← Back

Shelley Berman

Shelley Berman

Born: 1925-02-03 • Chicago, Illinois, USA

Shelley Berman (February 3, 1925 – September 1, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, writer, teacher, lecturer, and poet. Berman gained fame for his distinct style of comedic storytelling, often performing monologues that delved into relatable yet humorous observations about everyday life. His use of personal anecdotes and dry wit set a trend in stand-up comedy, influencing many comedians who followed.

He released several successful comedy albums, including "Inside Shelley Berman" (1959), which became the first comedy album to earn a gold record. His achievements also extended to television and film, with notable appearances in various shows and movies. Berman's impact on the comedy landscape, marked by his intelligent humour and storytelling abilities, solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy. He passed away in 2017, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the entertainment industry.

Filmography
When Jews Were Funny poster
When Jews Were Funny
2013
Looking for Lenny poster
Looking for Lenny
2011 • Self
The Legend of Secret Pass poster
The Legend of Secret Pass
2010 • Ira (voice)
You Don't Mess with the Zohan poster
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
2008 • Zohan's Father
No Image
Cutting Edge Comedians of the '60s & '70s
2007 • Self (archive footage)
The Holiday poster
The Holiday
2006 • Norman
The Aristocrats poster
The Aristocrats
2005 • Self
Meet the Fockers poster
Meet the Fockers
2004 • Judge Ira
The Last Producer poster
The Last Producer
2000 • Poker Player
No Image
Carol Leifer: Gaudy, Bawdy & Blue
1992 • Shelley Berman
Motorama poster
Motorama
1991 • Million Dollar Driver
Elliot Fauman, Ph.D. poster
Elliot Fauman, Ph.D.
1990 • Stromberg
Teen Witch poster
Teen Witch
1989 • Mr. Weaver
Rented Lips poster
Rented Lips
1988 • Bill Slotnik
No Image
The Kid Who Wouldn't Quit: The Brad Silverman Story
1987 • Harold
Brenda Starr, Reporter poster
Brenda Starr, Reporter
1979 • A.J. Livwright
Dick Clark's Good Old Days Part II poster
Dick Clark's Good Old Days Part II
1978
Beware! The Blob poster
Beware! The Blob
1972 • Mr. Carmel, Hair Stylist
Every Home Should Have One poster
Every Home Should Have One
1970 • Nat Kaplan
Divorce American Style poster
Divorce American Style
1967 • David Grieff
The Best Man poster
The Best Man
1964 • Sheldon Bascomb
The Fabulous Fifties poster
The Fabulous Fifties
1960 • Self
Dementia poster
Dementia
1955 • Stoned Beatnik (uncredited)