Steve Carell | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. We have a comedy. legend on today. A hilarious leading. man, box office. giant, and um sketch comedian who I. first saw on the stage at Second City. and you know, wanted to be like ever. since. Steve Carell joining us. Steve. and I are going to talk about a lot of. things. We're going to talk about Second. City. We're going to talk about. Anchorman. We're going to talk about The. Office. We're going to talk about the.

smooth tones of the baritone horn. And. we are going to talk about his new HBO. show Rooster out now. So we get into a. lot of fun stuff and before we talk to. Steve, we talk to someone who knows. Steve so we can speak well behind his. back and get a question for me. And we. are joined by his old Second City buddy, his um old roommate, a person who was. there from the beginning and who is also. another hilarious and famous Steve. And.

that Steve is Stephen Colbert. Hello Stephen Colbert. Bonjour. >> [music]. >> This episode of Good Hang is presented. by Subaru. Some cars go the extra mile. Long range Subaru hybrids take that to a. whole new level with up to 597 miles per. tank in the Crosstrek Hybrid, a car that. I've given my family, and up to 581. miles per tank in the Forester Hybrid,

another car that I also enjoy. Subaru, love goes the extra mile. Visit. subaru.com/hybrid. to learn more. Range based or EPA. estimated combined fuel economy and a. full tank of fuel. Actual mileage and. range may vary. >> [music]. [music]. >> I just want to start by saying, you. know, you were the senior. to my freshman when I arrived at at.

Second City in Chicago. And it was you. and Amy Sedaris and um Carell and didn't. Paul Dinello and you were all getting. ready to go do Exit 57, which was uh at. the time just the thought that you could. go and be like the captain on stage and. then go have your own sketch show. It. just felt like such a dream. We had no. idea what we were doing and we thought. that the answer was what if we just. worked 24 hours a day? [laughter]. Wouldn't that make things funnier? And. it made things weirder because you would.

fall into a chemo psychosis. Yeah. And. [clears throat] not have any sense. And. I go back and I watch those sketches now. I go pick up the pace. Oh, yeah. >> you doing? Oh god, yeah. I I look at our. old sketches and I'm like, you want to. go six minutes on this? You You're really going to You're going. to stay up all night fighting for cuts? I think it I think it'd play a little. better if it was half the time. Was. Second City where you and Steve first. met? Yeah, I matter of fact I was there. I got I mean I was I was I worked there. in the box office cuz I didn't have any.

job. I had gone I'd done a gig overseas. um and then I came back with no money. I. mean literally I was sleeping on a. friend's floor. I didn't have a dime. I. I I. uh. And and my friend Anne Libera said. she was the box office manager and she. said, "You can answer phones here. like 2 days a week if you need like. basic cash." So I started answering. phones and then I found out that you. could take classes for free.

if you worked there even if you're like. part-time like I was. And so I said, "Well, I I mean I never imagined that I. would be at Second City cuz I was. I was real improv. I was I was uh I had. done uh you know I I IO. I had an improv Olympic and those people. talked a lot of [ __ ] about Second City. >> Yeah, there was a fun East Coast West. Coast thing happening over there. >> 100% but it was like Lincoln Avenue. North Wells [laughter]. situation going on and I was very much. cross currents. That's where we would I.

I did it at Cross Currents. >> Mhm, yeah, the old school. And [snorts]. and I was like no man, I do what and. then I went there and I saw the show and. I went oh everybody here cares just as. much as anybody else. They just happen. to be sold out every night and. [laughter] there's liquor. Right. >> I'm like I kind of like this and then I. took classes and I didn't know Steve. Steve had gotten there a year year and a. half ahead of me. Something like that. He was a little bit ahead of me in that. you might call process or like kind of. rep system there and.

and I didn't know him at all. A year. later a year after I started working. there I was invited to audition. and I auditioned and I got into the. national touring company which was a. like a red letter day in my career. I. got into the tour co. and. I think I got hired like on a Thursday. and then like on Saturday they said can. you go in at Northwest cuz it used to be. the theater on the at Northwest and I. went uh yeah sure. I I you know I. learned whatever I needed to learn as. quickly as I could. I went up there and. then I met Steve kind of like from.

backstage watching him on stage. I met. him in rehearsal. He's so gifted with. music. You know how gifted musically he. is, right? >> not I did not know that. He if it's made. of brass he can play it. You're kidding me. I did not know that. >> up a tin whistle or recorder. He can you. know he can play. He plays the I I. understudied for Steve when I was at. when I was in tour co. I finally said. like I you're going to put me in you're. going to you're going to let me. understudy. or I'm going to leave. Mhm. And Joyce. said don't threaten.

>> [laughter]. >> I don't respond to threats. I'm like. it's not a threat. I've been here for. four years or almost four years at this. point. I'm like and I and I love doing. it but I got to go figure out what else. I can do. I hope this isn't a threat. And so. [laughter] literally the next day they. said I I understudied like ETC something. and then they said uh Carell's got to go. he's got like a Brown's Chicken. commercial. Yeah, big deal. >> that. You could live off that for years. Oh [ __ ] man. We were all jealous. Oh,

yeah. Wait, he got a bacon bit spot? >> [laughter]. >> And so. he's selling Oh, yeah. funeral insurance. to children? Jesus, that sounds like a. great gig. >> [laughter]. >> And. I So anyway, uh they said could you. could you go in for Carell? And I said. he plays. the euphonium. He played the baritone. horn, which is like a little tuba. And. he goes, he plays the baritone horn in. that. Do I have to play the baritone. horn? And they said, "Yeah. Yeah." I.

said, "I don't know how to play the. baritone horn." And they said, "Okay, we'll ask Adsit to do it.". And Scott Adsit. And I said, "No, no, no, no, no, I'll learn it. I'll learn. it.". >> [laughter]. >> "When do I When do I need to go in?" And. they said. "6 days." Wow. And so I And they wouldn't rent me a. horn. I got the horn. Too expensive. It. cost like 250 bucks, which is like what. you'd get paid in a month at Second. City. But I had to go in on the main. stage. And so I I went to Carell and I.

said, "Would you I don't can't read. sheet music. Can you please write out. the fingering for the horn and teach me. an embouchure?". You know. >> Oh. That's the. That's the thing that makes the sound in. the horn. >> Mhm. And like you can get like three. different octaves. >> to learn a new word from this interview. I knew you were going to teach me a new. word. >> great embouchure's a great. word, especially if someone cuts a fart. in front of you. A nice thing to say is. you go you say, "Ooh, nice embouchure.". >> [laughter]. >> You know.

