Title:
Fred Willard ACA Oral History, June 7, 2005.
Creator:
Willard, Fred, 1939-
Creator:
Dana, Bill, 1924-2017
Creator:
Matz, Jenni
Creator:
Emerson College. American Comedy Archives
Record Type:
digital moving image formats
Record Type:
oral histories (literary works)
Date:
2005-06-07
Description:
In his two-hour Emerson Comedy Archives interview, Fred Willard talks about how he got his career started, first as a stand-up comedian, and then as a member of the Ace Trucking Company comedy troupe. He talks about developing his act, and being cast as "Jerry Hubbard" on the cult classic show 'Fernwood 2 Night.' He gives his opinion on several comedians including Don Rickles, Shecky Greene, Jackie Mason, and Lenny Bruce, as well as the rise of "blue" humor, and political correctness in comedy. He recalls appearing on several talk shows, including 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,' 'The Mike Douglas Show,' and others. He discusses his level of fame, and going out on auditions. He concludes with advice to aspiring comedians, and summing up his career. Bill Dana and Jenni Matz conducted the interview on June 7, 2005, in Encino, California. Additional topics covered include: Advice, Creative Influences and Inspiration, Pivotal Career Moments, Television Industry, Comedy Series, Late Night, Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials. Other shows mentioned during the interview include the 'Ed Sullivan Show: The AKA Toast of the Town,' 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' and 'Frasier.'
Extent:
01:58:49
Subject:
Actors
Subject:
Career development
Subject:
Television broadcasting
Subject:
Bruce, Lenny
Subject:
Greene, Shecky
Subject:
Guest, Christopher
Subject:
Leonard, Jack E.
Subject:
Mason, Jackie
Subject:
Rickles, Don
Subject:
Ross, Jeffrey, 1965-
Collection:
Bill Dana Oral History Interview Collection (ACC-MSS 002), 1L
Location:
Emerson College Archives and Special Collections
Rights Restrictions:
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) (http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/). For questions about rights statements, or access to the original document please contact the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections at www.emerson.edu/library/archives.
Access Restrictions:
No known access restrictions.
Language:
English
Identifier:
acc_mss002_willard_2005_06_07.mp4
