I finished reading Born Standing Up by Steve Martin, and I recommend it. Steve recollects memories about his rise to stardom. He started out as a magician working at Disneyland's magic shop, then doing shows at Knott's Berry Farm before eventually winding up in stand-up comedy. In the late '70s/early '80s, he was the hottest act around. He won two Grammy awards for his top selling comedy albums and was performing to audiences of thousands each night. The amazing thing is...he walked away from it all. He kinda felt burned out and had gotten frustrated with aspects of fame, particularly after he was rushed to a hospital and a nurse asked him to autograph his EKG chart.It's an enjoyable book, probably even moreso if you've tried to be a comedian or entertainer. There are stories about his childhood and reconnecting with his family that are touching, as well. He relates a couple of his abandoned bits as well, including my favorite one where he would say to the audience, "How many of you have never raised your hand before?" Genius. I'm moving The Jerk up to the top of my Netflix queue.
Now if only we could get Dane Cook to retire from stand-up.
3 comments:
Dad & I listened to some of Steve Martin's comedy on the drive out here from Princeton. Helped the time to go by very quickly!
i type close to my face :B
Funny, I mentioned Dane Cook today. He needs to retire period. At least Martin had a good run on SnL and was in a couple of good movies. Dane Cook weaseled his way into an acting career.
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