Really tight on that embouchure. >> [laughter]. >> And um. French horn? And so anyway, uh I I was dating this girl, now my. wife, Evie McGee, in New York and I was. supposed to go see her that weekend. What did we do all weekend? We sat in. our apartment and I. I learned Anchors Aweigh, Pretty Woman, and Taps. Oh, you're. hearing those drums? Wait, no, who is. Listeners, I don't know if you can hear, but there's some drums happening in your. house. Is someone playing? That's my.

son. Oh, that's so cute. Wait, you're. talking about music and your son is. starting to play drums down in the. basement? My son is practicing because. he's going into his brother's band. They. got a gig next weekend in Brooklyn. And. so they're he's going down there to. practice cuz they their drummer's out. for the week. He's subbing in for his. brother, yeah. That's kind of like. >> you want. That is all you want. That's. exactly I was going to say the sound of. your son. practicing to sub in for your other son, that's like a dream. Yeah, I met Carrell.

I met Carrell at Northwest. back in in 1988. And so when you guys were on The Daily. Show together, it was like. We were carving together. That's right. You were By the way, that viral clip, I'm sure you've seen on your phone, of. you guys reacting to the. incredible ad for the Dana Carvey root. beer. variety special hour. It's so I don't. want to die. For people that don't know,

that show that you wrote on was. incredible and so ahead of its time, but. there's a really funny moment where both. you and Steve are shown in ad from that. time where you are following a very. special episode of Home Improvement. And. in it, Jonathan Taylor Thomas's. character, I believe, thinks he is going. to die. He thinks he's ill or sick and. he says, like it's very sweet and him. and Tim Allen are having a moment and he. says, "I don't want to die, Dad." And. then the next voiceover is. >> [laughter].

>> And the Mug Root Beer Dana Carvey Show, tonight on ABC. It's so [laughter]. funny. It's so And watching you and. Steve laugh is so funny. It's so It's And to me that's like. I I. I don't know how to explain it other. than the joy of that to me sums up what. it feels like. to have funny friends and get to make. things with them. The joy of failure.

Yes. Was something that I said I said. early on at at Second City that I. realized, "Oh, I think I should do this. for the rest of my life." Meaning. comedy. Cuz I I was kind of fighting. whether I was going to do drama or. comedy cuz I was doing straight theater. in Chicago at the same time. And I But we'd laugh so hard when we or. someone else on stage would fail, but. the other person on stage who was. failing would also laugh. And I went, "If this If it can be this joyful. in failure, and there's also another joy. in success,

then I'd be dumb not to pursue this for. the rest of my life." That's so. beautifully said that it is joyful in. failure. That is beautifully said. That's exactly it. >> like cuz it there's so much empathy for. what's happened to the person who's. eating it. And but but if you know, to just to. extrapolate on that even more, there has. to be a belief that you'll be okay. I. know you asked to uh. for me to think of uh like uh what I. would want to ask. >> Yeah, what what would you want to ask.

Steve? Thank you. The amazing thing. about Steve is. um is. ability to do anything. Hm. It is I know a lot of talented. people, but I don't know many people who. can do almost anything. And And first of all, I mean my I. remember one of my really early. impressions of Steve is well, he can. make anything funny. Yeah. >> He can make any moment very full Not. funny, but funny, but also very full. Very full of presence and energy and. what we would call tensiveness, like.

like the a scenic tension. And. I see that same ability, like I I marvel. at that ability. And also, how he would. never [ __ ] around. He was always very. professional. And I remember looking at. him backstage at Second City and going, "Why is he so good?" And I came up with. this conclusion and I wrote it down on a. piece of paper with a calligraphic pen. And I taped it on the back of my little. locker area to remind myself. And it. just said, "Work." Cuz what I saw in. Steve was that he worked really hard. Yeah. And he never phoned it in. And I'm.

curious. what his process is like when he does. drama. Or what people would perceive as drama. and uh versus comedy or what people. would perceive as comedy. And the reason. I say perceive is. is it all the same to him? Yeah. >> But with a different character intention. or with a different energy intention. Or. is he really just approaching it in a. totally different way? Saying, "Well, that's you know, that's sketch or that's. something incredibly broad, like.

Anchorman. Or you know, Dinner for. Schmucks. Or now I'm doing Foxcatcher.". Like. >> Yeah. Does he do it Does he do it in a. different way? Because I admire him so. much in both directions. >> Same. >> And And And as far as I know, I mean, he's never talked about his. process. So, I don't I mean, I've never. seen him do it. So, I don't And I've. worked with him since 1988. I mean, we. were roomed together practically for 10. years. And I don't know what it is. That's a great question. And um. uh I mean, you're really good at uh. really good at this. You should You.

should try to make this your job, asking. questions. Are there any of I Are any of these jobs. left? Are there? No, okay. >> Nope. So, podcast it is. >> [laughter]. >> Well, um I thank you so much for this. time. What a pleasure. Thanks so much. >> And And um do we know what song your son. is playing down in the basement before. we go? Do you know Is it an original? He's either playing bossa nova or he's. playing uh Deep Space Nine. Which uh. uh which has one of my favorite lyrics. uh in any of his songs which is your.

your head's in Deep Space 9. I'm not. taking you to family Thanksgiving. >> [laughter]. >> Vape Vape clouds destroyed your mind. I'm not taking you to family. Thanksgiving which is. really tells a story. It's like you're a. Swifty with your own children. Like. you're just trying to break down all the. lyrics. [laughter] I got the lyrics. everything. I I mean I think Steve's going to be so. happy that we talked because and we. could talk about your relationship a lot.

today and I hope we do because it's very. special. >> Fact that I'm associated with him that. people still come up to me and say Steve. Carell like they'll still get the name. wrong. Yeah, sure sure. I just love it. >> I feel that way about like I feel like. you and Steve have a little bit of what. Tina and I have which is we're just like. people put us together all the time and. I couldn't be happier about it. >> Sure. >> Yeah, yeah. >> I still someday I'll do something. someday I'll do something with him. again. Ask him what he's doing cuz tell. him I need a gig. Okay, great. Yeah, we'll we'll let Carell pick your next. gig. Okay, perfect.

