Turned down an offer from NBC to take over "Late Night With..." after David Letterman left for CBS, because he was launching "The Larry Sanders Show" (1992).

Grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He attended Palo Verde High School and the University of Arizona. He initially majored in electrical engineering, but graduated with a degree in marketing. He studied creative writing for a year as a grad student.

Older brother Barry died of cystic fibrosis in 1960.

Lived with sometimes co-star, Linda Doucett from 1987-94. When they broke up, she filed charges against him for sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

Is portrayed by Stewart Francis in Gilda Radner: It's Always Something (2002) (TV).

Wrote for television early in his career on such shows as "Sanford and Son" (1972) and "Welcome Back, Kotter" (1975). An automobile accident left him in critical condition. It was during recovery that he decided to get into stand-up comedy.

Friend of Dana Delany.

Sued former manager Brad Grey, dispute is over talents that Grey met through their business association.