A Life of Laughter
By ANTHONY STOECKERT
In the 1970s and ‘80s, David Steinberg was one of the most successful standup comics around. He played to sold-out audiences, recorded hit comedy albums, hosted television shows, sat next to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show more than 100 times, and often served as guest host for Mr. Carson.
But then he switched jobs and started directing television, everything from The Golden Girls to Curb Your Enthusiasm. He also hosts Inside Comedy on Showtime, in which he interviews comedians. During one of those interviews, a more recent comedy legend asked Mr. Steinberg a question.
