Unlikely Equation

Merciless beating equals comedic genius? Dad's evil yields son's funny? That is Steve Martin's story and he is sticking to it in his November autobiography, "Born Standing Up."

Mr. "Wild and Crazy Guy," and lead in "Father of the Bride" movies and "Cheaper by the Dozen" among others, has had an extraordinary career as a comedian, actor and (screen)writer. It's been magic:



He's had it all — recently even a surprise wedding — but he hasn't had kids. Dad's influence too?

** How many places do you find the father's influence in the finished product of a child's life? **