He was revered by Johnny Carson. He is revered by Jerry Seinfeld — among countless other comedic stars.
These days, following a long and successful career in standup, David Steinberg has turned his talents to directing (“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Seinfeld,” “Mad About You”) and hosting the Showtime series “Inside Comedy.”
In advance of its season three premiere, which follows a documentary on Steinberg called “Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story” on Monday, Feb. 3 at 10 p.m. (his guests are Zach Galifianakis and Jimmy Fallon), the Winnepeg-born former theology student answered questions during his first-ever session on Reddit.com. Here’s a handful of highlights.
On being a comedian today
There is a comedy boom. It’s very different from when I started out. If you were on a date, and you brought home a comedian, your parents wouldn’t be happy in my day. Now I can hardly walk down the street without someone saying their son wants to be a comedian, can you get him into Curb Your Enthusiasm? It’s become the new doctor to most parents. Amazing to me.
On having no recollection of stealing a joke from his former Second City co-star Fred Willard
I interviewed Fred Willard for Inside Comedy and we were together at Second City along with Robert Klein in the 60s. Fred told me a joke, he claims, before I went on stage to introduce him. And then he claims, I used his joke and got the biggest laugh of the night. I don’t remember this at all.
On what he knows of the rumored “Seinfeld” reunion project
Jerry is a good friend of mine. Do you think that I am such a schmuck to reveal anything that he doesn’t want known?!
For the rest of Steinberg’s exchanges, click here. And if you’re so inclined, catch him this evening (Jan. 31) when he guests on NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”
