Robert Klein is a pioneering figure in American comedy, celebrated for his observational humor and insightful social commentary. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, Klein’s stand-up routines often explored everyday life, relationships, and the absurdities of modern society with a blend of wit and charm. He became a fixture on television, starring in numerous comedy specials and talk show appearances, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Klein’s comedic style is characterized by his keen observational skills, sharp wit, and ability to dissect societal norms with incisive humor. Beyond stand-up, he has also found success as an actor, appearing in films and television shows. Throughout his career, Klein has remained a beloved figure in the comedy world, admired for his intelligence, versatility, and enduring contributions to the art form.

Robert Klein Quotes

1. “Fear is the greatest salesman.”
— Robert Klein

2. “Comedy is still alive, and there are still funny people. Jews are still overrepresented in comedy and psychiatry and underrepresented in the priesthood. That immigrant Jewish humor is still with us.”
— Robert Klein

3. “I was in the De Witt Clinton Hight School marching band. One of the worst bands ever formed. When we played the national anthem, people from every country stood – except Americans.”
— Robert Klein

4. “In the fifties I had dreams about touching a naked woman and she would turn to bronze or the dream about hot dogs chasing donuts through the Lincoln Tunnel.”
— Robert Klein

5. “My son has been a class clown and it sort of ran in the family.”
— Robert Klein

6. “But I think the other is a little more like bullfighting, a little more daring and although I appreciate good acting and I liked being versatile my whole career, it kept me working.”
— Robert Klein

7. “In the book of things people more often do wrong than right, investing must certainly top the list, followed closely by wallpapering and eating artichokes.”
— Robert Klein

8. “And the only studies were – Rodney Dangerfield was my mentor and he was my Yale drama school for comedy.”
— Robert Klein

9. “The ’50s were terrifying with nuclear bomb stuff but boring in a social way and then the ’60s were happening, and remember, there was no AIDS.”
— Robert Klein

10. “I have a work-out regime; I am not a maniac. It sounds cliche, but stand-up comedy, doing a one-man show, helps keep me young, and yes, it is exhausting, but I don’t collapse.”
— Robert Klein

11. “I learned more at The Second City than I did at Yale for all that high tuition.”
— Robert Klein