Title:
Transcript for Bill Dana ACA Oral History, June 3, 2005.
Creator:
Dana, Bill, 1924-2017
Creator:
Matz, Jenni
Creator:
Emerson College. American Comedy Archives
Record Type:
transcripts
Record Type:
oral histories (literary works)
Date:
2005-06-03
Description:
In part two of his two-part interview for the American Comedy Archives, Bill Dana (1924-2017) talks about comedians learning to deal with their environment and audiences. He describes first learning how to make people laugh, and later using comedy to disarm. He discusses evolving standards for subject matter and language in comedy, and his controversial character "Jose Jimenez" from 'The Bill Dana Show. 'Dana speaks of working with Norman Lear on writing the classic 'All in the Family' episode "Sammy’s Visit," featuring Sammy Davis, Jr., and outlines his own guest shot on 'The Golden Girls.' He sums up by talking about the need for performers to pay their dues, and he answers the question, "Was it worth it?" Jenni Matz conducted part two of the interview on June 3, 2005 in Los Angeles, CA. Additional topics covered include: Fame and Celebrity, Pop Culture, Television Industry, Comedy Series, and Talk Shows.
Extent:
41 pages
Subject:
Comedians
Subject:
Fame
Subject:
Outtakes
Subject:
Pop culture
Subject:
Television broadcasting
Subject:
Television -- Censorship
Subject:
Television comedy writers
Subject:
Adams, Don, 1923-2005
Subject:
Allen, Steve, 1921-2000
Subject:
Davis, Sammy, Jr., 1925-1990
Subject:
Harris, Jonathan, 1914-2002
Subject:
Lear, Norman
Subject:
Morris, Howard
Subject:
Wood, Gene, 1925-2004
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_dana_2005_06_03_accessible.pdf