>> All right. All right. Thank you so much. buddy. >> great conversation. >> Thanks. So nice talking to you and see. you. Okay, take care. Bye. This episode is brought to you by. Allstate. Checking Allstate first could. save you hundreds on car insurance. That's smart. Not checking the meaning. of a word all the kids say before using. it yourself, not smart. Not slay-worthy. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check. Allstate first for a quote that could. save you hundreds. You're in good hands. with Allstate. Potential savings vary. subject to terms, conditions, and.

availability. Allstate North American. Insurance Company and Affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. This episode is brought to you by Ultima. Replenisher. Health is all about. balance. A salad with fries. Pilates. then pancakes. You know those small. daily choices that make you feel good. And the same idea applies to hydration. With all six essential electrolytes, Ultima provides balanced hydration that. fits right into your day without the. junk. I'm talking no sugar, calories, or.

carbs, and it's not loaded with salt. Shop Ultima on Amazon or in store at. Target and Whole Foods Market. Thank you for doing this. >> My pleasure. Thanks for having me. Steve. Carell is here. Um. And Steve, I feel like you always feel. the way you feel about somebody. Like based kind of on the first time you. see them. Like you know, you just get. like imprinted with when you first meet. them. And I first met you. when you were on stage. I never really. knew you in Chicago. I just watched you.

perform. And you were the senior when I. arrived with my bags. like being like, am I going to try to do. this, you know, business? Like what is. this? And you guys were like the cool. seniors. >> Well, we also you hear about the people. who they've just hired, too. And you're. one of those people that stuck out. immediately. You know, people were. talking about you super early on. And. you always kind of keep tabs like, well, who's who's next? Who are the Yeah. What.

class? Yeah. Yeah. >> And you're you're definitely one of. those people. >> You were in the very like you were in. that class of people that number one. were crushing it on stage and then also. went on to do things. Like you had jobs. You got hired. >> [laughter]. >> You got commercials. That was always so exciting to. >> [laughter]. >> to meet. Do you remember Ken Campbell? Yeah, sure. So, Ken Campbell was the first one. of of like our group to kind of step out.

and got he got a. he got a show called Herman's Head. >> Oh, yeah. where they were all these. components. >> Inside Out, precursor to Inside Out. >> That's right. Yeah, exactly. He was the. first person to have a job and it was. astounding. Yeah. Like, oh my he's. really doing it. >> really going to get paid to do it. >> paid. >> and he's in Hollywood and he's a big. shot. >> him insurance, everything. >> coming out and visiting him and we were. doing a little, I don't know, some some. weird little theater show like one night.

and he and his wife were there just. watch and I remember he ordered steak. and I thought, "Oh man, that guy is he's. got it made.". >> He's rolling in it. >> Sitting in the restaurant ordering steak. [laughter]. watching the show. Like ah. Well, speaking of steak and speaking of. restaurants, before I go any further, I. need to point out you're the first guest. that technically my father booked for. me. >> [laughter]. >> Bill Burr. They they are. >> What happened?

>> people. So, back in back in. Massachusetts. >> We. >> [laughter]. >> You have issues. You clearly you have. issues with me. >> Well, you were in My mom said I don't. want to dig I don't want to open a can. of worms. Well, all I know is I got a. phone call saying, "Good news. We saw Steve Carell at a restaurant and. we told him that. he should be on your on your show. So, we think we've booked him." is what my. parents said. And I was like, my dad.

And I was like, "What did you say?". That's exactly No, he's You know Amy. does a podcast. Like I know. >> set the scene. You're in Massachusetts. at a nice restaurant. >> restaurant out in the 'burbs. Like we. were deep. >> like My dad give Gibbet Hill Farms. [laughter]. >> Farms. Out in Groton, Mass. Like it was. and nowhere near where we live either. We just I was meeting my brother out. there. >> Yeah. I don't know why my parents were. out there. They They were with their. friends Tom and Sue.

>> Lovely lovely [laughter] foursome. Um they introduced themselves and. and we got to They were very charming, lovely. Um and I know that surprises. you. And. >> [laughter]. >> And and your you know, your dad brought. up your podcast and your mom said, "You. should be on.". And I was like, "I've never been asked. TO BE ON." [laughter]. YOU WERE LIKE, "I think I have to be. asked.". >> [laughter]. >> I I'm not going to just throw my hat in.

like, "Hey, hey, I want to be on the. show.". >> awkward and they were like, "Ooh, there. must They got quiet.". >> [laughter]. >> They got They must be from the way. They retreated. They were like, "Forget. it." Oh, no, no. Well, maybe she doesn't. have a pod. I don't remember what she. said. >> [laughter]. >> Maybe No. No, that's not right. It was. somebody else who were thinking they had. a pod. Um, they were so nice. Yeah, so I think. maybe that planted the seed. >> I I forget that you're a Boston boy. Yeah, I grew up in Acton. >> I know. And why do I mean, you don't seem very Boston to me. How.

so? Like how? >> Well, well, you're polite. >> [laughter]. >> And thoughtful and considerate. >> a difference. >> [laughter]. >> I will say politeness registers. differently in Massachusetts. That's. true. And when you go back and people. recognize you, do you have a different. experience than you do here or in New. York? I mean, I I I'm not I love Boston. I love where I'm from. I love the.

directness. I love the like the real. loyal like like just really really good. honest people. But there is a definite. Um, >> [laughter]. >> how would you say it? >> to it. >> There is a brusqueness and honestly, I'm. going to say it, there's just like a. you're not better than me quality about. Boston. >> That's exactly it. >> That I love, but it's sometimes tough to. be on the [laughter] receiving end of. it. If you. if you know, if you can anticipate that,

it's actually very charming. >> Very true. Um, and you just kind of take. it at face value because. I remember going back and you know, shop around. I was in the supermarket. >> [laughter]. >> One guy came up to me and said, "Hey, Steve. I know you. That thing you did was good. DON'T GET. COCKY.". DON'T [laughter] GET COCKY. >> IT'S ALL THAT love you. Don't get cocky. Oh, yeah. Don't Don't You're one of us. Yeah. Don't embarrass us.

