Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve

Kenan Thompson

Here's a great career arc -- go from appearing in kid's movies and shows to starring in your own movie, then join Saturday Night Live and stay there for 23 years (and counting). Of course there is only one Kenan Thompson, but his career is so much more than his record setting SNL stint. What's the secret sauce? Being easy to work with helps, there is also Kenan's gift (in the words of an SNL head writer) for this ability to take "ordinary lines and make them funny and funny lines and make them special". Along the way Kenan also has set the record for most celebrity impressions by an SNL cast member. But what's next for Kenan -- more SNL for sure, but he is also busy with more movies, sitcoms, and award show hosting duties. He also has a show with pal Kevin Hart just riffing on sports -- it's good to be Kenan! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Kenan first broke out as a child actor in D2 The Mighty Ducks, then as a cast member on Nickelodeon's hit show All That. https://youtu.be/3FtmsZ17FZE?si=CeP8gvfaMrWr7uXD

 

Anyone who has watched SNL in recent years has surely seen Kenan absolutely nail an impression of Steve Harvey hosting Family Feud. https://youtu.be/AafBunu-k2U?si=t9SVaZRfUmoSTBTH

 

On SNL Kenan is a master of characters and this take on an imaginary BET show with a very enthusiastic host is a fan favorite. https://youtu.be/3HAiKX97AZI?si=rBA2eoHkXavEzwv4

 

Kenan has a new sports show with Kevin Hart on Prime Video. It's just a couple of great comics riffing on sports -- so of course it's hilarious. https://youtu.be/uxgGjuAjEUA?si=9EVMpY38QNAI20NQ

 

Robin Duke

This time out we meet the only woman to be a cast member of both SCTV and SNL -- and no, it's not Catherine O'Hara. Say hello to Robin Duke, another product of the stellar Canadian comedy scene. A veteran of Second City Toronto, Robin was there when SCTV was launched in the mid-1970s as a recurring cast member, moving up to the full cast in season three. Lorne Michaels had convinced Catherine O'Hara to join SNL, but a week iwas enough for Catherine to decide that SCTV was more her style. Enter Robin, who stayed with the cast until a major shakeup in 1984. At SNL Robin created a number of standout characters (Wendy Whiner anyone?) and after the show she took her talents into film and television, as well as an all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe. With trademark Canadian modesty the group was named "Women Fully Clothed" and they have toured all over the world. And in a nice full circle moment, in 2016 Robin joined fellow SCTV cast members Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara in the hit CBC show Schitt's Creek. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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While at SNL, Robin played many characters -- none more memorable (at least in the nails on chalkboard sense) was long-suffering and long-complaining Wendy Whiner. https://www.reddit.com/r/LiveFromNewYork/s/BWOXoPIwT6

Robin's time at SCTV was before the show began airing in a 90 minute format on SCTV, but her clips are worth searching out online -- including this bit in which Robin plays Mollie Earl, the host of Crazy Crafts. https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs?

In 2003 Robin started one of Canada's funniest exports -- the all-female, all-Canadian comedy troupe "Women Fully Clothed". https://youtu.be/yQA0n2xTeUs?si=_YcXcSPF574nKFn2

Robin scored a juicy recurring role on the CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek -- and it was a fine reunion with her SCTV pals Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara.https://youtu.be/qTZUGFYCzYU?si=OClFL_L1AXhPhHhF

Damon Fayans

One of the funniest -- and edgiest -- sketch shows of the 1990s was In Living Color which introduced many of us to the Wayans family (and Jim Carrey to boot). And one of the edgiest parts of that edgiest sketch show was Damon Wayans, brother of show creator Keenan Ivory Wayans and a fearless satirist. Whether it was a homeboy with great money making ideas, a supremely flamboyant gay film reviewer, or a misanthropic clown Damon's characters always left you with a "can they say that" moment. A fine standup comic, as well as an actor and writer, Damon also racked up numerous movie credits, an armful of awards, and a best selling book along the way. He's still active so there is no doubt more to come, but we suspect one of his proudest achievements was in true Wayans' fashion making it a family affair when he starred with his son Damon Jr in the sitcom Poppa's house. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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In Living Color reveled in blasting apart stereotypes -- or reinforcing them -- your pick. Either way, the Homeboys (Damon and brother Keenan) were huge hits. https://youtu.be/FSRQKSqvmvk?si=JPyk2SkwLnlats8W

One of Damon's classic characters was Homey D. Clown, a misanthropic kids entertainer who reminds us that "Homey don't play that". https://youtu.be/_QhuBIkPXn0?si=eUqZNbPKbzpmF3z8

