Robert Schimmel: Confessional Stand-Up, Cancer, Howard Stern and a Comic’s Comic Legacy

Johnny Mac spotlights comedian Robert Schimmel as part of Saturday deep dives on comics who peaked before YouTube and podcasts. He describes Schimmel’s brutally confessional style—turning tragedies like his 11-year-old son’s leukemia death and his own stage-three non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma into jokes—and recounts Schimmel’s improbable life, including marrying and divorcing the same woman three times, later marrying his daughter’s best friend during chemotherapy, and dying at 60 from a 2010 Scottsdale car accident while awaiting a liver transplant. Mac traces Schimmel’s career: Bronx upbringing, Rodney Dangerfield’s 1986 HBO Young Comedian’s Special boost, Showtime specials, writing for In Living Color, frequent Howard Stern appearances, and a Fox sitcom pilot “Schimmel” canceled after his cancer diagnosis. Mac shares a SiriusXM story about Schimmel swapping stories on-air with David Brenner and cites Schimmel’s specials, memoir, Fresh Air interview, and Comedy Central Top 100 recognition.

00:00 Deep Dive Setup
00:53 Tragedy Into Comedy
03:05 Early Life Breakthrough
03:50 Dangerfield Special Clip
04:35 Career Highlights
05:16 Sitcom Then Cancer
06:57 Stern And Sirius Years
07:38 Raw Dog Lobby Story
10:45 Legacy And Conan Clip

12:44 Old Episode Stories
19:01 Cancer And Faith Bits
21:10 Carlin And Jackie Mason
 

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Daily Comedy News is hosted by Johnny Mac and releases every weekday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network. For transcripts and show notes visit www.dailycomedynews.com

Daily Comedy News with Johnny Mac is a daily podcast covering comedians, stand-up comedy, late night television, and the comedy industry. New episodes every morning. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.  

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