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Alan Zweibel (born May 20, 1950) is an American writer, producer, director, comedian and actor whom ''The'' ''New York Times'' says has “earned a place in the pantheon of American pop culture." An original ''
Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL'') is an American Late night television in the United States, late-night live television, live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC. The ...
'' writer, Zweibel has won five
Emmy Awards The Emmy Awards, or Emmys, are an extensive range of awards for artistic and technical merit for the television industry. A number of annual Emmy Award ceremonies are held throughout the year, each with their own set of rules and award categor ...
and two
Writers Guild of America Awards The Writers Guild of America Awards is an award for film, television, and radio writing including both fiction and non-fiction categories given by the Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America West since 1949. Eligibility The ...
for his work in television, which includes '' It's Garry Shandling's Show'' (co-creator and producer) and ''
Curb Your Enthusiasm ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'', also known colloquially simply as ''Curb'', is an American television comedy of manners created by Larry David that premiered on HBO with an hour-long special in October 17, 1999, followed by 12 seasons broadcast from Oc ...
''. Among his eclectic body of work, Zweibel collaborated with
Billy Crystal William Edward Crystal (born March 14, 1948)On page 17 of his book ''700 Sundays'', Crystal displays his birth announcement, which gives his first two names as "William Edward", not "William Jacob" is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. ...
on the Tony Award-winning production of '' 700 Sundays,'' and most recently co-wrote and produced the feature film, '' Here Today'' with Billy Crystal. He has written 11 books—his latest, a cultural memoir ''Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier was'' published by Abrams Books in 2020. Other books include ''The Other Shulman: A Novel'', which won the 2006 Thurber Prize for American Humor; and Lunatics with
Dave Barry David McAlister Barry (born July 3, 1947) is an American author and columnist who wrote a nationally Print syndication, syndicated humor column for the ''Miami Herald'' from 1983 to 2005. He has written numerous books of humor and parody, as we ...
.


Early life

Zweibel, who is
Jewish Jews (, , ), or the Jewish people, are an ethnoreligious group and nation, originating from the Israelites of History of ancient Israel and Judah, ancient Israel and Judah. They also traditionally adhere to Judaism. Jewish ethnicity, rel ...
, was born May 20, 1950, in
Brooklyn Brooklyn is a Boroughs of New York City, borough of New York City located at the westernmost end of Long Island in the New York (state), State of New York. Formerly an independent city, the borough is coextensive with Kings County, one of twelv ...
, New York City, to Julius and Shirley (Bram) Zweibel. He grew up in the New York City suburbs of Wantagh and Woodmere on
Long Island Long Island is a densely populated continental island in southeastern New York (state), New York state, extending into the Atlantic Ocean. It constitutes a significant share of the New York metropolitan area in both population and land are ...
. He graduated from George W. Hewlett High School in 1968 and the
University at Buffalo The State University of New York at Buffalo (commonly referred to as UB, University at Buffalo, and sometimes SUNY Buffalo) is a public university, public research university in Buffalo, New York, Buffalo and Amherst, New York, United States. ...
in 1972. Upon graduation from college, Zweibel started writing for stand-up comedians who paid him seven dollars a joke. He later compiled over 1,100 jokes into a portfolio which he showed to producer
Lorne Michaels Lorne Michaels (born Lorne David Lipowitz; November 17, 1944) is a Canadian and American television writer and film producer. He created and produced ''Saturday Night Live'' (1975–1980, 1985–present) and produced the ''Late Night (franchise) ...
who then hired Zweibel to be one of the original writers of a new show called ''
Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL'') is an American Late night television in the United States, late-night live television, live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC. The ...
''.


