Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade RE-RELEASE - Al Franken
Nov 29, 2025
Al Franken, a former SNL star turned U.S. Senator, shares hilarious and insightful anecdotes from his comedy career. He recalls crafting iconic sketches like the bleeding Julia Child bit and working with legends like John Belushi. The conversation dives into the challenges of edgy humor, political satire, and the thrill of live performances. Franken reminisces about collaboration in the writers' room and reflects on how the transition from comedy to politics shaped his voice. This episode is packed with laughter and a glimpse into the world of comedic genius.
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Improv Training Shaped Sketch Success
- Al Franken and Tom Davis used improv training from Dudley Riggs' Brave New Workshop to create sketches by spotting objects and timing physical bits.
- Their "Julia Child bleeding" sketch succeeded because they timed a prop phone and insecticide sprayer perfectly on air.
Take Improv To Build Sketch Tools
- Take improv classes early to develop spontaneous scene tools like object-based choices and timing.
- Al advises improv for any aspiring comedian to build skills you can't get from stand-up alone.
Handling John Belushi's Decline
- Al described confronting John Belushi when Belushi was drug-addled, calmly reading lines to him to get a usable performance.
- He never saw physical violence from Belushi, just an intimidating bearing and poor treatment of women writers.
