Multi-award-winning stand-up comedy legend, screenplay writer, actor, and author Rita Rudner returns to Southwest Florida for a solo performance next Wednesday, March 23 at Artis-Naples. Rudner holds the distinction of having the longest-running solo comedy show in Las Vegas history.
Rudner is a pioneer, having entered the comedy world at a time when there were very few high-profile women comics. She made her network television debut on “Late Night with David Letterman” in 1982 and her comedy specials have been delighting audiences for more than three decades. She’s also an accomplished author, having written five books including the forthcoming memoir, “My Life in Dog Years.”
Rudner has also collaborated extensively with her writer, producer, and director husband Martin Bergman on a number of television, film and theater projects. In addition to writing them, Rudner has starred in many of them alongside actors including Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Kenneth Branagh, Jack Lemmon, and Dudley Moore, among others.
Before pursuing comedy, Rudner performed on Broadway. She was in the legendary original production of “Follies” and also carried the role of Lily St. Regis in the musical “Annie,” among other notable shows.
Ahead of her performance in Naples, we sit down with Rudner for a conversation about her dynamic career, her early years on Broadway, motherhood and anything in between.
