The deadline confirmed that David Steinberg, long-time manager of Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, passed away. He is 81 years old.
Steinberg started in public relations, representing Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Sellers and James Coburn before entering management. In this capacity, he joined Rollins & Joffe partners Larry Brezner and Buddy Morra, which eventually turned into Morra Brezner Steinberg & Tenenbaum Entertainment. The company specializes in comedy, and is associated with companies such as Williams, Crystal, David Letterman, Martin Short, Robert Klein, Martin Moore and Woody Allen.
Steinberg wrote material for eight Oscar TV broadcasts, all hosted by client Crystal. Steinberg did not contribute to the only host of Crystal was the comedian at the first paddock in 1990.
Additionally, Steinberg executives have produced a series of famous comedy specialties and other projects, such as Billy Crystal: Don't let me start (1986), Robin Williams: One Night in the Metropolis (1986), One night with Sammy Davis and Jerry Lewis (1988), Me, Martin Short, go to Hollywood (1989), Robin Williams lives on Broadway (2002), Robin Williams: Weapons of Self-Destruction (2009) and Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays (2014).
He, Brezner and Mora are one of many HBO EPS Young comedian Special offer over the years. He also helped create HBO's comedy series Woman at night.
Even after Williams' premature death in 2014, Steinberg continued to promote his clients through appearances Robin Williams: Entering My MindThis was aired on HBO in 2018. Steinberg is both an EP and one of the people interviewed by the documentary.
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Crystal pays tribute to Deadline's sister publications Hollywood Reporter.
“For 48 years, this hilarious, outrageous (and pardon me, David), who has never worn socks is my manager, confidant, friend, and ultimately family.”
National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson made the following statement on Deadline: “David Steinberg's profound knowledge of comedy and shaping artists is one of those rare champions who know how to clear the way for genius and make sure the comedy business never hinders the glory he represents for him. We are honored to call him a friend of the National Comedy Center.”
Comedian Ed Driscoll posted online that he was “shocked by the death of manager producer David Steinberg, one of the classics in Hollywood history, with a razor-like sense of humor and a golden heart.
Steinberg's wife actress Brynn Thayer survives. His son Mason and his wife Melisa Steinberg; his only grandson Irving; his sister Sari; and his goddess Molly.