Before there was the Man Show Kid, there was Larry "Bud" Melman. For over 20 years David Letterman sent the sour-faced Larry "Bud" out into the streets of New York to interact with an often bewildered public. He became a late night icon.
Retired from show biz in 2002, Calvert DeForest (Larry's real name) was working as a file clerk in a drug rehab facility when he was discovered by two writers for Letterman. DeForest passed away last night at the age of 85.

You can see one of his early appearances on Dave's show by clicking here. (Note Dave's youthful look.)