Len Stuart, co-owner of The Second City, dies at age 74

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Len Stuart, co-chairman and co-owner of The Second City since 1978, died Monday according to his friend and business partner, Second City's Andrew Alexander. He was 74.

Alexander said Stuart died surrounded by friends and family after a short illness. Stuart was co-chariman and co-owner of the legendary Chicago improv and comedy troupe for the beginning of SCTV, which went on to garner 13 Emmy nominations and two wins. Alexander says he was "thrilled" with the current expansion of the Chicago Second City Training Center and the Harold Ramis Film School

"He was a brilliant entrepreneur, loving father and loyal friend," Alexander wrote in his statement. "He will be greatly missed."