Brenner has had a remarkable career. Beginning with his debut National TV appearance on The Tonight Show, where he went on to make the most appearances of any guest on the show – 158, he has continued to be the most frequent talk show guest of any entertainer, as confirmed in “The Book of List 2.” Today, Brenner’s act is based on real life comedy, including “very” current events, and he is recognized as a political pundit, appearing on news oriented shows, including MSNBC, CNN and The Fox Network.
Then there are the four HBO Specials he has done, including his last one which was performed live, with no safety net, “David Brenner: Back With A Vengeance” and proved that once again the Philadelphia native is still “the ultimate comeback kidder.” The show was one of HBO’s highest rated specials and, among the glowing reviews, The Hollywood Reporter proclaimed, “He’s edgier and more insightful in his skewering of popular culture than ever before”
Brenner wasn’t always in front of the TV camera. Before stepping on stage, he enjoyed a successful career as the writer/producer/director of 115 television documentaries and headed the distinguished documentary departments of both Westinghouse Broadcasting and Metromedia Broadcasting. Brenner’s documentary work earned him a total of nearly thirty awards and citations including an Emmy Award.
He spent one year touring the country in celebration of his forty years doing standup, with a show titled “Leave ‘em Laughing. The CD of the debut of the tour in his hometown, Philadelphia, is available on iTunes.
In his quest to always stay up with the times, Brenner has leaped into the youthful world of video games, launching a continuing series of hysterical game reviews, www.OldJewReviews, which can also be found on YouTube and his official web site.
“I Think There’s a Terrorist in My Soup,” Brenner’s fifth book is a guide on how to use humor and laughter to get through personal problems as well as how to cope with the problems of the world. His first book, “Soft Pretzels with Mustard,” was a best seller.
This multi-talented man began as a kid in the poor sections of South and West Philadelphia where he was a gang leader who used humor as a negotiating tool. From fourth grade through high school, Brenner was elected class president of his class, as well as class comedian. He attended Temple University where, in spite of being funny, he graduated with honors, majoring in mass communications.
After first appearing on the national TV scene, Brenner was asked by a reporter what he wanted to do with his career. He replied “I want to make as many people laugh, as heartily as they can, for as long as I can.” His answer is the same today and he continues to do it.
