Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

by Steve Martin

I was contracted to be onstage for twenty-five minutes. I had a solid ten minutes, and the rest of my material was unreliable.

Laurel and Hardy’s work, already thirty years old, had survived the decades with no hint of cobwebs. They were also touching and affectionate, and I believe this is where I got the idea that jokes are funniest when played upon oneself.

Was my ego out of control and looking for glory? I don’t think so; I am fundamentally shy and still feel slightly embarrassed at disproportionate attention.

We started running into each other accidentally at every opportunity.