Career


Television

During his five years at ''
Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL'') is an American Late night television in the United States, late-night live television, live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC. The ...
'' (1975–1980), Zweibel wrote many iconic sketches, including the ''Samurai'' for
John Belushi John Adam Belushi ( ; January 24, 1949 – March 5, 1982) was an American comedian, actor, singer and musician. He was one of seven ''Saturday Night Live'' cast members of the first season. He was arguably the most popular member of the ''Satur ...
, and created the characters of Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella, both portrayed by Gilda Radner. As an in-joke, Richard Feder of Fort Lee, New Jersey, a name and hometown often mentioned by Roseanne Roseannadanna on Weekend Update, is Zweibel's real life brother-in-law who did live in
Fort Lee, New Jersey Fort Lee is a Borough (New Jersey), borough at the eastern border of Bergen County, New Jersey, Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, situated along the Hudson River atop The Palisades (Hudson River), The Palisades. As of the 2020 Uni ...
. Zweibel's close friendship and collaboration with Gilda Radner extended beyond their tenure at ''Saturday Night Live'' – as her last television appearance was on an episode of '' It's Garry Shandling's Show'' which Zweibel co-created and produced. After Radner's death from ovarian cancer, Zweibel wrote a best-selling book about their relationship titled ''Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner – a Sort of Love Story'' which he later adapted into an off-Broadway play, ''Bunny Bunny''. Zweibel has won multiple Emmy, Writers Guild of America (WGA), and Television Critics Awards (TCA) for his work in television which also includes ''
Curb Your Enthusiasm ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'', also known colloquially simply as ''Curb'', is an American television comedy of manners created by Larry David that premiered on HBO with an hour-long special in October 17, 1999, followed by 12 seasons broadcast from Oc ...
, It's Garry Shandling's Show,'' and an episode of ''
Monk A monk (; from , ''monachos'', "single, solitary" via Latin ) is a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery. A monk usually lives his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many reli ...
''. He can be seen in the documentary ''The Last Laugh'' about humor and the Holocaust;
Judd Apatow Judd Apatow (; born December 6, 1967) is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and comedian known for his work in comedy films. Apatow is the founder of Apatow Productions, through which he wrote, produced, and directed his films ''The 4 ...
's '' The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling'' (HBO); ''Gilbert'', a documentary about the life of
Gilbert Gottfried Gilbert Jeremy Gottfried (February 28, 1955 – April 12, 2022) was an American stand-up comedian and actor, best-known for his exaggerated shrill voice, strong New York dialect, his squint, and his edgy, often-controversial, sense of humor. Hi ...
; and '' Love, Gilda'', the Emmy-nominated
CNN Cable News Network (CNN) is a multinational news organization operating, most notably, a website and a TV channel headquartered in Atlanta. Founded in 1980 by American media proprietor Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld as a 24-hour cable ne ...
documentary for which he also served as executive producer.


Publishing

Zweibel has written 11 books. His cultural memoir, ''Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier'' was published by Abrams Books in 2020. Other books include ''The Other Shulman: A Novel'', which won the 2006 Thurber Prize for American Humor; ''Lunatics'' with
Dave Barry David McAlister Barry (born July 3, 1947) is an American author and columnist who wrote a nationally Print syndication, syndicated humor column for the ''Miami Herald'' from 1983 to 2005. He has written numerous books of humor and parody, as we ...
; ''For This We Left Egypt and A Field Guide for the Jewish People,'' both with
Dave Barry David McAlister Barry (born July 3, 1947) is an American author and columnist who wrote a nationally Print syndication, syndicated humor column for the ''Miami Herald'' from 1983 to 2005. He has written numerous books of humor and parody, as we ...
and Adam Mansbach; and ''Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner—A Sort of Love Story''. His popular children's book, ''Our Tree Named Steve,'' was a Scholastic Book Club selection that has been translated into eleven languages, and his young adult novel, ''North,'' was made into a movie directed by
Rob Reiner Robert Reiner (born March 6, 1947) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and liberal activist. As an actor, Reiner first came to national prominence with the role of Michael Stivic, Mike "Meathead" Stivic on the CBS sitc ...
. A collection of short stories and essays, ''Clothing Optional,'' was published by Villard in 2008. He also penned a best-selling e-book titled ''From My Bottom Drawer''.


Theater

Zweibel's work has appeared both on and off Broadway. On Broadway, he co-wrote ''Fame Becomes Me'' with
Martin Short Martin Hayter Short (born March 26, 1950) is a Canadian and American comedian, actor, and writer. Short is known as an energetic comedian who gained prominence for his roles in sketch comedy. He has also acted in numerous films and television ...
, and collaborated with
Billy Crystal William Edward Crystal (born March 14, 1948)On page 17 of his book ''700 Sundays'', Crystal displays his birth announcement, which gives his first two names as "William Edward", not "William Jacob" is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. ...
on the Tony Award-winning production of '' 700 Sundays''. Off-Broadway shows include ''Between Cars, Comic Dialogue, Bunny Bunny,'' and ''Happy.'' Taking to the stage himself, Zweibel is an ensemble performer in '' Celebrity Autobiography'' at New York's '' Triad Theater—'' and is a sought after keynote speaker.


