Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin

Steve Martin’s autobiography, Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life, is a window into the world of one of America’s most beloved comedic stars. The book is divided into three parts: “The Beginnings,” “Finding My Voice” and “The Era.” Through these sections, Martin takes readers on a journey that is both humorous and honest as he reflects on his decades-long career.

Born Standing Up takes readers back to Martin’s early life and his ascent to stand-up fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Martin recounts his difficult childhood growing up in a rigidly dysfunctional home and his resulting need to escape into the world of show business. He began performing in amateur clubs as a teenager and tried his hand at writing skits and scenes for theater, television and movies. Despite a lack of tangible success and the occasional rejections, Martin forged onward, performing constantly and traveling extensively.

Martin reveals his strongest motivations and challenges as a stand-up comic and the personal changes he underwent during this stage of his career. He breaks down his approach to structure, content, motivations and audience connection. He also shares his thought process which led to his superstardom status, noting how streetlights and passerby actions served as bits of inspiration and fodder for his act at various points in his career.

The final section of the book is dedicated to Martin’s observations and experiences in 1980s, a period that saw the cessation of his stand-up career. During this period, Martin ventured into other facets of entertainment such as film and production. He shares stories of his adventures in Hollywood, detailing his roles in big budget productions and his eventual transition to writing, directing and producing.

Throughout his book, Martin demonstrates an honest and introspective look at his career. He gives insights into his approach to comedy, the difficulties he encountered on his journey and the ultimate success he achieved. Despite the book’s title, Martin doesn’t remain standing throughout his career, but rather makes light of his mistakes and provides a candid look at who he is and what he has learned along the way.

Born Standing Up gives readers a firsthand look at the life of a brilliant and witty stand-up comic who found success both on and offstage. By detailing his approach, successes and challenges, Steve Martin is able to share his story in an honest, comedic and thought-provoking manner. Even decades after his stand-up career, Martin still continues to sparkle in the world of entertainment, providing readers with a fascinating story of one man’s rise to stardom.