Howard Storm, Iconic TV Director and Stand-Up Comic, Passes Away at 94
Howard Storm, a renowned director known for his work in iconic sitcoms including Rhoda and Mork & Mindy, passed away at 94. His career exemplified the shift from stand-up comedy to television directing, contributing significantly to the 1970s TV landscape.
Highlights
- •Rhoda — Storm's directorial debut in 1975
- •Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, and Doc — More of his famous directing works
- •From Bananas to Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask — Allen's collaboration with Storm in film direction
- •Beverly Hills resident and former vaudevillian background
Howard Storm, the versatile entertainment industry personality who transitioned from stand-up comedy to directing beloved television sitcoms such as Rhoda, Mork & Mindy, and Laverne & Shirley, sadly passed away at 94 in his Beverly Hills home on Tuesday. His professional contributions were extensive, with a profound impact on the TV landscape of the 1970s.
A native New Yorker whose father was a vaudevillian, Storm's career trajectory mirrored that of another influential figure: Woody Allen. Storm recounted in an interview how he unofficially directed Woody during their time working on films such as Bananas and Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask, noting the lack of a director's oversight, which led him and Allen to take on directing roles themselves.
Rhoda — A Highlight in TV Comedy
In 1975, Howard Storm made his official directing debut with an episode of Rhoda, featuring Valerie Harper. He went on to direct five more episodes during the sitcom's second season and helmed eight additional episodes for another MTM Enterprises series called Doc. These experiences not only showcased his versatility but also established him as a key figure in television comedy direction.
Storm's career was marked by his ability to transition smoothly from stand-up and directing, bringing unique perspectives to the screen. His legacy will be remembered for his contributions to classic TV series that have left lasting impressions on American entertainment culture.
