Fresh Air Richard Kind Is Glad He’s Not Super Famous
10 snips
Dec 31, 2025 
Richard Kind, a versatile character actor and comedian, shares his unique perspective on fame and performance. He discusses his role as the sidekick on 'Everybody's Live with John Mulaney' and the chaos of live comedy. Richard reflects on why he prefers being relatively anonymous and contrasts his life with ultra-famous friends. He also reminisces about his Broadway beginnings, working with Stephen Sondheim, and his self-doubt despite a big ego. With funny anecdotes from his father’s jewelry store and his acting career, Kind keeps the conversation lively and entertaining.
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Fame Feels Like A Prison
- Richard Kind describes why he prefers being widely recognized but not super-famous, likening extreme fame to a prison.
- He contrasts walking freely in New York with friends who became trapped by celebrity and lost ordinary life.
Don't Chase The Big Time
- Never chase "the big time," Richard Kind advises, arguing it breeds desperation and infighting.
- He recommends aiming for the "medium time" and steady work instead of top celebrity status.
Huge Ego, No Confidence
- Richard Kind says he feels like a fraud daily despite a big ego and long career.
- He balances constant self-doubt with reassurance that he's "good enough to never stink."
