[1][2] They emigrated to the United States in 1950,[1] where his father, originally a barber, eventually became a real estate developer in Toledo, Ohio, where Sandy and his brothers Ted and Tom were raised.

[2] Helberg relocated to New York City and studied acting with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

He has made numerous guest appearances on TV shows, including Trapper John, M.D., Remington Steele, Newhart, The Jeffersons, M*A*S*H, Married... with Children, The Wonder Years, Night Court, Fernwood 2 Night, Knight Rider, Too Close for Comfort, Get a Life, House Calls, Cybill, and Days of Our Lives among others.

Helberg and his wife Harriet wrote episodes for such television series as The Golden Girls, Perfect Strangers, Dear John, and Harry and the Hendersons.

Helberg has been married to Harriet Birnbaum,[3] a casting director, since 1975 and has two sons, Mason and actor Simon.