Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) Fred Armisen
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Jun 25, 2025 Fred Armisen, the multi-talented comedian and musician known for his work on Saturday Night Live and Portlandia, chats with Ted Danson about his fascinating journey. Fred reveals the surprising truths about his ancestry discovered on Finding Your Roots and reflects on his transition from drumming in bands to comedy. He shares humorous anecdotes from his early days with the Blue Man Group and the creative evolution of Portlandia. Their engaging conversation highlights the interconnectedness of music and comedy, showcasing Fred's unique artistic perspective.
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Discovering True Ancestry
- Fred Armisen discovered his true ancestry wasn't Japanese but Korean on Finding Your Roots.
- His grandfather's identity switch reflected the racism Koreans faced in Japan.
Connecting History to Self
- Learning about ancestors in historical context connects people emotionally to history.
- It makes history vivid and personal rather than dry or abstract.
Drumming Inspiration from Brazil
- Fred fell in love with drums watching Brazilian samba parades as a kid in Brazil.
- The Beatles' drum intro in 'I Am The Walrus' inspired him to become a drummer.
