The Ace Trucking Company
1969-1977 · New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA
Also known as Ace Trucking Co.
Late-60s sketch/improv troupe who put sketch comedy on network TV years before SNL — home of Fred Willard and Bill Saluga.
Known for
- Formed in New York City in 1969; members were Michael Mislove, Fred Willard, George Memmoli, Patti Deutsch, Bill Saluga.
- First paid engagement was on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson on April 24, 1969. Appeared 35 times on Carson between 1969 and 1975.
- Series regulars on 'This Is Tom Jones'; recurring on Mike Douglas, Dick Cavett, Midnight Special.
- Bill Saluga's 'Raymond J. Johnson Jr.' character (You can call me Ray, you can call me Jay...) originated as an Ace Trucking sketch.
- Largely forgotten today — predated SNL by six years as a TV-native sketch/improv troupe.
Connected to
People
fred willardbill saluga
Schools & Theaters
Notes
Historically important as the bridge between the Compass/Committee tradition and the TV sketch era (SNL, SCTV). Willard went on to Fernwood 2 Night, Best in Show etc. — Ace Trucking was his comedy laboratory.