Robert Klein facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Klein
Klein in 2010
Born	(1942-02-08) February 8, 1942 (age 83) The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Medium	Stand-up, television, film, theatre
Education	Alfred University (BA) Yale University (MFA)
Years active	1965–present
Genres	Observational comedy, improvisational comedy, satire/Political satire, musical comedy
Subject(s)	Everyday life, American politics
Spouse	Brenda Boozer ​ ​ (m. 1973; div. 1989)​
Children	1

Robert Klein (born February 8, 1942) is a well-known American stand-up comedian, singer, and actor. He is famous for his many performances on stage, in movies, and on TV. Robert Klein has released several comedy albums, including A Child of the 50s (1973) and Mind Over Matter (1974). These first two albums were even nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.

Klein was a host on Saturday Night Live in its very first season in 1975, and again in 1978. He also started his career on Broadway in 1966 in a show called The Apple Tree. Later, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in the musical comedy They're Playing Our Song (1979). He even had his own TV show, Robert Klein Time, which aired on USA Network from 1986 to 1988.

You might recognize him from movies like The Owl and the Pussycat (1970), One Fine Day (1996), and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003). He also had regular roles on TV shows such as Law & Order: SVU (2009–2012) and Will & Grace (2018–2019). Robert Klein has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for his comedy specials. A documentary about his life, Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg, was released in 2016.

Early Life and Beginnings

Robert Klein was born in the Bronx, a part of New York City. He grew up in a typical Jewish neighborhood in the 1950s. His grandparents came to the USA from Hungary in the early 1900s.

After finishing DeWitt Clinton High School, Klein first planned to study medicine. However, while attending Alfred University, he changed his mind. He decided he wanted to become an actor instead.

While studying at the Yale Drama School, Klein heard about a chance to audition for The Second City. This was a famous group known for its improv comedy. Klein got hired after a successful audition where he performed an improv scene with another hopeful actor, Fred Willard. In 1965, Klein officially became a member of The Second City. A year later, he moved back to New York City. There, he was cast by the famous director Mike Nichols in the Broadway musical The Apple Tree.

Comedy Career Highlights

Early Television and Stage Work

Robert Klein's first big TV appearance was as the host of Comedy Tonight in 1970. This summer TV show helped him introduce many of his comedy routines. These routines later became popular on his record albums. His jokes about the Watergate scandal made him very popular in the 1970s.

In 1975, Klein starred in HBO's very first stand-up comedy special. He has continued to appear in many more one-man shows on HBO. These shows often end with his funny "I can't stop my leg" routine. Klein also hosted Saturday Night Live twice, once in 1975 and again in 1978. Some of his famous skits on the show included "Tough Director" and "Nick The Lounge Singer Sings Star Wars Theme."

In 1979, Klein starred in Neil Simon's musical comedy They're Playing Our Song. He acted alongside Lucie Arnaz and received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical nomination for his performance.

Later, in 1986, Klein had his own late-night talk show called Robert Klein Time. It aired on the USA Network until 1988. In 1998, he hosted Monty Python Live at Aspen, a special show honoring the famous British comedy group, Monty Python.

Comedy Albums and Style

Robert Klein's first two comedy albums, Child of the 50s (1973) and Mind Over Matter (1974), were both nominated for Grammy Award for Best Comedy Albums.

On his albums, Klein often talked about things he observed in his daily life. He joked about substitute teaching, 1970s FM radio disc jockeys, late-night restaurants, and annoying commercials. He also performed songs he wrote himself, like "Fabulous '50s" and "Middle Class, Educated Blues."

His album Mind Over Matter (1974) included many jokes and discussions about the Watergate scandal. It also featured a song about a kid who used humor to become popular. His next album, New Teeth (1975), included more of his on-stage comedy and some studio-recorded songs.

Film and Television Roles

Robert Klein has appeared in many films. Some of his movie roles include The Owl and the Pussycat (1970), One Fine Day (1996), Primary Colors (1998), and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003). He also had a regular role in the TV drama series Sisters.

In 2005, he launched The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue, which was his eighth HBO comedy special. In 2007, he worked with Adam Sandler again in the movie Reign Over Me. He also released a DVD collection of all his HBO specials.

Klein played the father of the main character in the TV show The Mysteries of Laura. He later played the father of Grace Adler in the TV show Will & Grace (2018–2019). In 2014, he played the Canadian Ambassador on Madam Secretary. He also played the Mayor of New York City in the TV movies Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014) and Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015).

In 2006, Robert Klein wrote his autobiography, a book about his own life, called The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue: A Child of the Fifties Looks Back.

Personal Life

Robert Klein is divorced from opera singer Brenda Boozer. They have one son named Alexander Stuart Klein, who is also a stand-up comedian and goes by Allie Klein.

Influence on Other Comedians

Robert Klein has mentioned that comedians like Lenny Bruce, Jonathan Winters, and Rodney Dangerfield influenced his own comedy style.

Many famous comedians have said that Robert Klein inspired them. Jerry Seinfeld once said that Klein was "The Beatles of Comedy" to him. Other comedians like Bill Maher, Billy Crystal, Richard Lewis, and Jay Leno have also said that Klein influenced their work.

Filmography

Film Roles

Robert Klein has appeared in many movies over the years. Here are some of them:

Television Roles

Robert Klein has also had many roles on television:

Theatre Performances

Robert Klein has performed in several Broadway shows:

Comedy Specials

Robert Klein has had many stand-up comedy specials, mostly on HBO:

Discography

Albums Released

Robert Klein has released several comedy albums:

Awards and Nominations

Robert Klein has been recognized with several awards and nominations for his work:

Images for kids

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  Robert Klein in 2010

See also

In Spanish: Robert Klein (comediante) para niños