Wednesday, June 03, 2020

EP177: Meet comedy writer Billy Van Zandt


Billy Van Zandt has written on sitcoms for such stars as Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, Martin Lawrence, Richard Lewis, Andrew Dice Clay and many more.  It’s a wild journey I know you’re going to enjoy. 


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6 comments :

Craig Gustafson said...

I had a feeling that Billy Van Zandt would be the writer you teased about. I'm halfway through the book, which came yesterday. Such an excellent read. I directed a Van Zandt/Milmore play a couple of years ago, "Silent Laughter." A live-on-stage silent movie. I've been directing for 30 years and this was the hardest play I've ever done - including "The Producers" - because they basically wrote a Buster Keaton play, with some of his toughest stunts. I'm a MAJOR Van Zandt/Milmore fan. Great interview.

Liggie said...

Off-topic: RIP Mary Pat Gleason, veteran character actor most recently seen in "Mom". https://ew.com/celebrity/mary-pat-gleason-dead-mom-cinderella-story-actress/

Jeff Boice said...

Thanks. I remember watching (and enjoying) "Anything but Love" in the early second season (the time when Billy and Jane worked on it). But it was one of those shows people kept fiddling with- cast, premise, and time- to the point ABC was promoting "The All-New Anything but Love" which is the kiss of death.

Craig Gustafson said...

I got to attend a taping of "Anything But Love," on a night when John Ritter was performing.
I got to be in the same room with Jamie Lee Curtis.
And Ann Magnussen. In a red rubber bondage suit.
*sigh*

Kosmo13 said...

I'm sure the highlight of Billy Van Zandt's career so far has been autographing my 'Jaws 2' lobby card in 2016 and talking to me about his role on 'Life With Lucy.' He's probably saving that for Part 2 of the interview.

Billy is a nice guy and a great raconteur. I'm looking forward to reading his book.

Ryan said...

Loved him, he is one of my favorite playwrights.