wishing a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your loved ones! See you soon! – SARGE.” That was who he was — always spreading cheer.

From Miami Beach to Great Neck

Born in 1961 to an Orthodox Jewish mother and an African American father in Miami Beach, Sarge — originally named Stephen — was adopted into a Jewish family in Great Neck, New York. His grandfather, Herman Shane, played a pivotal role in sparking his love of comedy. At Grossinger’s in the Catskills, Herman would tell young Stephen jokes, planting the seeds of a lifelong passion.

Sarge’s early years were marked by talent and discipline. From ages 7 to 12, he studied at Juilliard in Manhattan. Later, at South Kent School in Connecticut, he excelled both academically and athletically, playing on the football team’s offensive and defensive lines. At Boston University, he earned the nickname “Sarge” — a moniker that stuck for life.

Struggles and Redemption

Like many entertainers, Sarge faced personal battles. In the mid-1980’s, drugs and alcohol nearly derailed his life. He candidly admitted to stealing from a friend’s apartment to fuel his addiction. But on December 26, 1990, he made a life-changing decision: to stop drinking and using drugs. That commitment to sobriety became the foundation for his future success.

Breaking Into Comedy

Sarge’s first paid comedy gig came in 1992 in New York City. His routine was only six minutes long, but he repeated it ten times to fill an hour slot every Sunday. The venue later turned out to be a mafia front under FBI surveillance — and Sarge discovered he had been hired to distract the agents. It was an unusual start, but it didn’t stop him.

His career soon intertwined with sports. Working for ABC Wide World of Sports and CBS’s The NFL Today, he received advice from Greg Gumbel: “To be a sportscaster you have to be careful with what you say. You’re very talented — you should be a comedian so you can speak whatever you want.” Sarge took that advice to heart.

Sharing the Stage With Legends

In 1994, he was asked to replace Jerry Seinfeld at the Baseball Writers’ Association of America dinner. He recalled joking with the crowd about being mistaken for Mets outfielder Cleon Jones — a moment that brought the house down. Soon after, Hall of Famer Bob Gibson invited him to perform at a charity event in Omaha, where Sarge entertained an audience that included George Brett, Sandy Koufax, Steve Carlton, and Willie Mays. Koufax even arranged to sit next to him on the flight back to Los Angeles, intrigued by Sarge’s Jewish identity.

From there, his career soared. He performed at Radio City Music Hall, entertained at Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in 1997, and worked on cruise ships across the globe. He hosted his own Fox Sports Radio show, Sarge in the Foxhole, which aired on Armed Forces Radio, and he visited troops in Iraq three years in a row. He later created and produced Fox’s Best Damn Sports Show Period. Along the way, he opened for icons like Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, the Beach Boys, the Four Tops, Taylor Dayne, and Donna Summer.

A Life of Joy and Identity

Sarge often said he never faced racism or antisemitism in his career. “I am an American. Race should not matter,” he explained. His favorite comedians — Alan King, Gilbert Gottfried, and Robert Klein — reflected his appreciation for sharp wit and cultural humor.

In 2007, he married Ania, who converted to Judaism, and together they raised their son Zander, now 17. He authored “Black Boychik” and recently appeared in the film A Brooklyn Love Story, available on Amazon. His website: www.IamSarge.com offers a glimpse into his multifaceted career.

Remembering Sarge

What made Sarge special wasn’t just his talent, but his outlook. He lived each day to the fullest, and added. “I love where I am right now. I have no agent, a wonderful son. I do not have to travel if I do not want to.”

I will miss Sarge deeply. He was always filled with love, laughter, and the ability to brighten any room. His legacy is one of joy — and that is the greatest gift a comedian can leave behind.

Neil Keller is a Jewish historian. Visit: www.NeilKeller.com to learn who is Jewish.