>> Don't you dare grow or change. >> [laughter]. >> Mostly change. >> you go to college? Denison University in. Ohio. >> did you get Ohio? And then how did you. find out about Second City? Touring company. They came through. >> Ohio State University and we bought. tickets and right then and there. I thought that's I was funny. Nancy and. I were just talking about this exact. thing. >> Yeah. That the touring company seemed. like and she saw a touring company, too. It seemed like the most fun job to have.

Yeah. Of any job I could even imagine. Yeah. And you you know, you roll into a. college town, you do all of these great. sketches that are bulletproof because. they've been tried and true and have. been at Second City for years and years. and they always work. >> Yeah. So, you feel like. just you're on top of the world. You're. going It's not even your material. You're just going out and performing. someone else's stuff and it's. uh it's making people laugh and it just. I thought that's it. That's what I want. to do. >> When you were in college, did you you.

were thinking about being an actor? I I was a history major. Oh, that makes. sense. >> So, I was not allowing myself to kind of. consider that seriously. >> didn't know a lot of people who were. actors growing up who had that job. Yeah. No, it didn't seem I mean, in. Massachusetts. I mean, your neck of the woods, too. Like it. wasn't. >> seem like it's like it's a real it. didn't seem like a real job. >> Exactly. It's like I'll either be that. or an astronaut, you know. It didn't. seem like a plausible final destination. in terms of a career. So, I always I.

thought maybe history, maybe law school, something. Something that sounded. Something that sounded good to my. parents, honestly. I really wanted to, after all they invested in me and my. education, my brothers, I. I just felt like I owed them So they. could like when when when you're older, they could go up to someone in a. restaurant and say, "You should join my. son's law school.". >> [laughter]. >> They could bother someone in a. restaurant. >> got a chance to say that. And so then, you're in Denison, you see.

the touring company, you think, "I'm. going to go to Chicago." It's two. friends of mine from Denison, after we graduated, they gave me a call. randomly and said, "We're moving. We're. going to Chicago.". >> Wow. And I don't think I would have had. the guts to do it myself, just by. myself. But, we're getting a place, we're going to start an educational. theater company, which will help pay. some of the bills, and we'll get jobs, and we will pursue careers as actors. And that's And I was in.

>> What year was that then you were in? >> 85. And you just were living in a cheap. Do you remember the rent of your first. apartment? >> split three ways, all utilities. included. Fantastic. >> What was your job then? What were you. doing? >> I waited tables at Houlihan's Oh, yeah. That was a hot spot, Houlihan's. >> Houlihan's on Division. Yeah. That's I. mean, it was so fun back then to be in. that city. That city felt like it was, I. don't know, maybe just cuz I was young.

when I was there, but it felt like it. was something was crackling and. happening. I mean, when you think back. about those Chicago times, what comes up for you? I mean, I mean, it's such youthful, exuberant, enthusiastic times, but what what what. feelings and thoughts come up for you? >> well, like all of the things we learn in. class at Second City, having that. freedom to fail, uh. and there were very few constraints in. terms of what you could try. Yeah. And.

And at Second City itself, it was the. same thing. Like being on stage every. night and working it out and figuring. you know, you that that audience is such. a great barometer. And and if you if. you're not doing it well or right, they'll tell you. Yeah. >> You'll feel it. And it was so much fun. >> So much fun. And and also, you know, I. think about it now as you're talking. about it is I think sometimes when I. think back at sketch and improv, I kind. of like. I don't know. I think like oh, I wasn't.

working material like a stand-up or. something, but that's not true. We. really had to We had different audiences. every night, rowdy audiences expecting. stuff from us. >> Yeah. And like you had to learn how to. kind of be hung out to dry a little bit. on stage and be okay with it. >> Did you embrace that? I We used to We used to challenge each. other. >> Okay. The embracing the awfulness of the. scene. >> [laughter]. >> And like challenging each other not to.

leave because it's so easy if. something's. if something's failing, you just want to. bail. Like during an improv scene. Oh, yeah. But it was sort of a badge of. honor. >> Uh-huh. We're We're going to drive this into the. ground. >> exquisite feeling to. look at your partner and be like, we're. bombing. >> We're And we're And let's hold hands. >> [laughter]. >> And let's let's do this together. And. sometimes you'd be able to pull it out. of a nose dive and other. a lot of times it just the lights just.

slowly. >> [laughter]. >> slowly faded. But what do you like about it? I know. what you mean. What is the What is the. thing about it? >> know. I think it's I guess just throwing. everything off of you. Like throwing all. of all of the worry, all of the concern. >> Mhm. of this isn't working and getting. into your head about why isn't it. working? We have to make it work. Everybody gets sweaty. Everybody. Everybody starts trying too hard.

But sometimes when you can just. >> [laughter]. >> allow it to kind of wash over you, the. things that you might find are really. interesting and embracing like. >> death? Like. >> [laughter]. >> isn't it the closest to It feels like. you are I mean I'm trying to think I cuz. I when you're explaining it, I'm getting. this like feeling of what it felt like. when it was when you were I mean one. thing is we weren't usually alone. No. We weren't bombing alone. And that's I I can't imagine.

