WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Episode 578 - Harry Shearer
Feb 18, 2015
Harry Shearer, an iconic actor and comedian known for his work on The Simpsons and Spinal Tap, dives into his remarkable career and personal experiences. He reflects on his time with Saturday Night Live, sharing the thrills and challenges of navigating showbiz. Shearer discusses his connection to New Orleans, the absurdity of portraying Nixon, and the nuances of creative collaboration in comedy. Listeners will enjoy his insights on live performance, the pressures of the entertainment industry, and the uniqueness of improvisational comedy.
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Nixon As Human Dark Comedy
- Harry Shearer frames his Nixon reenactments as dark comedy drawn directly from tapes and transcripts.
- Performing the exact dialogue forces the material to reveal Nixon's human, sometimes goofy, side.
Refusing Induction At The Draft Board
- Harry Shearer recounts being invited three times to cross a draft-induction line and refusing each time.
- A lawyer later told him prosecutors wouldn't pursue him because of draft-board mistakes.
Child Radio Obsession And Jack Benny
- At age three Harry could name shows, networks, sponsors and cities, revealing early radio obsession.
- Jack Benny hugged him and later gave him a transcription signaling inclusion in the show.
