When it comes to the world of comedy, Long Island native Carol Leifer is a major force, seamlessly blending the roles of stand-up comedian, writer, and producer. With a career that spans several decades, Carol has paved the way for female comedians in a challenging industry, consistently breaking barriers and setting new standards.
Carol began her career performing at well-known Manhattan comedy clubs such as the Comic Strip, Catch a Rising Star, and the Improv. Her "big break" came unexpectedly when David Letterman attended one of her performances at the Comic Strip. Impressed by her talent, Letterman invited her to appear on "Late Night with David Letterman," leading to twenty-five appearances on the show. This exposure cemented her status in the comedy world. Additionally, Letterman produced her 1988 Cinemax special, "Carol Doesn't Leifer Anymore."
Carol's talent for writing and performing soon led her to produce and star in three specials for Showtime: "Carol Leifer Comedy Cruise" (1989), "Really Big Shoo" (1990), and "Gaudy and Bawdy and Blue" (1992), the latter earning three CableACE Award nominations. Her TV appearances extended to HBO's "Young Comedians Special" and a "Rodney Dangerfield Special." One of her career highlights was appearing on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
In addition to her on-screen performances, Carol has made significant contributions behind the scenes. She served as a writer and supervising producer on HBO's critically acclaimed "The Larry Sanders Show" and worked for three years on "Seinfeld," one of television's most popular comedies. Her episodes, such as "The Rye" and "The Lip Reader," earned her Writer's Guild and Emmy Award nominations.
Beyond these accomplishments, Carol has taken on roles producing and writing for other popular TV shows. She was the executive producer of Ellen Degeneres' show "Ellen Again" and co-executive producer of the Dreamworks/ABC series "It's Like, You Know." She is also known for developing new content, working on pilots with Brad Gray Television and Big Ticket TV.
Despite her success in television, Carol remains dedicated to stand-up, performing across the United States. One memorable experience includes opening for Frank Sinatra at Bally's Las Vegas, where Sinatra praised her comedic talent. Carol's career is a testament to her versatility and enduring influence in the comedy industry, inspiring many who follow in her footsteps.
CableACE Award nominations
Writer's Guild nominations
Emmy Award nominations