LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Entertainer Milton Berle celebrates a milestone Sunday -- officially turning 90 years young, and marking 85 years in show business.

The comedian born as Milton Berlinger was a family favorite in the early days of television.

"There was a time ... when people didn't go out of their house on Tuesday night at eight o'clock because Milton Berle was on," entertainer Ed McMahon recalled for CNN.

At his own encouragement, Berle quickly became known to his fans, and throughout the industry, as "Uncle Miltie."

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His hit television show, "Texaco Star Theater," ran from 1948 to 1952 and was credited with selling millions of television sets to a nation that was still deciding whether to accept the new medium.

"Well, that the great joke they do," Berle joked with CNN. "'Berle helped sell millions of sets because when he was on my uncle sold his, my aunt sold hers.'"

Age hasn't slowed Berle's perfect sense of timing. Just last month he nearly stole the show when the hosts of "Comic Relief" celebrated his birthday.

"I feel like a 20 year old, but there's never one around," he howled at the audience.

Berle's official birthday bash was set for Sunday night, with 300 showbiz friends expected to attend at the Beverly Hills Hotel.