Sunday Standup Comedy Showcase: David Steinberg's First Appearance on the Johnny Carson Show in 1968

Some of the best standup comedy was on TV shows and comedy specials in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Today we continue our Sunday Standup series, sharing some of the classic routines by iconic comedians on Sunday editions of Jewish Humor Central.

David Steinberg, Canadian comedian, actor, writer, director, and author, was one of the best-known comics in the United States during the late 1960s and mid-1970s. He appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson more than 130 times (second only to Bob Hope in number of appearances) and served as guest host 12 times, the youngest person to guest-host.  

Now 83 years old, David is the son of Yasha Steinberg, a strict, Romanian-born rabbi. He got his start in comedy at the Second City in Chicago, where he did improv for six years. He was known for his funny sermons based on suggestions from the audience. 

In this 1968 video clip of his first appearance on Johnny Carson's show, he delivers a sermon based on the lives of Solomon, Job, and Moses. After his sermon, he sat on Carson's couch with Anne Meara and defended his biblical references as coming from a place of respect and warmth.

Enjoy!