Rita Rudner has worn many hats in her illustrious career—comedian, actress, author, and playwright—but she remains refreshingly grounded and genuinely funny. Beginning as a dancer in her teens, Rudner graced six Broadway productions before realizing the comedy world was ripe for her unique voice. Inspired by icons like Jack Benny and Woody Allen, along with the sharp wit of her father, Rudner entered the comedy scene in the 1980s and has never looked back.
A Legacy of Laughter
Rudner’s Jewish heritage shaped her comedic sensibilities. “We have a complicated history,” she says. “We’ve used humor to turn sadness into connection and to forge acceptance in challenging spaces. Humor gets people to accept you.”
Making her television debut on Late Night with David Letterman in 1982, Rudner’s career soared. She became a mainstay on TV, recording award-winning specials like Rita Rudner: Born to Be Mild and Rita Rudner: Married Without Children for HBO. In Las Vegas, Rudner has sold over 2 million tickets to her shows. She also earned a Gracie Allen Award for her syndicated comedy series, Ask Rita.
Beyond the stage, Rudner is a New York Times bestselling author, actress, and screenwriter. Together with her husband of 36 years, Martin Bergman, she co-wrote the screenplay for the 1992 film Peter’s Friends and acted in his 2011 film Thanks. “Martin is stable and funny, which is rare,” Rudner notes with affection.
A Family Affair
For Rudner, family is at the heart of her success. Her daughter, Molly Bergman, is following her own creative path as a musician. Molly, a lead vocalist in the band Listen to the Seventies, has been performing alongside her mother since she was 11. She is currently a senior at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and recently released a single.
“Molly has been immersed in music her whole life,” Rudner says. Molly, in turn, calls her mother “fabulous—a great comedian and an even better mom.”
A Groovy New Year’s Tradition
Rita Rudner and Molly Bergman will take the stage together this December 31 for “Another Groovy New Year’s Eve” at the Laguna Playhouse. The show kicks off at 7 PM with a 20-minute comedy set by Rudner, followed by music from Listen to the Seventies. The band pays tribute to the legendary singer-songwriters of the 1970s, performing hits from icons like Carole King, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon.
The evening also includes the East Coast ball drop at 9 PM, complete with champagne, dessert, party favors, and a festive balloon drop.
For tickets to “Another Groovy New Year’s Eve,” visit the Laguna Playhouse at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, or call (949) 497-2787. Don’t miss this joyful blend of laughter, music, and celebration to ring in the New Year!