Carrot Top, known for his prop comedy, joins Bill Maher on the podcast. They discuss Carrot Top's act, Bill's use of pictures for laughs, Carrot Top's first beer, a special mouse trap he built, the genius of Gilbert Gottfried, the limitations of performers on Tonight Show and Letterman, public insults, Trump making Carrot Top touch his hair, and more.
Being a prop comic doesn't mean you can't be funny without props.
Perception can differ from reality when judging comedians and celebrities.
Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial in the face of failure.
Fame can lead to misconceptions and challenges in connecting with fans.
Jerry Lewis left a lasting impact on the comedy world through his dedication and ability to connect with people.
Deep dives
Meeting Jonathan Winters on Regis and Kathy Lee
I met Jonathan Winters on Regis and Kathy Lee. He was hosting and I was a guest. He had a unique style and I found it fascinating.
Working with Jay Leno on remote segments
I worked with Jay Leno on remote segments for his show, politically incorrect. We would shoot various segments for different events and it was a fun experience.
The misconception about being a prop comic
Some people have the misconception that being a prop comic means you can't be funny without props. However, that's not the case as a comedian's ability to make people laugh goes beyond the props they use.
The controversy surrounding Pee-Wee Herman's incident
Pee-Wee Herman experienced controversy when he was caught masturbating in a movie theater. While some people found it scandalous, others felt it was blown out of proportion given the context of the situation.
The Power of Perception
In this podcast episode, the host and guest discuss the power of perception and how people often form opinions based on preconceived notions. They talk about how individuals' perceptions of comedians and celebrities can differ from their true personalities. The discussion highlights the importance of not judging individuals based solely on their public image.
Navigating Success and Failure
The conversation also delves into the experiences of success and failure in show business. The guest shares personal anecdotes about his early days as a comedian, including a memorable performance at a New York City club that did not go well. They discuss the challenges of dealing with failure and how even successful individuals face setbacks and moments of doubt. The message is about persevering through failure and maintaining a positive mindset.
The Impact of Fame
The effects of fame and public perception are another topic discussed in the podcast. They explore how being in the public eye can lead to misconceptions and the challenge of maintaining a genuine connection with fans. The guest shares stories of encounters with fans and how their expectations can differ from reality. The conversation emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting fame define one's identity.
Jerry Lewis and His Comedy Legacy
Jerry Lewis, known for his comedic genius and legendary career in entertainment, left a lasting impact on the comedy world. With films like "The Nutty Professor" and his portrayal of Buddy Love, Lewis showcased his talent for physical comedy. His dedication to getting a laugh was evident, as he would go to great lengths to entertain, even running out of sight to set up a joke. Lewis's ability to captivate an audience and his genuine dedication to his craft made him a comedic icon.
Memorable Moments with Jerry Lewis
Notable moments and interactions with Jerry Lewis demonstrate his ability to connect with people and leave a lasting impression. From surprise visits at comedy shows to backstage conversations, Lewis made a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of meeting him. Whether it was his generosity, his witty banter, or his ability to make people laugh, Jerry Lewis's presence was memorable and cherished by those who had the opportunity to cross paths with him.
Bill and Carrot Top on how Carrot Top’s act is show and tell with liquor, how Bill uses pictures to get laughs on Real Time, Bill’s reason for loving Orlando, when Carrot Top’s dad got him his first beer, the time Carrot Top built a very special mouse trap, Bill’s rule about being touched, the genius of Gilbert Gottfried, how comics couldn’t do both the Tonight Show and Letterman, how the public can be insulting without knowing it, the time Trump made Carrot Top touch his hair and much, much more.