Dave Attell was born in Queens, New York, and grew up in Rockville Centre on Long Island. He graduated in 1987 from New York University with a degree in communications, although he wasn't sure what career path to pursue with it. Eventually, he found himself drawn to stand-up comedy. To support himself during this period, Attell worked various jobs including waiting tables, cleaning houses, and temping. His first taste of performing stand-up was at Long Island's Governor's Comedy Cabaret, where, like many newcomers, he initially failed to connect with the audience. Despite the rough start, Attell continued performing at open mic nights, which typically took place late at night and suited his style well. His comedy quickly began to resonate with audiences due to his distinctive blend of twisted material and his ability to navigate edgy topics like perverse sex or audience interactions with a relentless flair. Throughout his career, Attell became known as a "comic's comic," appreciated within the comedy community for his fearless approach and sharp wit. In the mid-1990s, he worked as a writer for "Saturday Night Live" but never allowed it to interfere with his stand-up pursuits; he often performed at clubs after his writing duties. In 2001, Attell expanded his reach with the Comedy Central travel show "Insomniac with Dave Attell." This show captured his experiences as a road comic, beginning with a stand-up set in a local club of the city being featured. The episodes depicted Attell exploring each city's nightlife, engaging with various local personalities, or visiting unusual places. He humorously described the series as "Wild On for Ugly People." After four successful seasons, Attell decided to end the show due to the difficulty of capturing genuine interactions as his fame grew. He later revived the show concept with international outings in Germany, Brazil, and Japan, which further increased his visibility and appeal to live audiences. After "Insomniac," Attell joined Lewis Black for the Comedy Central Live tour, performing in larger venues like theaters. While he enjoyed these performances, he still preferred the freedom and intimacy of comedy clubs, where he could adapt his routines on the fly. During the tour, he was occasionally joined by fellow comedians Mitch Hedberg and Sean Rouse. In 2003, Attell released his first comedy album, "Skanks for the Memories," through Comedy Central Records. The album, recorded live at the Comedy Works in Denver, showcased his knack for crafting concise, impactful jokes rather than long storytelling. He later headlined the Insomniac tour alongside performers like Sean Rouse, Greg Giraldo, and Dane Cook. Attell's commitment to originality is evident in his constant rewriting and consultations with fellow comedians. When not traveling, he remains a staple of the New York City comedy scene, performing multiple nights a week, especially at the Comedy Cellar, where he continues to hone his craft.