Punchline backdrop

Punchline 1988 Directed by David Seltzer

Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.

Lilah Krytsick is a mother and housewife who's always believed she could be a stand-up comedian. Steven Gold is an experienced stand-up seemingly on the cusp of success. When the two meet, they form an unlikely friendship, and Steven tries to help the untried Lilah develop her stage act. Despite the objections of her family and some very wobbly beginnings, Lilah improves, and soon she finds herself competing with Steven for a coveted television spot.

Country USA
Production Country USA
Language English
Spoken Language English
Gneres Comedy , Drama
Production Company Columbia Pictures
Budget $15,000,000
Revenue $21,032,267
Release Date 7 October 1988
123 mins
Cast
Sally Field Lilah Krytsick
Tom Hanks Steven Gold
John Goodman John Krytsick
Kim Greist Madeline Urie
Taylor Negron Albert Emperato
Pam Matteson Utica Blake
George McGrath Brian, the Singing Nun
Joycee Katz Joycee
Mac Robbins Billy Lane
Max Alexander Mister Ball
Paul Kozlowski Jerry Petroviak
Barry Sobel Robyn Green
Marty Pollio Juggling Comic
Casey Sander Ernie the Bartender
Michael Pollock Piano Player
Wanda Balay Waitress of the Gas Station
Tiffany Terry Waitress of the Gas Station
Christiane Eden Waitress of the Gas Station
Renna Bogdanowicz Waitress of the Gas Station
Susan Michael Waitress of the Gas Station
Kimberly L. Ryusaki Waitress of the Gas Station
Consuela Nance Waitress of the Gas Station
Barbara Collier Waitress of the Gas Station
Darunee Doa Hale Waitress of the Gas Station
Andrea Adams Waitress of the Gas Station
Marcy Del Campos Waitress of the Gas Station
Candace Cameron Bure Carrie Krytsick
Laura Jacoby Jenny Krytsick
Bianca Rose Heidi Krytsick
Ron Ulstad Madeline's Boss
Howard Weller Crew-Cut Talent Scout
Richard Parker Talent Scout with Glasses
George Wallace Man with Arm in Cast
Andrew Parker Boy on Gurney
Randy Fechter Young Doctor
Bob Zmuda Audience Participants and Hecklers
Mark Eric Charbonneau Audience Participants and Hecklers (as Mark Helm)
John Kirby Marketing Man
George D. Wallace Doctor Wishniak (as George D. Wallace)
Sam H. Ginsburg Sam, The Laughing Patient
Cameron Thor Audience Participants and Hecklers
James C. Lewis Audience Participants and Hecklers
George Novogroder Audience Participants and Hecklers
Suzanne Rains Audience Participants and Hecklers
Susan Avants Audience Participants and Hecklers
Scott Williams Audience Participants and Hecklers
Carin Badger Audience Participants and Hecklers
Sharon Stein Audience Participants and Hecklers
Eva Dunlap Audience Participants and Hecklers
Melissa Tufeld Mark's Wife
Susie Essman Lilah's Hairdresser
Joey Vega Waiter in Coffee Shop
Ben Hartigan Older Clergyman
Jimmy Brogan Younger Clergyman
Crane Jackson Second Faculty Examiner
Rich Ramirez Taxi Driver
Mike Starr Man with Bullhorn
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