David Steinberg

The multi-talented David Steinberg first gained notoriety with his cutting edge comedy on television programs like "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" (CBS/ABC, 1967-1970), only to find a second career later in life as a director on series such as "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (HBO, 2000-2011). After learning his craft with Chicago's venerated comedy troupe Second City, Steinberg made the move to New York City where he landed roles on Broadway and headlined a successful nightclub act at Manhattan's Bitter End. The young comedian ruffled more than a few feathers with his religion-skewering routine on "The Smothers Brothers," although it led to a fruitful relationship with Johnny Carson, on whose "Tonight Show" (NBC, 1962-1992) he made frequent visits for decades. He headlined his own comedy series, "The David Steinberg Show" (CBS, 1972), and co-starred with Susan Sarandon in the film "Something Short of Paradise" (1979) prior to launching his directorial career with the Burt Reynolds feature "Paternity" (1981). Steinberg found his niche in the 1980s when he began helming episodes of series such as "Newhart" (CBS, 1982-1990) and "Designing Women" (CBS, 1986-1993), and his stint as the host of "Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg" (TV Land, 2005-07) provided him a forum in which he conversed with television's brightest comedic talents. Years of experience as a comedian, actor, writer and director all served to make Steinberg one of the most respected comedic talents in film and television, both in front of and behind the camera.