Damon has retired from standup but his old sets are worth a listen -- like this one about encountering a miffed Mike Tyson. https://youtu.be/YyQSYZwLFmo?si=j_fqmME-M_w-n-9B

Colin Jost

Over its 50+ years Saturday Night Live has had many star making (and breaking) moments, including the coveted role of anchor on the show's Weekend Update news report. But when Seth Meyers departed that role for his own late night gig, who could have guessed that his successor would become the longest running anchor in show history. Colin Jost was born for the role, editing his high school newspaper, then becoming a cub reporter, then sending in a writing packet to SNL and getting hired in 2005. From there he became head writer, then he stepped into the Weekend Update slot which he (and long-time co-anchor Michael Che) have made must watch material. What will he do for an encore -- marry Scarlett Johansen? As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.

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The twice-yearly SNL joke swap has become a fun fixture of the show. In it, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che write jokes for each other that they must read live on air for the first time. Needless to say the results are gleefully inappropriate. https://youtu.be/-1uC5tBGlNg?si=rUKdClWZPf8JnQyy

Colin's standup covers a broader range than Weekend Update, as in this bit from the Just for Laughs Festival. https://youtu.be/yPSFJwORLH0?si=8XsmAPKM7qdvATsn

Most recently Colin has scored a major sketch role with his amped up portrayal of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. https://youtu.be/vZb1WO1_lGI?si=t0gKHXoxaP88w32b

 

Michael Palin

Whether you want to sell a dead parrot to an unsuspecting customer, travel around the world with a wry view of life, or simply figure out why a fish is called Wanda -- Michael Palin is your man. The creator of many of Monty Python's most beloved sketches, Palin carved out a fine post-Python career as the host of numerous BBC travel shows, as well as a full resume of character roles such as that of Ken Pile, a stuttering gangster, in A Fish Called Wanda. What did the public think of Michael? How about four Bafta awards and an appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Just don't ask too many questions -- you don't want him to think it's some sort of Spanish Inquisition! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Another Palin classic was this long running gag about some people you would never expect. https://youtu.be/psMMKgvpGfg?si=mkTPwDC9wMC5hUpu

Michael was at the center of many classic Python bits, including this musical tribute to the men of the woods! https://youtu.be/B6mzobwTYyo?si=Riix_96cfDIrNZmS

Michael had a huge post-Python career hosting a series of witty travel programs for the BBC. Not bad work if you can get it! https://youtu.be/jXddPTxv8DM?si=fgUNl6S6BStyeqFR

Michael is a fine character actor and his role as stuttering gangster Ken Pile in A Fish Called Wanda is one of his best. https://youtu.be/4vsFC6Gt2EE?si=1ATBkJEGlBBIVa7R

Jack E. Leonard

Grab a hi-ball and cue the rimshot, Jack E. Leonard is in the house. From Friars' Club roasts to tv variety shows to nightclub appearances Jack's routine never varied. He offered up a stream of comedy insults no doubt inspiring a young Don Rickles. Jack's insults were equal opportunity -- and he included himself in the mix frequently poking fun as his weight (who else makes a movie called "The Fat Spy"). One liners abounded in Jack's comedy storehouse but it was hard to convince younger audiences to give him a chance. Maybe that's why in 1968 he went on the Smothers Brothers comedy hour and guess what, he unloaded both barrels on Tom and Dick (who were pretty good a slinging barb as well). It didn't lead to a new and younger audience, but no matter, Jack remained an honored member of the Hollywood comedy scene where they knew his gibes were never meant to hurt. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.

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The Friars Club is known for their roasts, especially those in the 1950s and 60s that were uncensored. Here Jack lays waste to Ed Sullivan. https://youtu.be/rxjP6evUJp4?si=p-jUm79ATyfBO8v5

In 1968 in search of a younger audience Jack went on the Smothers Brothers Comedy and had a little old school fun with Tom and Dick. https://youtu.be/nZT356f84HU?si=e_6bDlT_ETTWX2u3

Jack's quick wit and sharp style made him a natural for the talk show circuit. Here he is on Merv Griffin in 1966.https://youtu.be/xrK1nWwOIjg?si=QPO5JlNsrvxdsDD7

Arte Johnson

Anyone who came of age in the late 1960s is bound to have a soft spot in their comedy heart for Arte Johnson, a versatile comic and master of dialects who boarded the fame express when he joined the cast of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. Originally pursuing Broadway roles, Arte saw the future in the television industry and decamped for Los Angeles in the mid 1950s. He build a resume of guest spots before landing his Laugh In role in 1968. He played over 60 characters on Laugh In, including some (such as an observant German soldier, a doddering dirty old man, and a Russian named Rosmenko who could sing, dance, or joke about America. After Laugh In, Arte settled into a fine career of sitcoms, variety shows, game shows and audiobook readings. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Here's an assignment most would shrink from -- teach Jack Benny how to tell a joke. But for Arte, it was just another day working the boom microphone. https://youtu.be/HROeLKVAQIQ?si=QyKiplnRAd58TREV

