Robert Wuhl

Photo of Robert Wuhl

Biography

Long an admirer of the cynical wit and loquacious patter of Billy Wilder, Neil Simon and Woody Allen, Robert Wuhl (pronounced "wall") ambled his way through the University of Houston over the course of seven years alongside classmate Dennis Quaid before trying standup comedy in New York. He was part of the comedy group "Bob, Larry and the Frog" before branching out as a solo act at places like the Improv. Wuhl eventually won notice for his …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Other

Born

October 9, 1951

Career Milestones

Was part of a comedy act, Bob, Larry and the Frog, before branching out as a solo performer

1976

Began a career in standup comedy after graduating from college, relocated to New York City

1978

Sold some comedy material to Rodney Dangerfield

1979

Moved to Los Angeles

1980

Made feature film debut, "The Hollywood Knights"

1981

Earliest TV credits include work as a writer on the ABC compilation documentary, "Legends of the West: Truth and Tall Tales"

1982

Served as a writer and story editor for the short-lived ABC sitcom, "Police Squad!"

1983

Appeared in a second feature film, "Flashdance", but his improvised scenes as a standup comedian wound up on the editing room floor

1985

TV acting debut, "Rockhopper", a series pilot starring Parker Stevenson

1986

Wrote, directed and starred (as Arlo) in a half-hour comedy which aired on Cinemax, "The Big Bang"

1987

Co-wrote "The Spa Who Loved Me", an episode of the ABC police comedy spoof series, "Sledge Hammer!"

1987

Co-wrote the first of three consecutive Grammy Awards specials, "The 29th Annual Grammy Awards"; this credit also marked an early collaboration with Billy Crystal and with fellow writer Buz Kohan

1987

Played breakthrough role in his third feature film, "Good Morning, Vietnam"

1990

First TV credit as executive producer, "Robert Wuhl's World Tour", an HBO comedy special which he also wrote and starred in

1990

Received a writing credit for the first of four consecutive Oscar telecasts, "The 62nd Annual Academy Awards Presentation", all hosted by Billy Crystal; Wuhl either credited as a "writer" or for "additional material"

1992

Played first leading role in a feature in "Mistress"

1993

Hosted "USO Comedy Tour", a TV special which aired on Comedy Central

1993

Wrote and directed his first feature film, "Open Season", in which he also starred; released theatrically in 1995

1996

Created, starred in and produced the HBO comedy series "Arli$$"

1997

Cast in the CBS miniseries, Mario Puzo's "The Last Don"

2005

Player in the Game Show Network's "Poker Royale series"

2006

Starred in a one-man-show, "Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl" (HBO) where he taught a history class to show how history is created and propagated in a similar fashion to pop culture

Awards

1991

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In a Variety or Music Program in The 63rd Annual Academy Awards

1992

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement In Writing In a Variety or Music Program in The 64th Annual Academy Awards

2004

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video For a Miniseries, Movie or Special in Real Time with Bill Maher