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​The Friars Club originated in 1904 when representatives of Broadway theaters and New York publicists formed the Press Agents' Association. ​This initial group met to exchange lists of individuals fraudulently receiving complimentary passes to shows. The organization soon began hosting tribute dinners for theatrical celebrities, with the first honoring Clyde Fitch. The impresario Oscar Hammerstein was roasted in 1908, the same year the Friars moved into a clubhouse at 107 West 47th Street. The name "Friars" was suggested by Frederick F. Schrader, and their monthly newsletter was called the Epistle, following the monastic theme. ​The club's membership expanded over 115 years to include actors, musicians, business icons, and notably, comedians. ​In 1957, the Friars Club moved into a permanent headquarters, an English Renaissance mansion built for Martin Erdmann in 1908. ​This clubhouse, known as the Monastery, was designated a New York City landmark in November 2016.

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 The Iconic Roasts

​The Friars Club became famous for its celebrity roasts, a tradition that began in 1950 with Sam Levenson and Joe E. ​Lewis as the first members to be roasted. ​These roasts were characterized by witty and playfully scathing jokes, affectionately cutting down celebrities to size. ​The club's motto, "We only roast the ones we love," encapsulates the spirit of these events. ​Initially, these events were exclusive to male members, with even waitstaff being asked to leave the room. ​The roastee had the privilege of choosing their roastmaster for the evening. ​Notable figures like Milton Berle, Johnny Carson, Jerry Lewis, Richard Pryor, Billy Crystal, Bruce Willis, Hugh Hefner, Quentin Tarantino, Betty White, and Terry Bradshaw were among those honored with a roast. The roasts were first televised in the late 1960s as part of the Kraft Music Hall series, and later broadcast by Comedy Central from 1998 to 2002.

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Philanthropic Endeavors

​Beyond its entertainment role, the Friars Club was actively involved in charity work through the Friars Foundation. ​This foundation was dedicated to improving society, particularly in the performing arts. ​The Friars Foundation provided grants and scholarships to students, with 75% of grants going to performing arts scholarships and small performing arts groups, and the remaining 25% to organizations assisting the less fortunate.

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 The Lincoln Awards

One significant initiative was The Lincoln Awards, a concert honoring U.S. ​veterans and military families. This high-profile event, hosted appearances from figures like Michelle Obama, Dr. ​Jill Biden, Bruce Springsteen, and Nick Jonas. ​The awards recognized the sacrifices of military veterans and their families on a national stage.

 

The Sunshine Committee

​The Sunshine Committee was another long-standing charitable initiative, operating for nearly 50 years. ​This committee focused on providing entertainment and companionship to senior citizens and disadvantaged children in the metropolitan area. ​During the holiday season, the Sunshine Committee would host over a thousand children at its annual Christmas/Hanukkah Spectacular, featuring movie screenings and a celebrity Santa toy giveaway.

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 Adopt-A-Scholar Program

​The Adopt-A-Scholar program offered four-year scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in the performing arts. ​Many of its over 360 recipients went on to careers in regional theater, Broadway, and Hollywood. ​This program emphasized nurturing the arts and preserving the industries that contributed to the prominence of many Friars.

 

Financial Challenges and Closure

​Despite its rich history, the Friars Club faced financial difficulties in its later years. ​In 2010, the club lost its tax-exempt status as a fraternal organization. The Friar's Club trademark lapsed and was canceled in 2021. By May 2023, the club was reportedly facing foreclosure on the Martin Erdmann House due to a building flood, the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial irregularities. ​The club officially went out of business by 2024 and the Erdmann House, the  legendary clubhouse known as the Monastary eventually sold at a foreclosure auction. ​The closure marked the end of an era, taking with it over 100 years of comedy history. ​An auction, titled 'Legends of Comedy,' sold off a century of memorabilia, including items like Jack Benny's violin and a bust of Frank Sinatra.

 

Preserving the Legacy
The physical doors of the Friars Club may have closed, and its storied clubhouse has moved into history, but, the spirit of camaraderie, wit, and unparalleled talent it nurtured lives on. ​The Friars Club has forever been a cornerstone of entertainment history, a place where legends converged to celebrate their craft, leaving an indelible mark on the world. ​As we look back, we find comfort in the enduring legacy of its iconic roasts, its celebrated members, and the profound impact it had on the entertainment industry and beyond.

While we acknowledge that we cannot recreate what was, we believe we can—and must—honor what it meant to us all. For the past several years, we have personally strived to keep that spirit alive by hosting gatherings, sharing events, and supporting our fellow Friars in the true essence of our Club's camaraderie. ​

 

This website and our Friars community are dedicated to preserving that spirit, celebrating the memories, and ensuring that the laughter and legacy of the Friars Club continue to echo through time.​


The New York Friars Club

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