Howard Storm, Acclaimed Director of Classic Sitcoms, Dies at 94
Howard Storm, a pioneering television director known for his work on iconic sitcoms like Mork &. Mindy, Laverne & Shirley and Rhoda, has passed away at the age of 94. The veteran filmmaker died of natural causes at his home in Beverly Hills, as confirmed by his son, Anthony Storm, to The Hollywood Reporter.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Howard Sobel on December 11, 1931, in New York City, Storm was the son of a vaudevillian, Jack Sobel, who performed with legends like Groucho Marx and Eddie Cantor. From a young age, Storm was immersed in show business, famously stating, “I knew from the age of two that I wanted to be in show business.” His early career included a comedy act with Lou Alexander, performing burlesque sketches in the Catskills and clubs across the U.S.
In 1959, Storm joined Lucille Ball’s Desilu Workshop, a training ground for aspiring actors. Though he later recalled Ball’s demanding personality, he formed connections that would shape his career. He also appeared in The Untouchables (1960) and honed his stand-up act at venues like the Copacabana and The Tonight Show, where he shared the stage with icons like Johnny Carson and Andy Williams.
Rise to Prominence in Television
Storm’s transition to directing began during his work on Woody Allen’s 1971 film bananas and 1972’s Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask. Though uncredited as a director, he famously “directed” Allen during filming, a role he described as “unofficially directing him.” This experience inspired Storm to shift his focus from comedy to directing.
His official directorial debut came in 1975 with an episode of Rhoda, starring Valerie Harper. He went on to direct 59 episodes of Mork & Mindy (1978–1991), including the one-hour pilot, and eight episodes of Laverne & Shirley. Storm’s collaboration with writer-producer Garry Marshall became a defining aspect of his career, with his work on Doc, Angie, and other MTM Enterprises comedies.
Notable Collaborations and Contributions
Storm’s career spanned decades, with directing credits on shows like Taxi, Fernwood Tonight, and Excellent Grief!. He also directed the 1985 film Once Bitten, featuring Jim Carrey in his first lead role. His ability to guide comedic talent, particularly Robin Williams on Mork & Mindy, was celebrated. Storm once noted, “You couldn’t sit on him; you had to let him rehearse and do everything he wanted to do.”
Beyond directing, Storm was a writer, actor, and advocate for the entertainment community. He co-wrote episodes of All in the Family and The Bob Newhart Show, and acted in films like Broadway Danny Rose (1984). He also founded “Yarmy’s Army,” a group of comedians who supported actor Dick Yarmy during his battle with cancer, a legacy of camaraderie in the industry.
Legacy and Impact
Storm’s influence on television is enduring. His work helped shape the golden era of sitcoms, and his memoir, The (Im)Perfect Storm: From Henry Street to Hollywood (2019), offers insights into his journey from stand-up comedian to director. A member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), he served on numerous negotiating committees and chaired the DGA Awards from 1996 to 2012.
Survived by his sons Anthony and Casey, daughter-in-law Julia, and grandsons Leo and Sidney, Storm’s legacy lives on through the shows he directed and the industry he helped elevate. As he once reflected, “It wasn’t like I’ll do this and then this and then this. Coming from my background, it’s amazing to me.”
Key Takeaways
- Howard Storm, a veteran television director, passed away at 94 after a career spanning classic sitcoms like Mork & Mindy and Laverne & Shirley.
- His journey from stand-up comedian to director included collaborations with Woody Allen and Garry Marshall, shaping the landscape of 1970s–80s television.
- Storm’s memoir and advocacy for the entertainment community highlight his multifaceted contributions to the industry.
- His legacy endures through the shows he directed and the camaraderie he fostered among peers.