A master of dialects, Arte created a Russian character named Rosmenko -- not sure a word of actual Russian was spoken, but this version of Mack the Knife (also featuring Bobby Darin) is a gem. https://youtu.be/43I1zrL3FgE?si=YzikSt_QFTR6sf2v

Arte had many standout characters on Laugh In and one of the best was Tyrone Horneigh who would attempt to seduce women (principally Ruth Buzzi's Gladys Ormphby) with typically bad (for Tyrone at least) results. https://youtu.be/E2IF8HejE1w?si=31DeDx2zZAuupL8w

Cloris Leachman

In the 1970s and 80s you couldn't go to the movies without running into this week's legend Cloris Leachman. While the Oscar that catapulted her to stardom was for a drama (The Last Picture Show), here we remember her for bushels of laughs, expertly delivered on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Phyllis spinoff, and in some of Mel Brooks' classic films (notably Young Frankenstein). After that burst of activity, Cloris continued on with movie and television guest roles, picking up more Emmy awards along the way. A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Cloris also has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Stop by sometime and say "Blucher" - you just might hear a horse off in the distance. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.

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When Cloris joined the cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show she brought just the right mix of snark, snobbery, and sweet to the role of Phyllis Lindstrom. https://youtu.be/Gw2GOvsd3Sg?si=l-WJcrCe2MvSeMB6

We mentioned the great bit about Frau Blucher that ran throughout Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. And here it is! https://youtu.be/nx8LjVmoSZk?si=DrlyiU_5_ZGuFvaA

Later in her career Cloris had a recurring role on Malcolm in the Middle, picking up two Emmy's along the way. https://www.reddit.com/.../one_of_the_great_scenes.../...

Stephen Colbert

This time out we honor Stephen Colbert whose amazing career has seen him conquer the worlds of improv comedy, avant-garde sitcoms, avant garde sketch comedy (including one of tv's greatest comedy bombs), The Daily Show (and his own spinoff), and a late night talk show. Not bad for a kid from South Carolina who says he was an indifferent student -- we disagree, at least when it comes to comedy. And, if you want to see Stephen in talk show mode, act fast -- CBS is ending its longtime late night show May 21. But with 11 Emmys, 2 Grammys, and a Peabody Award under his belt, we suspect that Stephen won't stay idle for long. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Stephen had a key role in creating the cult fave sitcom Strangers with Candy, also playing a science teacher who has strayed from the path. https://youtu.be/6uPEeV5Ep2U?si=oQfffmM0_PoqHwUG

After several years on the Daily Show adopting the persona of a conservative talk show host, Stephen scored a spinoff -- The Colbert Report -- that ran for almost a decade. https://youtu.be/MBPgXjkfBXM?si=6Xrip-JJY89c50KO

Given his many comedy personas over the years no one quite knew when to expect when Stephen took the helm of the Late Show from David Letterman. We need not have worried -- he was made for the gig. https://youtu.be/_642piuR-Pw?si=j-prXZYTPS8M-yZ6

Marty Feldman

The eyes have it -- at least they do if you are Marty Feldman who came of comedy age along with the Pythons and other masters of British absurdity. Starting off as a comedy writer, Marty soon found roles in front of the camera as well with turns in "At Last the 1948 Show" and his own shows "Marty" and "The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine". And if you don't know him from those, how about his delightful turn as Igor in Mel Brooks' masterpiece "Young Frankenstein". A chain smoker for most of his life, Marty passed on far too soon, but he leaves a most impressive body of work -- and one more time -- those eyes! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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Marty's eyes were the subject of a novelty hit by comedian Bruce "Baby-man" Baum. Here's Marty Feldman Eyes. https://youtu.be/k-Wb80MW6c4?si=Rr30BrFVUTLu3r-T

As head writer for the Frost Report Marty was at the forefront of British satire in the 1960s. Here's a very pointed sketch he penned about the British class system. https://fb.watch/Gu53QDMWUo/

 

At Last the 1948 Show teamed up Marty with other future legends Graham Chapman and John Cleese -- along with other British comedy luminaries. Here's Marty in a role often played later by Michael Palin and John Cleese slow burning as only he can. https://fb.watch/Gu50pQvIX6/

 

Marty had a huge breakout moment as Igor in Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein. Just make sure you pronounce it correctly! https://youtu.be/F8BvfHSjwqw?si=JhCk41xm8iKR_Ani