Alan Zweibel

Alan Zweibel's career began writing and creating characters for the most legendary comedians of a generation: Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Steve Martin. That the setting was one of the most successful entertainment programs in television history--and live--made it all the more memorable.

Indeed, it was a long way from his days working the counter at a Queens, N.Y., deli. And the ride has continued post-"SNL," with TV credits including "It's the Garry Shandling Show" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." More recently, Zweibel lent his talents to the stage, collaborating with Billy Crystal on the 2005 Tony Award-winning "700 Sundays" and co-writing with Martin Short the 2006 smash Broadway hit "Fame Becomes Me."

At the podium, Zweibel brings us along on his incredible journey from the days of selling jokes for seven dollars apiece to becoming a member of the original writing staff of "Saturday Night Live" to working on Broadway. With great warmth, Zweibel shares hilarious anecdotes of those times that will leave audiences entertained.

In a separate program, Zweibel recalls being confronted with a disaster that was no laughing matter when long-time close friend and colleague Gilda Radner was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. "[Making her laugh] was my job in Gilda's life when she was sick." remembers Zweibel, "Garry [Shandling] and I would do a show every week and we would send her a tape just like a get-well card. I would always be trying to make her laugh. In fact, Gilda's very last television appearance was on our show. " Sharing the story of his friendship with Gilda, Zweibel delivers a heartfelt message of hope and the healing power of laughter - a theme that pervades even his current works such as his award winning children's book, "Our Tree Named Steve".

Zweibel's honor mantle includes multiple Emmy, CableACE Awards, Writer's Guild Awards and TV Critics award. He won the 2006 Thurber Prize for American Humor for his novel "The Other Shulman," and his best-selling book "Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner--A Sort of Love Story" became an off-Broadway hit. Current projects include "Clothing Optional" a soon-to-be published collection of short stories and essays (Villard/Random House) and a Broadway play entitled "Sunday Nights at 8:00."

Zweibel has appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman," "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher," "Today" and "Good Morning America"; his writing has graced the pages of Esquire, Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times Op-Ed page and MAD Magazine.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduate of the University of Buffalo, Zweibel splits time between residences in New Jersey and Los Angeles, with his wife and three children.