Rita Rudner

Rita Rudner is a celebrated American comedian, actress, and author known for her sharp wit and unique comedic style. Beginning her career as a dancer, she graced the stages of numerous Broadway productions. However, at the age of 25, she transitioned into stand-up comedy, recognizing a distinct opportunity for female voices in the New York comedy scene. During the 1980s and 1990s, Rudner emerged as a leading figure among female comedians, gaining fame through her HBO specials and memorable appearances on The Tonight Show.

Her talent also resonated across the Atlantic, where she enjoyed success in the UK with a six-part television series on BBC2. In 1989, she married English producer Martin Bergman, with whom she has collaborated on various projects. Notably, they co-wrote and produced the film "Peter's Friends" in 1992, which featured a star-studded cast including Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. Rudner also appeared in Bergman’s directorial debut, "A Month In The Country" in 1995, alongside actors like Jack Lemmon and Dudley Moore.

Currently, she holds the record for the longest-running solo comedy show in Las Vegas history, having performed over 2,000 shows over a remarkable twelve-year span, selling more than 1.5 million tickets to her fans.