Even the best actors get rejected countless times. Ken lists all the actors he and writing partner, David Isaacs have rejected for projects – often for good reasons, some for frustrating reasons (the network wouldn’t approve them), and some we just plain screwed up. But hopefully it will give heart to actors that rejections can’t deter talent or a great career.
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These were some interesting stories, Ken. I was kind of shocked to hear that Shelley auditioned for the Characters pilot, consider how you've mentioned that ill-fated vehicle a few times in podcasts but didn't bring that up. Very interesting to hear especially considering she had just come from Second City and probably knew quite a bit about the history of Elaine May.
Also, having almost cast Kirstie is funny to because you realize sort of what a small world it is within those networks.
I appreciate that you ended with the message that casting has many factors. That is both hopeful and scary for actors because you realize that there's the possibility that you aren't being rejected because you have no talent but at the same time you worry that small things will always hold you back...however, those are things you need to be prepared for and get used to when you choose that career.
Hi Ken: Freaky Friday question - when you discuss your kids professions, it seems one apple didn’t fall far from the comedy tree and the other fell straight to the Apple. But if they had to switch places for a day, how would it play out? Is Matt hilarious on the written page? Is Annie tech savvy?
Very interesting episode, but you were way off with Joe Piscopo. His tenure on SNL was Nov. 1980-May 1983, not the 1970s.
Thanks for the stories. Some of the names you mentioned I hadn't thought about in years. Sandy Dennis- it seemed the critics loved her at first, and then-click- they all decided she was annoying. And yes, and Eddie points out your memories on Joe Piscopo are off by a few years- he made a name for himself with that Sinatra impression and then he decided it was actually a Sinatra tribute.
Actually, Eddie, you're off by one year concerning Joe Piscopo's last month on "SNL".
Very interesting tidbits. One nit pick: It's champing at the bit, at least when a horse does it.
Instead of posting Natalie Wood photos as illustrations, perhaps occasionally use some of Janet Margolin.
This reminded me of growing up in Walla Walla in the 60s where we seldom got concerts. A group I never heard of came in 1970 to play and I didn't go to the concert. I was 12. I could have gone with a friend who did go.
The group was Chicago. Fast forward to last summer, Chigago played here in the Seattle area and sold out before we could get tickets.
I passed up on the Doobie Brothers there a few years later.
I wonder how long Dabney had that agent. The agent works for you. Every once in a while you have to make your own decsisions.
As others have pointed out, you're completely off on your Joe Piscopo chronology. He didn't start on SNL until 1980, and stayed through '84 -- and he didn't bulk up for a few years after that. Either you're misremembering the year of his audition for you, or you've muddled some later memories up with the actual audition process.
Shame about Anthony Zerbe. He was absolute dynamite as Lt. Trench on "Harry O". Watch any of the scenes between Zerbe and David Janssen ... they're often hugely funny, and both actors are clearly having the time of their lives.
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