I bought Born Standing Up A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin with my wife, Karen G Clemenson, in mind. I enjoy Steve Martin but Karen really loves him. She has been so busy so I got to this book first and I have really enjoyed the conversational manner that Martin writes.
Steve Martin is actually a pretty serious guy who seems to enjoy a semi-solitary existence. Born in Texas, his father, wanting Martin to be an actor, moved the family to California. Martin was an average student as a boy, but he was very devoted to learning magic tricks, comedy on the radio and TV, and teaching himself to pay the banjo by slowing down records and learning the sounds.
His first job was at the newly opened Disneyland, just 2 miles from his home. At 10-years-old he sold Disneyland guidebooks on the weekends and had free access to the park. As he got too old to sell guidebooks, Martin learned rope tricks and tight rope walking and enjoyed helping and learning new tricks in the 2 magic shops located in Disneyland. He also saw his first live performances there, which helped him later on.
Steve Martin’s 2nd job was at Knott’s Berry Farm at The Bird Cage Theatre. He was able to collaborate and learn a lot from performances there. From a relationship he had made there he later was invited to be a writer for the Smother’s Brother’s Show. He also wrote for the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.
Martin was always learning in any way he could. When he went to college he was no longer an average student but an A student. He studied philosophy until he felt as though he could argue there was no reason for philosophy and changed his studies to TV production.
Despite the fact that Martin suffered with hypochondria and anxiety attacks, he was able to overcome these and he spent a lot of time finding clubs where he could hone his standup comedy acts. He always worked to be original, making sure to not copy other artists and leave people wanting more. He came up with the anti-climatic punchline and he made sure never show to his doubt in any performance.
Martin’s first appearance on TV was on The Steve Allen Show, he also was on the Merv Griffin Show, Virginia Graham Show, Mike Douglas Show, he opened for Ann-Margret in 1971 and his first appearance on the Johnny Carson show was in October 1972. The first time that Steve Martin hosted Saturday Night Live was in October 1976.
“Comedy is a distortion of what is happening, and there will always be something happening.” Steve Martin
Surprisingly he father was not supportive of his career choices, even writing a bad review of him in the local newsletter where he lived. Martin’s mother didn’t like the content of his shows but she was very proud of his fame.
Steve Martin is not a man that just sits and lets life happen. He is an intelligent man, an educated man and he has worked hard for the fame he has earned. He is not just an actor and comedian. He is a musician. He has written several, books, screenplays and plays. I never realized how hard it is to be a comedian. The preparation and dedication to originality is amazing. I really enjoyed this book, I had a hard time putting it down.
Buy your own copy of Born Standing Up A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin on Amazon
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My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.
For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information.
If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this:
Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world.
I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me.
I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
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