Did you ever do stand-up? I occasionally. like when I would be asked to do small. shows and I didn't mind it. I kind of. liked it, but I never really like honed. a set. >> you would be I bet you were great at it. >> I I I found it easier or I liked doing. it as I was older. When I was younger, I. just didn't think I understood I had. like a lot of respect for the art form. and I didn't and I wanted to be with. people. I wanted to perform with people. >> So I think that that's what I mean is. the bombing with people is like a. special joy. I completely But the one of.

the many things at Second City, I know. it like created lifelong friendships. and like, you know, you got your we all. figured out how to like get our 10,000. hours on stage and all that stuff, but. you met your wife. Yeah. How did you meet Nancy while it's the. great hilarious. >> this is going to sound super creepy, Mhm. but I was teaching class at Second. City. >> Okay. and she was in my improv character. class. Dang. And uh and she was.

hilarious. and super smart beautiful like I I. I have to remember she was a real catch. back then cuz Nancy is so funny. um and also beautiful and I remember. everyone being like, "This is not quite. fair.". It's not quite fair. [laughter]. How tall and pretty and funny she is. Like, you usually get you don't get you. get about one. >> nice, too. >> so nice. >> Like And cool. >> and nice and sweet to everybody.

>> really snagged the babe. >> me about it. And we So, >> [laughter]. >> but I thought she hated my guts because. I'd be teaching and talking and I'd look. over at her and dead nothing. Like dead. eyes, no [laughter] affect in her face. at all. And I was like, "Boy, she is not buying. any of this. >> [laughter]. >> She hates me, hates this class, knows I'm a phony.". And. uh and it turns out she was just. nervous.

That's what she told me later. >> And when she gets nervous, she gets like. stone face. >> Yeah, she just doesn't want to show. anything. That's a powerful move to do. because it really makes the other person. work for it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And she worked across the street. Um. she was a a waitress across the street. at a bar called The Last Act. Oh, yeah. >> So, after shows or after class, I used. to go over. and I used to sit at the bar and I'd. order a diet Coke and we'd talk. But it. took. so long because we both kind of talked. around the whole thing forever.

And never Like. finally one day the conversation went. something like. "You know, if. we're talking about people that we like. or like what What's your Who would you. go out with?". >> god, that's such a funny convo to have. >> was all just just this circuitous. it You you know someone down the bar is. just saying, "Get to it. My. Come on. You're annoying everybody." And.

I think I finally said, "You know, if I. were I if I were going to ask somebody. on a date, it'd be somebody like you. Like you'd be like that template of. somebody that I'd love to go out with.". And she's like, "You know, if somebody. like you asked me out, that [laughter]. would I would love it. It would be. fantastic. Then there was a pause and I. said, "Do you want to go out?". >> [laughter]. >> So lame. It was so super [laughter] uncool. She's. like, "Yeah.". We went So we went two doors out of the.

other bar. You know, it's like. Then that's that was the beginning of. it. >> And then you could went when you left. Chicago, were you were you weren't. married yet? No, we were engaged. We got. engaged a week before she got SNL. Wow. So, yeah. We went on our honeymoon and. came back and moved right to New York. for her start rehearsals. >> [applause]. >> So you you people know like. way ahead of its time Dana Carvey Show.

that you were you and Colbert and others. Smigel and Conan were all writers on? A. whole bunch of people, yeah. Incredible. cast of writers and and you were also in. the rep company. Like did you you did. stuff like. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah. I mean I I was. >> And Dana calls us the sketchateers. >> [laughter]. >> Can we talk about Dana Carvey for a. second? Because Dana Carvey was so was. really important to me. Like he was you. know, you always kind of fall in love. with that that that cast that when.

you're like 13 that you see in SNL and. it was Dana and Phil Hartman and Jan. Hooks. Like Dana is so funny. He is so. funny. >> He is so funny. >> I don't know if there's anyone funnier. alive, too. Like to to be in a room with. him is incredible. He's just a super. funny, incredibly nice guy. Like I owe. him. and Smigel everything for that. opportunity on that show. Cuz that was I. was at a point in Chicago.

my agent had told me, "If something. doesn't happen for you soon, it's not. going to happen.". My [laughter] agent. Way to build me up. I was feeling very. good about myself. >> Dang, that's harsh. >> so. I move I I moved to New York. >> Yeah. Um and was able to the next thing. I got was. Dana Carvey. Yeah. And it it. that really changed everything. That was. my first kind of step into something.

um. other than Second City. >> Yeah. I mean. that show I remember it being this. it felt like an experiment. Yeah. And it. was. >> felt like it was like you guys got. an opportunity to make whatever you. wanted with other people's money. And. then they noticed you were doing it and. they said stop. They said stop. [laughter] doing that. >> Well, you heard about the first episode. Did you hear this story? >> Tell tell tell us again. The first scene.

of the first Dana Carvey show was Dana. playing Bill Clinton and he was sitting. at a desk in the Oval Office talking. about how he is the nurturing president. president. And at a certain point he. opens his shirt to reveal uh a. prosthetic. breast. plate like. t-. if you will. >> And I think he had eight nipples. Yes. And they brought which [laughter].

Which had real milk. >> rigged to lactate. Right. >> And so they brought a bunch of puppies. and. stood them on the desk and the puppies. started suckling because [laughter] he. was the nurturing president. >> Right. And so we started we we were. following Home Improvement. [laughter]. And. And. they said the ratings went from Home. Improvement and they could chart it like. at the beginning of this sketch it just.

it [laughter] Like you could hear the. drop-off. It was so sharp. It was done. It was the show was over. >> [laughter]. >> And that was the first episode, first. scene. And. at that point. ABC was not not happy. No. It was uh But. somebody had to approve that that was. the first sketch. >> [laughter]. >> Somebody had to. I think. to their credit, ABC allowed it to. happen. >> Um. Yeah, they they took some huge swings.

