His biographer in Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie (1887) wrote that he "received a very poor education and grew up, mostly left to his own devices, unrefined and ignorant.
The rich gifts of keen observation and quick wits, bestowed on him by nature, were unfortunately developed in pubs and taverns and in the company of like-minded comrades.
In 1782, with Franz Xaver Karl Gewey, he took over the Theater am Neustift "Zum weißen Fasan" ("The White Pheasant"), where he gave unpaid performances.
In 1785 he first appeared at the Theater in der Leopoldstadt, joining the company of Karl von Marinelli.
[3] Although he was popular as an actor in some comic roles, he was more important as a dramatist, and knew how to appeal to the public.