Film

He co-wrote and co-produced ''Here Today'' (2021) with
Billy Crystal William Edward Crystal (born March 14, 1948)On page 17 of his book ''700 Sundays'', Crystal displays his birth announcement, which gives his first two names as "William Edward", not "William Jacob" is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. ...
(who also directed and starred alongside Tiffany Haddish), and was the co-writer for ''Dragnet'' (1987 film), ''The Story of Us'' (1999) and ''
North North is one of the four compass points or cardinal directions. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west. ''North'' is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating Direction (geometry), direction or geography. Etymology T ...
(1994).''


Accolades

Zweibel has been honored by the
Writers Guild of America The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is the name of two American labor unions representing writers in film, television, radio, and online media: * The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) is headquartered in New York City and is affiliated wit ...
and the
Television Critics Association The Television Critics Association (TCA) is a group of approximately 200 American and Canadian television critics, journalists and columnists who cover television programming for newspapers, magazines and web publications. The TCA accepts appli ...
. He was awarded the 2006 Thurber Prize for American Humor for his book, ''The Other Shulman.'' In 2009, he was awarded an honorary PhD. by the
State University of New York The State University of New York (SUNY ) is a system of Public education, public colleges and universities in the New York (state), State of New York. It is one of the List of largest universities and university networks by enrollment, larges ...
, and in 2010, he was given the Ian McLellan Hunter Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Writers Guild of America, East The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) is a trade union, labor union representing writers in film, television, radio, news, and online media. The WGAE and the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), though independent entities, jointly brand the ...
.


Personal life

Zweibel has been married to his wife Robin since 1979 and they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.


Works


Books

*''North'' (1984) *''Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner – A Sort of Love Story'' (1994) *''The Other Shulman: A Novel'' (2007) *''Our Tree Named Steve'' (2007) *''Clothing Optional: And Other Ways to Read These Stories'' (2008) *''From the Bottom Drawer of: Alan Zweibel'' (2011) *''Lunatics'', with
Dave Barry David McAlister Barry (born July 3, 1947) is an American author and columnist who wrote a nationally Print syndication, syndicated humor column for the ''Miami Herald'' from 1983 to 2005. He has written numerous books of humor and parody, as we ...
(2012) *''Benjamin Franklin: Huge Pain In My ____'', with Adam Mansbach (2017) *''Benjamin Franklin: You've Got Mail'', with Adam Mansbach (2017) *''For this We Left Egypt?'' with Adam Mansbach and Dave Barry (2017) *''A Field Guide to the Jewish People'', with Adam Mansbach and Dave Barry (2019) *''Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier'' (2020)


Films

* '' Gilda Live'' (with Anne Beatts,
Lorne Michaels Lorne Michaels (born Lorne David Lipowitz; November 17, 1944) is a Canadian and American television writer and film producer. He created and produced ''Saturday Night Live'' (1975–1980, 1985–present) and produced the ''Late Night (franchise) ...
, Michael O'Donoghue, Marilyn Suzanne Miller,
Paul Shaffer Paul Allen Wood Shaffer (born November 28, 1949) is a Canadian musician, actor, and comedian who served as David Letterman's musical director, bandleader, and sidekick on ''Late Night with David Letterman'' (1982–1993) and ''Late Show with D ...
, Don Novello and Rosie Shuster) (1980) * '' Dragnet'' (with
Dan Aykroyd Daniel Edward Aykroyd ( ; born July 1, 1952) is a Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. Aykroyd was a writer and an original member of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" cast on the NBC sketch comedy series ''Saturday Nigh ...
and
Tom Mankiewicz Thomas Frank Mankiewicz (June 1, 1942 – July 31, 2010) was an American screenwriter, director, and producer of motion pictures and television whose credits included ''James Bond'' films and his contributions to ''Superman'' (1978) and the telev ...
) (1987) * ''
North North is one of the four compass points or cardinal directions. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west. ''North'' is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating Direction (geometry), direction or geography. Etymology T ...
'' (with Andrew Scheinman) (1994) (also producer) * '' The Story of Us'' (with Jessie Nelson) (1999) (also producer) * '' Here Today'' (with
Billy Crystal William Edward Crystal (born March 14, 1948)On page 17 of his book ''700 Sundays'', Crystal displays his birth announcement, which gives his first two names as "William Edward", not "William Jacob" is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. ...
) (2021) (producer and co-writer with Billy Crystal)


