Robert Klein

A Wide-Open Conversation with Robert Klein and Joe Alterman

Award-winning comedian Robert Klein grew up in a Jewish family living in the Bronx surrounded by music. While studying at Yale’s School of Drama, he auditioned for Chicago’s famed improvisational troupe Second City. In 1975, Klein was the first comedian to appear in a live concert on HBO where his set included a bit about antisemitism. Join Klein for a wide-open conversation about his childhood; his thoughts on the history of the Jewish people, antisemitism, the Holocaust, and Israel; his decades-long career as a performer; as well as the connection between music and comedy, including some of Klein’s “harmonica shtick.” In conversation with Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah.

This program is part of The Pulse: Moments That Matter, a series of frank conversations on culturally relevant topics with musicians, comedians and other entertainment industry professionals to illuminate how being Jewish has shaped their experiences, both personally and professionally. Sponsored by Neranenah and MomentLive! as well as Moment’s Antisemitism Project, supported by the Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation.