Ronny Sianturi
Howard Storm, a pivotal figure in television directing whose career transitioned from the punchlines of stand-up comedy to the authoritative command of the director’s chair for beloved sitcoms such as Rhoda, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, and Valerie, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 94. His son, Anthony Storm, confirmed his father’s death, stating it was due to natural causes.
Storm’s passing marks the end of an era for a generation of viewers who grew up with the laugh tracks and memorable characters he helped bring to life. His extensive body of work represents a significant contribution to the golden age of television comedy, shaping the visual and comedic rhythm of shows that remain cultural touchstones.
From Comedy Stages to Television Sets: A Multifaceted Career
Born Howard Sobel on December 11, 1931, in the bustling Lower East Side of New York City, Storm’s early life was steeped in the world of entertainment. The third of three children, he was the son of Jack Sobel, a vaudevillian and burlesque performer who was once part of the same "The Crazy Kids" company that featured legendary figures like Groucho Marx, Eddie Cantor, and Fanny Brice. This theatrical heritage undoubtedly sowed the seeds for Storm’s lifelong ambition. "I knew from the age of two that I wanted to be in show business," Storm recounted in a 2008 interview with the Television Academy Foundation. This early conviction set him apart from his childhood peers, who harbored more conventional aspirations of becoming policemen, firemen, or even gangsters, professions he noted many of his friends ultimately achieved.
His initial foray into the entertainment industry was as a comedian. In his youth, alongside high school friend Lou Alexander, he formed the comedy duo "Storm & Gale." They honed their craft performing burlesque sketches in the Catskills and various clubs across Boston and Key West, Florida. When Alexander was called to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, Storm continued his stand-up career solo. His talent and unique perspective quickly gained traction. He performed in renowned comedy clubs such as Mister Kelly’s in Chicago, the hungry i in San Francisco, and the iconic Copacabana in New York. His appearances on national television included multiple spots on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Merv Griffin Show, sometimes even performing alongside his father. His burgeoning career as a comedian also saw him opening for artists like Andy Williams and sharing the stage with other emerging talents.
A Pivotal Apprenticeship: Learning from the Masters
Storm’s journey took a significant turn when he joined Lucille Ball’s Desilu Workshop in the late 1950s. This program, established by Ball in 1958, served as a vital incubator for young talent, providing a training ground for actors who would later feature in her successful productions. It was within this environment that Storm met future Hollywood Reporter columnist and TCM host Robert Osborne, as well as his first wife, singer Marilyn Lovell.
While Storm acknowledged Lucille Ball’s significant role in his early career, he also described their relationship as complex. "Lucy didn’t like me," Storm candidly shared in a 2013 interview with Kliph Nesteroff. He expressed frustration at not being cast in comedy sketches, despite his background as a comedian. Ball’s directive style, which he found challenging, often involved her attempting to shape his performances to mirror her own comedic persona, a direction Storm felt was not authentic to his style. "I said to her, ‘Lucy, that’s what you do. I don’t do that.’ Anyway, that was Desilu," he recalled.
A more formative, albeit informal, directorial experience came through his work with Woody Allen. Storm served as a stand-in for Allen on the films Bananas (1971) and Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask (1972). During these productions, Storm found himself observing and offering directorial suggestions. He recalled how, after Allen’s scenes were shot, the cinematographer and sound technician would offer their own feedback, but there was no central directorial voice. "So [he and Allen] would make eye contact, and I’d say, ‘No, I think you should do it again, and maybe this time, try this or try that.’ So I was unofficially directing him," Storm explained. This hands-on experience, combined with his keen observation of Allen’s directorial process, provided invaluable insights into the craft of filmmaking, a stark contrast to his comedic aspirations. It was during this period, while serving as a stand-in and meticulously tracking every shot and lens used, that Storm began to seriously consider a career in directing. He realized that his comedic path might have a limited ceiling, potentially confining him to opening acts for singers indefinitely, a prospect that did not align with his ambitions.
A Directorial Debut and a Golden Age of Television Comedy
Storm made his official directorial debut in 1975 with an episode of the critically acclaimed CBS sitcom Rhoda, starring Valerie Harper. He went on to direct five more episodes in the show’s second season. This pivotal opportunity arose through his connections within the industry. He had directed a production of Terrence McNally’s play Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone? which caught the attention of Rhoda co-creator Allan Burns. Burns subsequently hired Storm to fill in when the show’s regular director, Robert Moore, left to direct the film Murder by Death. Storm’s existing friendships with Valerie Harper, from their time in the improv group The Committee, and Rhoda producer David Davis, whose children attended the same playgroup as his own, further solidified his placement on the show.
