Quotes By Shelley Berman

The old problems - love, money, security, status, health, etc. - are still here to plague us or please us.

Though it sold very well, I hated The Edge.

I am careful with my material and presentation.

So that this thing that aired in 1963 would result a few years later in personal bankruptcy, would result in having people be on edge with me, wondering when I'm going to blow up.

I will always love to perform standup comedy.

My whole act is confession.

I am in the Master of Professional Writing program teaching Humor Writing, Literary and Dramatic.

I quit smoking well over twenty years ago.

Inside was the second LP album of a comedian's performance before an audience.

As a culture I see us as presently deprived of subtleties. The music is loud, the anger is elevated, sex seems lacking in sweetness and privacy.

The most memorable performance was my appearance in concert in Carnegie Hall. The first standup to do so.

Incidentally, I'm still looking for acting work, my first love.

I am presently in my thirteenth year of teaching a graduate course at the University of Southern California.

Outside came in '60. The Edge in '61. All three made Gold, but the biggest seller was Inside.

I was an actor before becoming a comedian.

As much experience, education and awareness as one can attain is important for a comedian.

The Steve Allen Sunday night show had the right to two options after my first performance.

My first job was at a Chicago night club called Mr. Kelly's.

Unquestionably, standup comedy is and has always been an art form.

While you're improvising, you may come up with something which will break him up. As soon as that smile comes out, you know that, hey, we're having fun.

I believe it is important for comedians to know who came before them.