As difficult as it is to make it in showbiz today, back in the ’70s, it was harder. This was, in part, due to Mitzi Shore, owner of LA’s The Comedy Store. A woman reviled, respected and responsible for supporting many comic careers (Robin Williams, Richard Pryor), Shore was also a notorious cheapskate. She maintained her club was a “college,” and stand-ups who performed at her spot didn’t even deserve $5 for gas money.
In 1979, many of her performers went on strike — which led to a schism in the comedy community. Among the strike-breakers, notably, were Yakov Smirnoff, and, surprisingly, Garry Shandling, who came from a family with strong anti-union views.
Unforgettable moments ensued, including Dave Letterman picketing after guest-hosting “The Tonight Show” for the first time, an embittered comic trying to hit Jay Leno with a car and, finally, a very public suicide.
His name was Steve Lubetkin. His mental state became unhinged near the end of the strike, and in despair, he threw himself off a building. He was Richard Lewis’ best friend. In the pocket of Lubetkin’s jeans was a note that read: “I used to work at the Comedy Store. Maybe this will help to bring about fairness . . . To Rich Lewis — You’re the best blood brother a man can have. I love you . . . To all comedians — Unite, it’s in your best interest.”
At the same time, the author labels these times the Great California Comedy Rush, when Johnny Carson moved to Los Angeles, prompting a migration of comics, and a single TV appearance could result in riches beyond belief. All-night coke sessions were happening at Shore’s house, the book reports, especially among the club owner’s inner circle — including Pryor.
But her parties didn’t engender much loyalty when the strike broke. Many members of the entertainment elite backed the jokers on the picket line.
One of the most famous letters of support came in the form of a telegram to strike leader Tom Dreesen. “Dear Tom, So glad you’ve arrived. Have cue cards man who does great picket signs. Congratulations, and go get ’em.” The note was signed Bob Hope.
In the end, the comedians changed history and club owners could never get away with calling an institution a “school” and become millionaires while only paying wait staff. Or as comedian Elayne Boosler told the author, “I became notorious for not going on stage without first getting paid in full in cash. It all went back to the strike.”
I’m Dying Up Here
Heartbreak and High Times in Standup
Comedy’s Golden Era
by William Knoedelseder
PublicAffairs