new york (ap) | Comedian Louis Nye, who created a national catchphrase by belting out “Hi-ho, Steverino!” as one of the players on Steve Allen’s groundbreaking 1950s TV show, has died. He was 92.

Nye died this week at his home in Los Angeles after a long battle with lung cancer, his son, Peter Nye, said.

Nye was born May 1, 1913, in Hartford, Conn. His parents were Jews who had emigrated from Russia. Nye began his career in theater in Hartford before moving to New York City to enter radio. Nye served in the Army during World War II, entertaining troops.

He had worked regularly in nightclubs and on television until just a couple of years ago, his son said. He had a recurring role from 2000 to 2002 in the HBO comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm” as the father of Jeff Garlin’s character.