David Brenner

Launched to fame through "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (NBC 1962-1992), stand-up David Brenner went onto become a staple of the talk show circuit thanks to a pioneering observational style which influenced a generation of comics. Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1936, Brenner inherited his wry sense of his humor from his father, a former vaudeville performer named Lou Murphy who gave up his showbiz career to become a rabbi. But after serving two years in the U.S. Army and graduating from his hometown's Temple University with a degree in mass communication, Brenner initially focused his talents behind the scenes, writing, producing and directing over 115 television documentaries and winning over 30 awards, including an Emmy, in the process.