His success on Rhoda quickly led to further opportunities. He directed eight episodes of another MTM Enterprises comedy, Doc, during the 1975-76 season. This period marked the beginning of a significant association with writer-producer Garry Marshall, a titan of television comedy. Under Marshall’s umbrella, Storm helmed a remarkable number of episodes for some of ABC’s most popular sitcoms. He directed eight episodes of Laverne & Shirley between 1976 and 1978, and an astounding 59 episodes of Mork & Mindy, including the pilot episode, from 1978 to 1991. He also directed three episodes of the Donna Pescow-starring Angie in 1979, including its pilot.
Storm’s directorial prowess extended to the feature film world as well. He directed Once Bitten (1985), a horror-comedy starring Lauren Hutton and notably marking the first leading role for a young Jim Carrey.
Navigating the Nuances of Genius: The Mork & Mindy Experience
Storm’s tenure on Mork & Mindy provided him with a unique insight into the comedic brilliance of Robin Williams. Within days of beginning work on the series, Storm recognized Williams’ extraordinary talent. "Robin Williams was a genius," he stated. "The trick I found with him was you could not sit on him, you could not stop him, you had to let him rehearse and do everything he wanted to do and get it out of his system. Then you could start to peel away." This approach allowed Williams’ improvisational energy to flourish while still maintaining narrative coherence and comedic timing, a testament to Storm’s understanding of managing a truly unique talent.
Despite the creative successes, Storm’s time in television was not without its challenges. He departed Mork & Mindy after three years to work on the sitcom Taxi, an experience he later described as "unpleasant." This indicates that even within successful productions, the creative and working environments could vary significantly.
A Prolific and Enduring Legacy
Storm’s directorial credits span a vast landscape of television comedy and drama, showcasing his versatility and enduring presence in the industry. Beyond the Garry Marshall productions, he directed for numerous other popular shows, including Fernwood Tonight, Fish, Too Close for Comfort, Joanie Loves Chachi, Gimme a Break!, Amanda’s, Brothers, Faerie Tale Theatre, The Redd Foxx Show, Perfect Strangers, Full House, Good Grief!, Head of the Class, Daddy Dearest, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Kenan & Kel. His work on Valerie saw him directing Valerie Harper for the first two seasons before her departure from the show due to a contract dispute. He also directed Harper on City, a short-lived 1990 CBS series. Storm’s ability to connect with actors and guide their performances, as evidenced by his relationship with Harper, was a hallmark of his directing style.
In addition to his directing achievements, Storm also contributed as a writer. Alongside his writing partner Paul Lichtman, he penned episodes for iconic shows such as All in the Family (including the memorable "Archie Feels Left Out" episode), The Bob Newhart Show, The Partridge Family, and Happy Days. His acting credits also include appearances on That Girl, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Chico and the Man, and several feature films, including Woody Allen’s Take the Money and Run (1969), Steelyard Blues (1973), Tunnel Vision (1976), American Hot Wax (1978), Broadway Danny Rose (1984), and Valentine’s Day (2010).
Community and Mentorship Beyond the Set
Storm’s commitment to his fellow artists extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was part of a group of comedians, including Louis Nye, Tom Poston, Howard Morris, Ronnie Schell, Harvey Korman, Hank Bradford, and Bill Dana, who formed "Yarmy’s Army." This group rallied around actor Dick Yarmy during his battle with lung cancer, organizing weekly dinners to uplift and entertain him. Though Yarmy passed away in 1992, the spirit of "Yarmy’s Army" endured. The group continued to meet, albeit with changing members, offering support to struggling actors and comedians, most recently gathering at Factor’s Famous Deli on Pico Boulevard. This initiative highlights Storm’s compassionate nature and his dedication to fostering a supportive community within the often-challenging entertainment industry.
Storm also remained active in industry organizations, serving on numerous Directors Guild of America (DGA) negotiating committees. He held the significant role of chairman of the DGA Awards from 1996 to 2012, a testament to his dedication to the guild and its members. Furthermore, he shared his knowledge by teaching improv and managing boxers, demonstrating a wide range of interests and a desire to mentor others.
A Life Well-Lived and Remembered
In 2019, Storm published his memoir, The (Im)Perfect Storm: From Henry Street to Hollywood, offering a personal chronicle of his remarkable journey. Reflecting on his career in his Television Academy Foundation interview, Storm expressed a sense of wonder at the breadth of his accomplishments. "Directing Mork & Mindy was the most exciting time of my career, [but] I’m shocked with all the things I did. It just happened," he said. "It wasn’t like I’ll do this and then this and then this. Coming from my background, it’s amazing to me." This sentiment underscores a life lived with passion, adaptability, and a touch of serendipity, where talent and opportunity converged to create an indelible mark on American popular culture.
Howard Storm is survived by his sons, Anthony and Casey; his daughter-in-law, Julia; and his grandsons, Leo and Sidney. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ridgely, a contributing editor at Town & Country, who passed away in January. His legacy lives on through the countless hours of laughter and joy he helped create for audiences worldwide and the enduring impact he had on the careers of many in the entertainment industry.
