Upon graduation from high school, he served four years in the United States Air Force, where he became an airman first class.

Schell left for a season to star as a disc jockey in his own sitcom, Good Morning World.

Schell's gradual ascendency into the public's attention earned him the title "America's Slowest Rising Comedian".

In 2007, Schell was part of a touring cabaret show titled, 5 Star Revue with Gary Collins, Mary Ann Mobley, Ruta Lee, and Steve Rossi.

He starred in the 2009 off-Broadway production of Don't Leave it All to Your Children!, a comedic and musical revue dedicated to aging baby boomers.