Mark Schiff

Why Not?: Lessons on Comedy, Courage, and Chutzpah Mark Schiff

In this hilarious and heartfelt collection of essays, veteran comedian Mark Schiff shares the lessons he's learned from decades in the comedy scene.



Coming up as a comedian before it was a popular career goal, Mark Schiff has done it all: stand-up comic, actor, writer, father, mensch. Over the last fifty years, Mark Schiff has seen--and played a hand in--the shape the comedy industry has taken. As a longtime friend of and frequent collaborator with Jerry Seinfeld, Mark has gained a unique perspective on life as well as the state of comedy, and is, as Seinfeld writes in his introduction, "the greatest comedy pal a guy could ever wish for."



Mark recounts growing up Jewish in the 60s, raising family of his own, and entering the burgeoning comedy scene alongside the likes of Larry David, Paul Reiser, and Andy Kaufman. Encompassing such universal topics such as friendship, spirituality, kindness, marriage, aging, and parenting, every side-splitting story carries an undercurrent of affection and truth that springs from a career of highs and lows. Whether you're Jewish or not, you'll love Mark's subtle wit and wisdom as you cry tears of joy, emotion, and laughter.