Great Article about Presenter Alan Zweibel!

Check out this great profile piece written by Julie Wesolowski from the UB News Bureau on one of UBC2C NYC’s presenters, funny man Alan Zweibel!

UB alum Alan Zweibel always knew he wanted to be a comedy writer—the difficult part was getting a degree that related to his career goal. The Long Island native transferred to UB after spending a year at Buffalo State College.   When it was time for him to declare a major he chose psychology. “I was interested in what makes people tick and the roots of their behavior,” he says.

He admits that while he didn’t have any interest in pursuing the major as part of a career in psychology, he thought it might help him with creating his comedy routines.  Zweibel explains, “I thought maybe I’d learn more about people and what affected them and this would help me understand the people I wanted to reach and the people I wanted to make laugh.”

After Zweibel graduated from UB with a bachelor’s in psychology in 1972 he moved back to New York City to start his comedy career.  During a stand-up gig (that Zweibel admits he bombed), he had a life-changing meeting with producer Lorne Michaels, who saw potential in the young comedian. Michaels gave Zweibel a second chance to make him laugh and an opportunity of a lifetime—to become a writer for Michaels’ then nascent sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL).

One of the original SNL writers, Zweibel credits his time spent at UB for giving him some raw material for the groundbreaking comedy show.  “The people who made my generation laugh were the counterculture, and UB was a haven for that [during that period].” He adds, “It was very good life preparation because these were my reference points.”

Ironically, for someone who credits comedy for his success, Zweibel has written two best-selling books that focus on loss and grief.  He cites Woody Allen as an early comedy idol. “I like comedy that makes you think and runs the spectrum of human emotion.”

After his close friend, SNL colleague and comedian Gilda Radner, passed away from ovarian cancer, Zweibel wrote a memoir titled “Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner – A Sort of Love Story” that chronicled his friendship with her to help him deal with his grief about her death.  With the permission and blessing of Radner’s family, the proceeds of the best-selling book—and subsequent play—help fund Radner’s legacy, Gilda’s Club—the cancer support organization with chapters across the nation.

Zweibel’s other best-selling book, “Our Tree Named Steve,” was written for his children after a storm took down a beloved backyard tree. He wrote the book to cushion the blow from the loss.  The book has become recommended reading for children who have experienced a loss.

As a multi-Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and playwriter, Zweibel offers his insights into the world of showbiz as an active supporter and participant in UB’s Coast-to-Coast, a symposium on arts, entertainment and media designed for students and recent graduates looking to break into the field. He feels very strongly about encouraging future generations to go after their dreams in the entertainment industry and sharing his expertise with current UB students. Zweibel says it’s his way to give back to the university, but it’s also an experience close to his heart because he wishes he had had the mentoring when he was a student aspiring to become a success.  “Don’t let anybody tell you it can’t be done—I’m living proof of it.” he continues, “I’m personally offended by anybody who tells anybody else that they can’t pursue their dream.

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