Barry Levinson entered the entertainment business as a comic writer and performer, forming a stand-up duo with actor Craig T. Nelson and, with Nelson and Rudy DeLuca, wrote for several TV programs like "The Tim Conway Show" (CBS, 1970) and "The John Byner Comedy Hour" (CBS, 1972). His work on "The Carol Burnett Show," earned him back-to-back Emmy Awards (shared with others) for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series" (1973/74, 1974/75) before he graduated to film work. With Mel Brooks, Levinson co-scripted and appeared in both "Silent Movie" (1976) and "High Anxiety" (1977),