And it was fun because. like Colbert and I shared an office and. we could and and we worked together a. lot at Second City. We were in a a bunch. of casts together and. we come up with an idea and go down to. Smigel's office, Robert Smigel, and just. pitch something. >> Mhm. And he'd say, "Let's Yeah, let's go.". Yeah. >> And we'd do it on the show that night. I. mean, it was the kind of It was as close. to live as you could get without being. SNL. Yeah. You really did work on a. bunch of like. really specific, interesting.

places. Like The Daily Show is is its. own. system that kept changing with different. kind of versions of the same thing. But. what was it like what what was that. feeling like when you were all there, young, working on that and. >> It was similar. to Second City. >> Yeah. I I I I think those are the. I guess those are the kind of. environments that I am drawn to. >> Yeah. That everyone is just in it. together. Yeah. >> And there's a spontaneity to it and and.

we don't know if it's going to work, but. we're going to give it our best shot. >> There was a lot of improvising on that. show? Um you know, in the field pieces, yes. >> Yeah. Uh because you just had. especially early on, they didn't know. that we were a comedy show. So. [laughter]. so we were kind of undercover. Did you. ever feel bad when you were tricking. people? I I did not I did not like it at. especially at first because I was new. and I was kind of following the. template. Yeah. And.

I never felt good about. mocking someone who doesn't deserve it. >> Yeah. And. So I I I tried and I know Colbert. Stephen gave me great advice which was. come up with a character. Mhm. Um and. that will make it much more palatable. And my character was. someone who didn't quite understand, didn't quite get it. Um but was super serious about. everything he was asking.

Um but it was not the onus was on me to. be I was I was the idiot. >> Yes, yes, yes, yes. >> the to take that off of the people I. remember doing one field piece which. were. um it was a Klingon speakers convention. >> Mhm. And. you know, you go and obviously the idea is let's. make fun of people who meet and learn. how to speak Klingon. And they were the nicest.

gentlest. >> [laughter]. >> I I I really and I really like these. people a lot. They were very kind. And I. thought, well, what who are they. harming? No one. I mean, it's. it's just harmless fun. It's just people. enjoy each other's company and have a. shared hobby. I mean, how is it any. different than a woodworking club or a. photography club? It's just it's what. they did. It's what it's where their. interest lie. And they it made them. happy. And I thought, no, it has to it has to be about what an.

idiot I am. >> Well, you're really good at that, Steve. You're so good at playing someone who's. frustrated by their own lack of. understanding. >> [laughter]. >> Comedically. That's such an interesting. way to put it. Just like. Gah! Oh my god, just. >> [laughter]. >> get this right. It's so. >> Why is the world so wrong? [laughter]. It's so. And that energy of that is so funny and. so funny. >> it's But Steven was right. And Steven.

um. that that took a lot of it a lot of that. uh strain away. Because then it then it. wasn't making fun of people. And there. you know. I just. there's no I don't like playing pranks. on in terms of being unkind or trying to. make. someone look stupid unless they deserve. to look stupid. But. more often than not these people didn't. They were you know some of them were. just eccentric. But who care like that's.

that's the spice of life. >> do you think that Adam McKay who wrote. and directed Anchorman. wrote Brick with you in mind? >> think so. No. >> [laughter]. >> Not at all. Because I mean we've all. seen the the audition. It's so. that character is Oh. chef's kiss. [laughter] That might have been the most. fun I've ever had professionally. Like. with those guys. >> Well one of the things we do every day. when we were shooting and it was really. like my first big It's one of one of the.

first things I ever did. Um. and I just I couldn't believe my good. fortune. I thought this might be it. You. know this might be the one that I just. this might be one and done. Mhm. And I I. I'm going to I'm I'm going to enjoy it. >> Yeah. But what Well you used to do. during uh they used to do dailies every. day. And watch them and you'd watch. them? >> Everyone would watch them. They have a a. dailies trailer on set. Mhm. And it was all on film still. So.

you'd watch from a few days before. They. developed the film and you'd just see. selections from a few days earlier. And so we'd have lunch. This was every. day. We'd have lunch. and then the four of us and and other. cast members too, and the producers, we'd go into this trailer and we'd all. get hot fudge sundaes. >> [laughter]. >> at at catering before we came in. We all sat eating hot fudge sundaes and.

watching the dailies. >> god. >> And acting is so hard. I I know. I. [laughter] know. I mean, I thought this. Is this what it's Is this [laughter] it? I can't believe anything could be. better. As a little kid, this is what. you would dream that acting would be. Yes. Yes. It's what you would dream. >> [laughter]. >> Um. and it was just pure joy. Oh, and you. would just laugh at what you had done a. couple days before. >> most, you know, and I'm sure you're the same way. Watching yourself, you're like,

but get to somebody else's stuff. >> Totally. and it's. just to watch what everybody else is. doing cuz you can't really watch while. you're in it, while you're doing it, but. you kind of watch objectively. Oh. Yeah, I know you mean. Like sometimes. I've known like, I don't know if I. nailed it, but I'm going to be in a. funny movie. I don't know if I Yeah, I. don't know if I'm going to be the funny. one in the funny movie, but I'm going to. but I'm going to be in one. If if I cannot be If I cannot detract. from everyone else being funny, that's.

usually what I feel my job is. If I. >> because I feel like when people You can. tell when people want to be the funniest. thing and are trying want to get sweaty. and they're trying super hard and. I don't know how how you feel. improv as used in film. I have a strong. feeling about it actually. Well, cuz I I. feel like especially during that time. So, I was in Anchorman.

I got cut. You were in the fight the battle scene. >> I was in the um. No, in the original one, in the original. Anchorman, there was a whole other, if. you remember that giant the alarm clock? >> clock. That's right. >> So, there was I wasn't in the alarm. clock, but there are you people who have. the DVD extras know, there was like a. whole other world of like bad guys. that got cut out of that movie. I think. an hours worth of material and Maya. Rudolph,

Chuck D from Public Enemy, >> [laughter]. >> because of course, Kevin Corrigan, they. were like the weather underground. They. were this like, you know, um feisty group of rebels, you know, uh. trying to upset the city. I don't know. how it had to do with you guys, but it. was pages and pages and months and. months and I was I did a scene with them. where I was like a bank teller, you know, like a bullet-ridden bank. teller or something. But, I went and. worked for a day and so I have a picture.

of me and Chuck D and me and Maya in a. great outfit and we're like, "We're. going to be in Aquaman." And then, McKay. was like, "We're not going to be doing. it." [laughter]. I don't I don't. >> There's a whole other movie out there. Well, there was another like a flashback. scene. that I don't know if we shot or whether. I d- it's it's kind of a blur, but the. idea was there's it's it's a bit of a. brick. uh back story origin story that he was. their platoon leader.