Unproduced screenplays

*''Barbarians at the Plate'' *''Bunny Bunny'' *''Marrying Mom'' *''Men Who Lunch'' *''Once Upon a Time, Inc.'' *''Teddy Young'' *''Waiting for Sam to Die''


Television

*''
Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL'') is an American Late night television in the United States, late-night live television, live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC. The ...
'' (1975–1980/1984/1987) *''The Beach Boys: It's OK'' (1976) *''The Paul Simon Special'' (1977) *''Steve Martin's Best Show Ever'' (1981) *'' The New Show'' (1984) *'' It's Garry Shandling's Show'' (1986–1990) (also Co-Creator) *''
One of the Boys ''One of the Boys'' is the second studio album by American singer Katy Perry. It was released on June 17, 2008, by Capitol Records. She collaborated on the album with producers Greg Wells, Dr. Luke, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Dave Stewart, Max ...
'' (1989) (also Creator/Executive Producer) *''
Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL'') is an American Late night television in the United States, late-night live television, live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC. The ...
'': ''15th Anniversary'' (1989) *'' Good Sports'' (1991) (also Creator/Executive Producer) *''The Please Watch the Jon Lovitz Special'' (1992) (also Executive Producer) *''
Great Performances ''Great Performances'' is a television anthology series dedicated to the performing arts; the banner has been used to televise plays, musicals, opera, ballet, concerts, as well as occasional documentaries. It is produced by the PBS member statio ...
: 25th Anniversary Special'' (with
Cy Coleman Cy Coleman (born Seymour Kaufman; June 14, 1929 – November 18, 2004) was an American composer, songwriter, and jazz pianist. Life and career Coleman was born Seymour Kaufman in New York City, to Ashkenazi, Eastern European Jewish parents, an ...
) (1997) *''I Am Your Child'' (with
Rob Reiner Robert Reiner (born March 6, 1947) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and liberal activist. As an actor, Reiner first came to national prominence with the role of Michael Stivic, Mike "Meathead" Stivic on the CBS sitc ...
) (1997) *''
Curb Your Enthusiasm ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'', also known colloquially simply as ''Curb'', is an American television comedy of manners created by Larry David that premiered on HBO with an hour-long special in October 17, 1999, followed by 12 seasons broadcast from Oc ...
'' (2001–2002) (Consulting Producer) *''What Leonard Comes Home To'' (2002) (Executive Producer) *'' 56th Primetime Emmy Awards'' (2003) *''
Monk A monk (; from , ''monachos'', "single, solitary" via Latin ) is a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery. A monk usually lives his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many reli ...
'' (2007) *''
Late Show with David Letterman ''Late Show with David Letterman'' is an American late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS, the first iteration of the ''Late Show'' franchise. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and was produced by Letterman's production com ...
'' (2008–2009) *''Women Without Men'' (2010) *'' 700 Sundays'' (2014)


Broadway

*'' Gilda Live'' (with Anne Beatts,
Lorne Michaels Lorne Michaels (born Lorne David Lipowitz; November 17, 1944) is a Canadian and American television writer and film producer. He created and produced ''Saturday Night Live'' (1975–1980, 1985–present) and produced the ''Late Night (franchise) ...
, Michael O'Donoghue, Marilyn Suzanne Miller,
Paul Shaffer Paul Allen Wood Shaffer (born November 28, 1949) is a Canadian musician, actor, and comedian who served as David Letterman's musical director, bandleader, and sidekick on ''Late Night with David Letterman'' (1982–1993) and ''Late Show with D ...
, Don Novello and Rosie Shuster) (1979) Winter Garden Theater *'' 700 Sundays'' (with
Billy Crystal William Edward Crystal (born March 14, 1948)On page 17 of his book ''700 Sundays'', Crystal displays his birth announcement, which gives his first two names as "William Edward", not "William Jacob" is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. ...
) (2005
Tony Award The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ce ...
Winner) Broadhurst Theater *'' Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me'', (with
Martin Short Martin Hayter Short (born March 26, 1950) is a Canadian and American comedian, actor, and writer. Short is known as an energetic comedian who gained prominence for his roles in sketch comedy. He has also acted in numerous films and television ...
) (2006) Bernard B. Jacobs Theater


