R.I.P.: Royce Elliott, Comedian And Peoria Radio Personality

Peoria’s beloved comedian and radio personality Royce Elliott will be remembered for his clean one-liners and table-side manner.

Elliott, widely recognized in the United States and Canada, and known for his habit of telling jokes table-to-table at Peoria eateries, passed away Sunday after several years of declining health.

He was 77, according to the Peoria Journal-Star.

 “He was the kind of guy that loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh. He rarely had a serious moment,” longtime friend Roger Monroe said. “The only time he ever got serious was when he talked politics, and I tried to get him to avoid that.”

The high school friends had shared a radio talk show, “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” since 2002 (although off the air for several years during that time) on WOAM-AM 1350, which Elliott appeared on even in recent months.

While he was known for his stand-up routines, friends said it was his off-the-buck humor that brought the most joy.

“He was funnier with his witty remarks more than with his jokes, but that was maybe because I had heard all his jokes 10,000 times,” Monroe said.

Opening for entertainers from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, Elliott was sometimes called America’s funniest clean comedian, though he was also a regular guest at celebrity roasts.

 “The guy was always an absolute clown, and I mean that affectionately.” Monroe said. “Some people take drugs, but he told jokes. That was his high in life, and he was damn good at it.”

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