Rita Rudner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rita Rudner |
|
|---|---|
Rudner in 2011
|
|
| Born | September 17, 1953 Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Medium | Comedy |
| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Spouse |
Martin Bergman (m. 1988)
|
| Children | 1 |
Rita Rudner (born September 17, 1953) is an American comedian famous for her clever and witty jokes. Before she made people laugh for a living, she was a talented dancer on Broadway.
When she noticed there weren't many female comedians in New York City, she decided to try stand-up comedy. She became a huge star in the 1980s, appearing on many HBO specials and often visiting The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Contents
From Dancer to Comedian
Early Life and Dancing Career
Rita Rudner was born in Miami, Florida. She grew up in a Jewish family and started taking ballet lessons when she was only four years old. When she was 13, her mother sadly passed away.
Wanting to be independent, Rita moved to New York City after graduating from high school at age 15. She wanted to become a professional dancer. She performed in several famous Broadway shows, including Follies (1971) and Mack & Mabel (1974). She also played the part of Lily St. Regis in the popular musical Annie for over a year.
A New Path in Comedy
In the late 1970s, Rita began to explore stand-up comedy. She realized that by studying other comedians, she could learn how to write jokes and perform. She spent years reading books by famous humorists like Woody Allen and Mark Twain to develop her own unique style.
Her hard work paid off. In 1982, she made her first major TV appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Soon, she was a regular guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which made her a household name.
A Star on Stage and Screen
Rita became a very successful comedian. She recorded several award-winning comedy specials for HBO, like Rita Rudner: Born to Be Mild and Rita Rudner: Married Without Children. She also had a popular special on PBS called Rita Rudner: Live From Las Vegas.
Since 2001, Rita has been a top performer in Las Vegas. Her show became the longest-running solo comedy act in the city's history, selling nearly two million tickets. She even performed for President Barack Obama in 2009.
Besides comedy, Rita is also a writer and actress. She and her husband, Martin Bergman, wrote the movie Peter's Friends in 1992, which she also starred in. She has written several funny books and plays.
Personal Life
Rita Rudner is married to Martin Bergman, a British producer. Together, they have an adopted daughter.
Selected Works
Rita has appeared in many movies and TV shows over the years. Here are a few of her roles.
Film
- Peter's Friends (1992) - as Carol Benson (she also wrote the movie)
- Love Hurts (2009) - as Lisa Levanthorp
- Thanks (2011) - as Bunny
Television
- Tales from the Crypt (1994) - as Rolanda
- The Nanny (1998-99) - as Margot / Rita Rudner
- As Told by Ginger (2000) - as Mrs. Fleming (voice)
- RuPaul's Drag Race (2011) - as Herself
- Melissa & Joey (2012) - as Monica Burke
- Magnum P.I. (2022) - as Patty
