Robert Klein is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and singer who has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades. Born on February 8, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, Klein has become a household name in the comedy world with his sharp wit, observational humor, and insightful commentary on various cultural and social issues. With numerous successful comedy albums, theater performances, television appearances, and film roles under his belt, Robert Klein has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is around $10 million. Here are seven interesting facts about Robert Klein, along with answers to common questions about him.
1. Early Life and Education: Robert Klein grew up in a working-class Jewish family in the Bronx. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, where he discovered his passion for comedy and theater. Klein later pursued a degree in drama at Yale University, where he performed in various productions and honed his comedic skills.
2. Breakthrough in Comedy: After graduating from Yale in 1962, Klein decided to pursue a career in comedy. He rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, becoming one of the first stand-up comedians to have his own HBO specials. His unique blend of observational humor and social commentary resonated with audiences, catapulting him to fame.
3. Successful Albums and Theater Performances: Throughout his career, Robert Klein has released a number of successful comedy albums, including “Child of the Fifties” and “Mind Over Matter.” He also had several successful one-man shows on Broadway, such as “The HBO Comedy Hour” and “Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue.”
4. Television and Film Career: In addition to his stand-up comedy career, Klein has appeared in numerous television shows and films. Some of his notable appearances include roles in “Two Weeks Notice,” “Primary Colors,” and “The Back-Up Plan.” He has also made guest appearances on popular television shows like “Law & Order” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
5. Awards and Honors: Over the course of his career, Robert Klein has received several prestigious awards and honors. In 1975, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway musical “They’re Playing Our Song.” He has also been recognized with two Daytime Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Comedy Awards.
6. Impact on Comedy: Robert Klein is often regarded as one of the pioneers of observational comedy, influencing generations of comedians who followed in his footsteps. His ability to find humor in everyday situations and his insightful social commentary set him apart from his peers and contributed to the evolution of stand-up comedy as an art form.
7. Personal Life: Robert Klein has been married twice. He first tied the knot with opera singer Brenda Boozer in 1972, but the couple divorced in 1977. In 2007, he married producer and singer-songwriter Suzanne DePasse. Klein has two children, Alexander Stuart Klein and Amelia Campbell Klein, from his first marriage.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Robert Klein:
1. What is Robert Klein’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Robert Klein’s estimated net worth is around $10 million.
2. How old is Robert Klein?
Robert Klein was born on February 8, 1942, which would make him 82 years old in 2024.
3. How tall is Robert Klein?
Robert Klein’s height is reported to be around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
4. What is Robert Klein’s weight?
Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information about Robert Klein’s weight.
5. When did Robert Klein start his comedy career?
Robert Klein began his comedy career in the early 1960s after graduating from Yale University.
6. Has Robert Klein won any awards?
Yes, Robert Klein has received several awards throughout his career, including two Daytime Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Comedy Awards.
7. What are some of Robert Klein’s notable film roles?
Robert Klein has appeared in films such as “Two Weeks Notice,” “Primary Colors,” and “The Back-Up Plan.”
8. Has Robert Klein done any theater performances?
Yes, Robert Klein has had successful one-man shows on Broadway, including “The HBO Comedy Hour” and “Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue.”
9. Is Robert Klein still performing comedy?
As of 2024, it is unclear whether Robert Klein is still actively performing comedy.
10. Does Robert Klein have any children?
Yes, Robert Klein has two children named Alexander Stuart Klein and Amelia Campbell Klein.
11. Who is Robert Klein’s spouse?
Robert Klein’s current spouse is producer and singer-songwriter Suzanne DePasse, whom he married in 2007.
12. What is Robert Klein’s most famous stand-up comedy special?
Robert Klein’s most famous stand-up comedy special is often considered to be his HBO special “Child of the Fifties.”
13. Did Robert Klein serve in the military?
No, there is no information available to suggest that Robert Klein served in the military.
14. What is Robert Klein’s comedic style?
Robert Klein’s comedic style is characterized by his observational humor and insightful social commentary.
15. Has Robert Klein written any books?
No, Robert Klein has not written any books.
16. Where can I watch Robert Klein’s comedy specials?
Robert Klein’s comedy specials are often available on streaming platforms like HBO Max or can be purchased on DVD or digital platforms.
As one of the pioneers of stand-up comedy, Robert Klein has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With his unique style, sharp wit, and ability to connect with audiences, he continues to be celebrated as a comedic legend. Whether through his albums, theater performances, or television and film roles, Klein’s contributions to comedy will be remembered for years to come.
