Dying to Do Letterman

Steve Mazan is one wacky guy. After learning he had inoperable liver cancer, the standup comedian incorporated his illness into his routine, announcing his Top Ten Benefits of Catching Cancer. This riff on David Letterman's Top Ten list is no coincidence-Steve's life goal is to appear on Letterman's Late Show. Since doctors give him only a few years to live, his diagnosis just makes him work harder and faster. DYING TO DO LETTERMAN directors Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina, a Parma native, become part of Steve's team. He works to convince Dave he deserves to be on the show by virtue of his comedic talent, not by virtue of his illness. He cajoles friends of friends to hook him up with the elusive Eddie Brill, the all-powerful booker for Dave's show. He deals with mounting medical bills, bankruptcy, bouts of depression, and self-doubt. But he never gives up. With influences ranging from Richard Pryor to Fozzie Bear, Steve is an inspiration to funny and not-so-funny people everywhere. His motto? “Live your dream, or die trying. Can you think of a better way to spend the rest of your life?” — B.B.