>> [laughter]. >> in. in Vietnam. >> [laughter]. >> And he was like the biggest badass. >> Oh, wow. And then, like, follow me. We're getting this [ __ ]. done. That [laughter] kind of thing. And. And then, you cut to now. He's He's. their trusty mascot. >> Yeah. But, you don't know what happened. in [laughter] between. funny That's really funny. >> Um.

But, in in terms of there was a lot of. improv. Yeah, so during that time, there. was a a of like and Adam loves to. improvise and and like and I used to. love it cuz I felt like I I could do it. well but it also it it did wear me down. a little bit as the years went on. >> Yeah. No, I I agree I see that. >> this way about improv? I do which is. sometimes people are like it's great you. can improvise and I'm like oh. It's. >> [laughter]. >> Here I Here's my take on it. >> take? I. I think it's I think it's a great tool.

Mhm. but I don't think it is the the. I think it's a means to an end. >> Mhm. I don't think it's let's just do a. big improv thing. Yeah. >> Because. and and I think this was true on The. Office. Mhm. The scripts were great on. that show like really strong every every. episode. And can I ask you a question. about Parks and Rec? Yeah. So. you you know you led that show for so. many years.

Did you ever. What How did you maintain the uh. the dignity of that character and. like how did how did you s-. How were you able to center that. character all the way through? Because. I think it's very easy for you know when. writers turn over. when staffs turn over sometimes new. writers are more fans of the show and. are kind of writing to the most obvious. elements of a character as opposed to.

you know people who are like the. creators of the actual the writers who. created the character. Um. So how did Do you feel like you. protected your character going through? >> good question. I feel like the the short. answer is Mike Schur who really was the. best captain and just kept everyone's. characters very sacred and safe and. really paid attention to what we would. and wouldn't say. Um I think we.

started off. like a little. wacky and we had to adjust on the fly. So, we did some like early adjusting on. that show and then locked in after that. Um. but I know what you mean. Like there. would be times where I would have to say. like I don't know if. I don't know if this is too far. I don't. know. But not a lot. I feel like. everyone was in flow there. Everyone. really got it. But it's funny that you. bring up that. exact thing because Parks and Recreation.

came after The Office and there's really. only. two people that I've been told I am a. poor man's version of and. one of them is you, which [snorts]. >> [laughter]. >> I take I take that as high compliment. and but like we came Okay. >> take that as a huge insult. >> [laughter]. >> We were all you know, Parks and Rec had. the worst launch ever. Everyone was like. this is not The Office. We don't like.

this. I just remember being like and. we're like you're not Steve and you're. not uh we don't like it. And I remember. being like oh, I think I just. dissociated and was just like well But. our our pilot you heard about our pilot. >> I know and I want to talk to you. >> was the lowest [laughter] testing pilot. in the history I think of NBC. It it. people people really hated it. Like not. just just kind of. >> They actively hated it. >> hated this show and I don't.

quite know how it got legs after that. >> Well, I I I I remember the moment. So, Mike Schur who was writing was running. Update and I wasn't doing Update then, but I was just a cast member on SNL and. we were watching the British Office like. everyone else and loving it. And I remember they were going to make. the American version and everyone was. like this is a terrible idea. This is a. terrible idea. No one No one can be as good as Ricky. Gervais. No one can do that show. And. then we heard it was you and we were.

like. Oh. Oh, whoever's making this show wants it. to be funny. You know, like it was this thing of like. oh, that's a very very good choice. >> Well, Greg Daniels is was a is a great. producer and. >> he's also kind of uh he's very adept at. putting together casts. Yeah. >> Like they the alchemy and the chemistry. between those people I. >> Yeah. And we all got along. so well. >> Yeah. We're we all bonded instantly and.

we all felt like we were a part of a. team. There was no there were no. hierarchy at all in that cast. So I I. attribute that to him. Yeah. Um. but the. you know, I'm a poor man's Ricky. Gervais. But you never watched the I. didn't. And never have watched the UK. No. Even now? No, I've watched all of. his other shows, but I've never watched. I know what you mean. I don't know if I. would have wanted to watch either. I. just would have felt too stressed about.

>> like a minute Yeah. >> of one of the show of him. and he was so good and so. >> Yeah. and so specific and so funny. I. thought if I watch a second more. [laughter]. I'm just going to go on an audition with. that. I won't be able to even imagine it. a different way. And I mean, are you. like me? I mean, I don't enjoy comedy. >> [laughter]. >> No. No. I never have. >> Especially with me. And. and comedy that's done well. No. No. >> Pass. [laughter]. Yeah, so you went in not knowing you not.

watching the not yeah. >> And it well, it's funny that you guys. all heard oh oh, the you know, they're. doing an American version and everyone. had the same reaction. And I remember. Rudd. >> [laughter]. >> Rudd pulled me aside was like don't do. it, man. I'm sure. >> Don't audition. It is like there is no. there's no way. Yeah, everyone was like. don't even touch this. Don't touch this. >> 10-foot pole. >> And did you have like a a major.

premise or theme about Michael's arc? Like if you would to sum it up would you. say what was like what was his. what was kind of his simple mission. statement as a character? Um early on. this this was like a dream come true for. him to be in a documentary. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> And be be able to not only Yeah. uh. be in charge of all of these people but. to have the ability to perform.

