Emil Steinberger, commonly known as Emil (/stəənbərɡər/steen-berger; born 6 January 1933), is a Swisscomedian, writer, director and actor. He is predominantly known as a comedian and actor in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. He has lived in New York City from 1993 to 1999, which inspired him for his book Emil via New York.[1]
He was born in Luzern to Rudolf and Creszentia Steinberger.[2] He had one sister, Hannah 'Hanny' and one brother, Rudolf 'Ruedi'. Already during his schooling years he was known as the class comedian.[3] In 1951, he started a commercial apprenticeship, with Swiss Post. After working as a counter clerk for nine years, he completed the Lucerne School of Design (today known as Fachklasse Grafik Luzern) and became a certified graphic designer. Back then he started acting part-time in a theater society known as Cabaradiesli in Lucerne.
Steinberger married his first wife, Maya Rudin, in 1966 and divorced in 1989. He has one son from this marriage, Philipp (b. 1967), as well as one illegitimate son Martin (b. 1981), which was conceived while still being married to his first wife.[4][5] Since 28 May 1999, he is married to German-born Nicole 'Niccel' Steinberger (b. 1965), a native of Wermelskirchen, whom he met in New York City.[6][7] They currently reside in Basel.[8][9]