The Man Who Only Wanted Respect: Rodney Dangerfield

Salesman by Day, Comedian by Night

Dangerfield found work as a stand-up comedian in any place he could find during his late teens and through most of his 20s. But he found only minimal success and had to resort to getting a “regular” job, selling aluminum siding to make ends meet and provide for his family.

Rodney Dangerfield poses for a portrait.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

He spent several years off stage until he got the show business bug once again. He started selling aluminum siding by day and performing stand-up in the Catskills at night. Still, his career wasn’t moving, and eventually, his failure ruined his marriage.

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