Off Broadway

*''
Diamonds Diamond is a solid form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic. Diamond is tasteless, odourless, strong, brittle solid, colourless in pure form, a poor conductor of electricity, and insol ...
'' (1984) (contributing writer) Circle in The Square *''Between Cars'' (1985) Ensemble Studio Theater *''Comic Dialogue'' (1986) Ensemble Studio Theater *''Bunny, Bunny: Gilda Radner – A Sort of Romantic Comedy'' (1997) Lucille Lortel Theater *''Happy'', Summer Shorts Festival 4 (2010) 59E59 Theaters *''Celebrity Autobiography'' — Triad Theater NYC (performer)


Appearances

*''Curb: The Discussion'' *''
Curb Your Enthusiasm ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'', also known colloquially simply as ''Curb'', is an American television comedy of manners created by Larry David that premiered on HBO with an hour-long special in October 17, 1999, followed by 12 seasons broadcast from Oc ...
'' (as "Duckstein") *'' E! True Hollywood Story'': Gilda Radner *''
Good Morning America ''Good Morning America'', often abbreviated as ''GMA'', is an American breakfast television, morning television program that is broadcast on American Broadcasting Company, ABC. It debuted on November 3, 1975, and first expanded to weekends wit ...
'' *'' The Late, Late Show'' *''
Late Night with Conan O'Brien ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien'' is an American television talk show broadcast by NBC. The show is the second installment of the ''Late Night (franchise), Late Night'' franchise originally established by David Letterman. Hosted by Conan O'Brie ...
'' *''
Late Show with David Letterman ''Late Show with David Letterman'' is an American late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS, the first iteration of the ''Late Show'' franchise. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and was produced by Letterman's production com ...
'' *'' Law and Order'' *''Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America'' *'' Making Trouble'' (documentary by Joan Micklin Silver) *''
North North is one of the four compass points or cardinal directions. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west. ''North'' is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating Direction (geometry), direction or geography. Etymology T ...
'' (as "Coach") *''
Politically Incorrect "Political correctness" (adjectivally "politically correct"; commonly abbreviated to P.C.) is a term used to describe language, policies, or measures that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society. ...
'' *''
Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL'') is an American Late night television in the United States, late-night live television, live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC. The ...
'' *'' The Story of Us'' (as "Uncle Shelly") *'' The Today Show''


Stage appearances

*''A History of Me'' (2007) U.S. Comedy Arts Festival *'' Celebrity Autobiography'' (2010) Triad Theatre, NYC; Broad Stage, LA


Awards

* (2010) WGAE Ian McLellan Hunter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Writing * (2006) Thurber Prize for American Humor winner * (2005) Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event 700 Sundays * (1989) CableACE Award for Best Writing in a Comedy Series in "It's Garry Shandling's Show". * (1977/78) Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in a Comedy, Variety, or Music Series in "The Paul Simon Special". * (1977/78) Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in a Comedy, Variety, or Music Series in "NBC's Saturday Night". * (1976/77) Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in a Comedy, Variety, or Music Series in "NBC's Saturday Night". * (1975/76) Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in a Comedy, Variety, or Music Series in "NBC's Saturday Night".


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Zweibel, Alan 1950 births Living people 20th-century American comedians 20th-century American dramatists and playwrights 20th-century American essayists 20th-century American Jews 20th-century American male actors 20th-century American male writers 20th-century American novelists 20th-century American screenwriters 20th-century American short story writers 21st-century American comedians 21st-century American dramatists and playwrights 21st-century American essayists 21st-century American Jews 21st-century American male actors 21st-century American male writers 21st-century American novelists 21st-century American screenwriters 21st-century American short story writers American comedy writers American humorists American male comedians American male dramatists and playwrights American male essayists American male film actors American male novelists American male screenwriters American male short story writers American male television actors American male television writers Memoirists from New York (state) American television writers Comedians from Brooklyn Comedians from Essex County, New Jersey Film producers from New York (state) George W. Hewlett High School alumni Jewish American comedy writers Jewish American dramatists and playwrights Jewish American male actors Jewish American comedians Jewish American novelists Jewish American screenwriters Jewish American short story writers Jewish humorists Jewish male comedians Male actors from Brooklyn Male actors from New Jersey Novelists from New York City Actors from Millburn, New Jersey People from Wantagh, New York People from Woodmere, New York Primetime Emmy Award winners Screenwriters from New York (state) Television personalities from New York City Television producers from New York City University at Buffalo alumni Writers Guild of America Award winners Writers from Brooklyn People from Long Island