 Van's version was popular and drew good ratings, but was cancelled after Van became ill and died of a brain tumor in the summer of 1980.Van's version of the program is especially noted for the early appearances of several then-unknown comedians before going on to greater fame; among them were Bob Saget, Howie Mandel, Vic Dunlop, Gallagher, Gary Mule Deer, Yakov Smirnoff, Kip Addotta, Bruce 'Babyman' Baum, Richard Belzer, Garry Shandling, Tom Dreesen, and Bill Kirchenbauer.Celebrity contestants who appeared on the program included Frank Zappa, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Tiny Tim, and Demond Wilson.