Wednesday, December 11, 2019

EP153: What it takes to be a good Comic Actor


Ken puts on his director hat and shares his thoughts on how to become a good comic actor. And he offers some great examples.


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9 comments :

Michael said...

Wouldn't the simple answer be, watch Harry Morgan and do what he did?

Jeff Boice said...

I realize it's the year 2019. but every time you mentioned a comic, then paused to explain who they were (Sid Caesar, W.C. Fields for instance) you reminded me how old I am getting.

Mike Barer said...

Even though this podcast was geared to actors and aspiring actors, I found it very entertaining.

VincentS said...

Been studying everyone on your list for years, Ken except Charles Grodin (just kidding). And you read my mind about Ray Romano! I could see his improvement as I watched the show through the years. And thank God for YouTube!

Joe said...

When you talked about reacting to other actors, one of the best was Larry Fine. Moe got to be the leader and dish out the pain, and Curly and Shemp were generally nuts. Sometimes Larry didn't have a lot of lines, but his reactions added a lot.

Joe said...

When you talked about reacting to other actors, one of the best was Larry Fine. Moe got to be the leader and dish out the pain, and Curly and Shemp were generally nuts. Sometimes Larry didn't have a lot of lines, but his reactions added a lot.

Brian Phillips said...

Wonderful episode (as they usually are), although, rather than go down the rabbit hole of who was not mentioned at the end of the show (WHAT, no Charlie Butterworth?), I would add a note to your commentary on Candice Bergen as Murphy Brown:

Your argument is valid about her delivery, however, if you look at the first season, her delivery has not settled into the usual rhythm, but it is stilted. Bergen was buoyed by good writing (albeit buoyed by many topical references) and an AMAZING supporting cast that clicked almost immediately.

FRIDAY QUESTION: What do you consider good comic performances in films/Television shows that aren't considered comedies? For example, Thelma Ritter in "All About Eve" and "Rear Window" showed why she was nominated for so many Oscars. For TV, Clyde Kusatsu did a great job in a one-off role in "Wiseguy". Both of these actors had the drollest delivery and each line was a gem.

Brian Phillips said...

P.S. You mentioned both W.C. Fields and John Cleese. While Woody Allen is unashamed to say that he imitated Bob Hope, by the same token, Cleese is also a fan of Fields.

Pat Reeder said...

I have a story to support your endorsement of improv for actors to boost their comedic skills. My wife majored in theater and one of her friends was a guy who really seemed to struggle. She said he was very nice and tried hard, but she was afraid he'd never be able to master the craft.

About twenty years later, she reconnected with him. He'd joined an improv group and over time, became the standout member. We went to see them, and she said she couldn't believe it was the same guy. He was quick-witted, lightning fast and especially great at physical slapstick and getting laughs just with facial expressions, like Sid Caesar. He had also landed lots of commercials and industrial video roles. Sadly, he died much too young. We attended a memorial service at a local theater which was packed with fellow actors who talked about how hilarious he was, how great it was to work with him and how much they learned from him.