Bruce Vilanch, an Emmy-winning writer famed for his work on the Oscars, shares tales from his rich career. He reminisces about writing jokes for comedy legends like Bette Midler and Joan Rivers. The conversation dives into the art of tailoring humor to various voices and the behind-the-scenes drama of iconic TV specials. Vilanch also reflects on his experiences with gay activism and the changing landscape of awards shows, blending humor and insight into the evolution of comedy and entertainment.
Bruce Vilanch's journey from child actor to head writer of the Oscars illustrates the evolution of comedy intertwined with cultural storytelling.
The Oscars have evolved significantly due to changing audience preferences and diverse voting bodies, highlighting a cultural shift in Hollywood recognition.
The ongoing commitment to gay activism, rooted in the AIDS crisis, has driven significant progress toward LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Deep dives
Personal Reflections on the Holiday Season
During the holiday season, a sense of introspection often emerges, prompting a variety of emotions from pensive to thoughtful. This unique period, spanning from Christmas to New Year's, can feel contemplative, with the atmosphere taking on a heavier weight that fosters reflection. The speaker embraces this emotional complexity, framing it positively and appreciating the stillness that accompanies the season. In this space, there is an opportunity for growth and self-assessment, prompting a reevaluation of personal experiences and relationships.
The Influence of Bruce Valanche
Bruce Valanche is introduced as a notable figure in comedy, recognized for his extensive background as a comedy writer, particularly for the Academy Awards. With a distinct style characterized by his iconic hair and colorful glasses, he has shaped the entertainment industry through his storytelling and collaborations with famous entertainers. Valanche shares memories of a time when the rhythm of show business was deeply intertwined with Jewish culture and traditions, emphasizing the changes that have occurred in comedy over the years. His journey through the evolution of writing for various formats, including variety shows and award ceremonies, showcases the adaptability and diversity of comedy's landscape.
Navigating Creative Pathways
The speaker reflects on their creative journey, acknowledging struggles with downtime and feelings of stagnation amidst a busy lifestyle. Emphasizing the importance of reframing these moments, the speaker recognizes the value of different creative endeavors beyond stand-up comedy, such as acting, which they started exploring this past year. Engaging in acting projects allowed the speaker to connect with established artists like Bruce Springsteen, providing new perspectives on creativity and growth. By embracing various artistic pathways, the speaker ultimately reassesses their accomplishments and aspirations within their career.
The Challenge of Modern Entertainment
The discussion touches on the shifting dynamics of the Oscars, particularly the evolving nature of audience preferences and voter demographics. As the Academy expanded its voting body to include more diverse voices, significant films that were once overlooked have gained recognition, reflecting a broader cultural shift in Hollywood. While this inclusiveness is vital, it also leads to concerns about the loss of traditional connections and community among filmmakers and performers. The transformation of the entertainment industry highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing landscape.
The Intersection of Activism and Entertainment
The speaker shares insights into their commitment to gay activism, emphasizing its roots in the fight against the AIDS crisis, which galvanized the community into action. This activism illuminated the need for visibility and acceptance, leading to progress like marriage equality, marking a significant shift toward recognizing LGBTQ+ rights. As the struggle for acceptance continues, the speaker expresses optimism about the evolving perception of the LGBTQ+ community, noting that many more people are now familiar with diverse relationships. This awareness reflects a broader societal change, despite lingering resistance from fundamentalist groups.
Bruce Vilanch is best known for his time as the head writer of the Oscars, but he is actually a vestige of a fabled era of show business. Bruce talks with Marc about how he went from being a child actor to working at newspapers to writing jokes for Bette Midler. His skill at writing in other people’s voices led him to countless jobs as a joke-writer-for-hire, doing punch up for famous comedians like Lily Tomlin, George Carlin, Joan Rivers and others, as well as for many beloved and detested TV variety shows.
