Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

161. Nathan Lane Returns: The Safest Thing You Can Do Is Take a Risk

Feb 24, 2025

Nathan Lane, an acclaimed actor celebrated for his comedic brilliance, joins the conversation to share captivating stories from his illustrious career. He opens up about his collaborations with legends like Mike Nichols and Robin Williams, and reflects on the dynamics of friendship in comedy. Nathan discusses his emotional journey with his character in the upcoming Hulu series 'Mid-Century Modern', emphasizing the importance of taking risks in life and performance. The episode is a heartfelt blend of nostalgia, humor, and camaraderie.

01:07:47

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Episode guests

Nathan Lane

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Quick takeaways

Nathan Lane discusses the deep bonds formed among comedians through shared experiences at comedy clubs, illustrating the nuances of adult friendships.

Lane shares personal encounters with iconic personalities, highlighting the anxiety and excitement that fame brings, even to seasoned actors.

The podcast emphasizes Lane's openness to unconventional roles and the importance of taking risks in his artistic career, reflecting personal growth.

Deep dives

The Influence of Friendship in Comedy

The podcast discusses the complex nature of friendships among comedians, emphasizing that many deep connections are built through shared experiences in comedy clubs. It highlights how comedians often wait back-to-back for their turns, leading to spontaneous conversations and bonds. The speaker reflects on how adult friendships can be particularly nuanced, noting the challenge of knowing when it is appropriate to reach out. This conversation showcases the blend of vulnerability and humor that characterizes relationships within the entertainment industry.

Intro

3min

The Comedy of Friendships

4min

From Stage Names to Family Ties

21min

Misinterpretations in Media

6min

Reflections with a Comedy Legend

13min

A Journey into Mid-Century Modern: Behind the Scenes of a New Hulu Series

2min

Reflections on Collaboration and Growth

19min

Celebrating Friendship and Supporting a Cause

3min

This week, the great Nathan Lane returns to Working it Out. Nathan recounts moments from his legendary career — discussing what it was like to work with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Robin Williams. He shares what he likes most in a director, who he’s jealous of, and what he remembers of twenty-something year old Mike. Plus, an incredible story about working with Joaquin Phoenix on the film Beau is Afraid. Nathan’s new highly-anticipated series, Mid-Century Modern, drops March 28 on Hulu.

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