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Born Name:
Steve Mittleman
Born Date:
November 4, 1955
Born Place:
Montreal, Canada
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations:
Stand-up comedian, actor, author
Brief Biography:
Steve Mittleman is best known for his clean, clever observational humor and distinctive "no chin" look. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure across late-night television, feature films, and the corporate comedy circuit.
Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Mittleman was born in Montreal, Canada, and raised in Queens, New York. As a youth, he was a passionate baseball fan who closely followed the New York Mets. He officially began touring as a stand-up comedian in 1980. His career achieved major momentum after he won Showtime’s The Big Laff-Off. Soon after, he famously beat Rosie O'Donnell in a head-to-head matchup on Star Search.
Television and Film Highlights:
Mittleman is one of a select group of comedians to perform on The Tonight Show under both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. His career includes over 100 television appearances, featuring sets on:
Late Night with David Letterman
HBO and Comedy Central specials
Dry Bar Comedy, where he released a dedicated stand-up special. As an actor, he appeared in high-profile Hollywood comedies, most notably co-starring alongside Steve Martin in the 1987 film Roxanne and appearing in Woody Allen's Radio Days. He also made a notable unscripted appearance in 2004 on ABC's Extreme Makeover, where he underwent plastic surgery.
Comedy Style and Corporate Work:
Mittleman's comedy routines are widely recognized for being "squeaky" clean, deadpan, and deeply observational. He frequently infuses self-deprecating humor about his appearance and personal quirks into his acts. Because his material is entirely workplace-appropriate, he transitioned seamlessly into becoming a highly sought-after host, emcee, and comedian for major corporate clients, including IBM, American Express, and Toyota. He is also highly regarded for performing customized routines for charity fundraisers, country clubs, and Jewish community organizations.
Later Ventures and Authorship:
In addition to stand-up, Mittleman expanded his career into health advocacy and lifestyle coaching. Drawing from his personal battles with weight loss, he wrote a comedic wellness book titled There Is No Wagon – When It Comes to Dieting You Can't Fall Off. He blends his trademark humor with practical advice to promote sustainable living and health.