And Right. >> and be watched and and be loved. I think. it's I think so much of of who he. who he is was was about being loved. Just being wanted. >> I. I wouldn't even say respect. I think. I think he just wanted to be loved. Um. And the last like a year before I knew I. was going to leave I talked to Greg. about like what potentially the.

the last arc for him would be. >> Mhm. And I did want. there to be a sense of of growth for him. that. uh I said one one thing I'm going to. pitch is that the last day. is not the last day. Like. everyone thinks that they're going to. have a they're going to have a party for. him. >> Mhm. Um but he leaves the day before. >> Oh. Because he doesn't So good. >> need it. He doesn't He wants to say. goodbye on his own terms and he's sort. of beyond being celebrated that way. And.

he's. That's that's I that I thought would be. an interesting way for him to go out. >> The Office is a show that people watch. when they're stressed when they're sad. >> is exactly the same way. >> I'm sure you had this happen too you. during the pandemic everybody re-watched. those shows. They went back to it like. you have provided and and everyone in. that show has provided this like feeling. of safety and security in a time when.

people are very very anxious and they. return over and over again. What is that. feel like when people tell you that? I've provided a public service, really. I. And in that way I think I'm more than an. actor. >> [laughter]. >> Uh-oh. You got cocky. You got cocky. >> cocky. Don't get cocky. >> Don't get cocky. No, but it's true. But. it's true. I mean. >> it's nice. Like we we fell in love with. the journey of Michael. We really really. we do. We love him. And I will say like. what your. um what your what The Office did for me.

and watching it with my kids is like. exactly the way in which they enjoyed. and learned this feeling of what the. kids would call like cringe. But the. sparkly weird feeling of like oh no, like tension and a little bit of stress. about what is Michael going to do and. say and how is he going to do it? And. then watching him swing and miss over. and over again. while still being loved is like. they just love they didn't know how to.

put that into words, but they loved. that. They love that about him. It's. such a. I mean congrats on a great show. I don't. know what else to say. I have no. question here, you know. What did you. say to Pam at [laughter] the airport? Tell us what you said to Pam. I leaned in and I went raw raw raw raw. raw raw raw just to make it look like I. was saying something. You did? You. didn't. >> No. No, you did say. >> No, we had we had a very a very. emotional shared moment. >> that moment. Such a good moment. Okay, so we we do something on the show where.

we talk. to people who know our guest and who are. friends of our guest to get a question. asked them and we talk well behind their. back. And so we talked to Stephen. Colbert today. Oh my gosh. >> I know. >> He was in his living room. It looked. like a or study. Mhm. I was so psyched to talk to him because. like you, Stephen, you both were. you know, I kind of only got to know you. later. I didn't know you in Chicago and. you were both these examples of like, you know, aspirational performers who I.

wanted to be in any way like. And. Stephen talked a lot about those early. times with the two of you and and what. it was like to watch you on stage and. and he talks about like how you can do. almost anything, you know, like that you. have this ability to be really, really. big and really small and you can have. these characters that are really shallow. and really deep. He told us that you can. play any instrument, which I did not. know. That you're like very good at. brass instruments. >> [laughter]. >> Is that a lie?

It's pretty amazing, isn't it? Did you learn Did you take lessons? I. took lessons. >> Like what was your what was your. instrument of choice? >> Baritone horn. Oh, dang. >> I know, right? [laughter]. You're like ladies. I don't. You're like. You're like ladies. I've got a baritone. horn. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> I. I played the baritone horn in the. marching band. >> Why Why'd you pick the baritone horn? I. loved the tone. I want to know what it. sounds like. >> It's sometimes I It's It's also called a.

euphonium. It's basically a small tuba. I know, sexy. >> [laughter]. >> Baritone. >> I play the small tuba. >> And. Yeah. [laughter]. And I also play the trumpet. >> to go on a second date? >> you like that? >> The fife? >> Yeah. Um sorry, I can't I got to get. commercials off of my YouTube. YouTube, if you can find a way to Okay, here we go. [laughter]. Yeah. Somewhere between a trombone, tuba and a.

French horn. Oh, Tony is a trom. trombone teacher. He seems very nice. This podcast is. going to elevate baritone horn playing. like never before. I love Tony. Here we go. >> [music]. >> Mhm. Right. Euphonium or baritone horn? Well, I it's. a quite a large instrument. Yeah, you.

hold it like this. And I had the bell. that went out like this and. >> [laughter]. >> Did you play in the band? >> So, I played in the band. I played in. the jazz band. I played yeah. I played it I played it at Second City. Stephen Colbert had to learn how to play. the baritone horn cuz he was my. understudy. Yes, he mentioned that he. had to understudy and he had to learn. the baritone horn in like 6 days. >> Unbelievable. Talk about somebody who. can do anything. Like. I I mean I'd played the baritone horn.

since I was in fourth grade. He learned. it in 6 days. So, [laughter]. yeah. And he told me that he he he also. taught me a word. I've completely. forgotten it. It's a word on. that describes when you make the sound. of the. the. Do you remember the name of the word? Embouchure? Yes, embouchure. He [laughter] taught me He said he you. taught him an embouchure. >> [laughter]. >> Um what was it like working with Stephen. then and what do you remember about.

meeting him for the first time and. >> [laughter]. >> Wow. I I. >> [snorts]. >> I just think I you know, I think about. him a lot to be honest. I I just I have. I'm in awe of him. He's so smart. He's. so funny. He He is someone who can literally do. anything. He's He can sing. He He's a. great writer. Uh one of the funniest. people I know. and. a. a wonderful father and husband like.

just like one of these straight arrow. Yeah. I would trust him with my life. kind of guys. Um. And we got a lot. Working with him, you know, when you. work well, you and Tina, when you know. someone can finish your sentence. I I I. mentioned that to him that like there's. a feeling as we get older when people. knew us when that feels really. like beyond special and valuable. It's. like you just have been through a lot. with someone. Yeah.

And when you've met them at the. beginning of what eventually will be. like. the best thing about your life other. than your family. Yeah. And your um partners is. is like you just they knew they knew you. when you were struggling like in that. you just they they have a part of your. life in them and you and theirs. Yes. And that's what it feels like with the. two of you. Well, it for me, too. Yeah. To to. to learn at the same time. Yeah.

>> And to be going through and I'm sure, you know, certainly you and Tina experienced that. and others to have that. as you were saying like those sort of. formative years when you don't really. know what you're doing, but you're. having fun and you're all having fun. together and you're trusting each other. And I think that's one of the great. things about Second City was just. learning how to trust other people. And um. and I just I just trust him. And I as a. person, as a performer,

um. he's just fun. He's a. I I. I can't wait to see what his next thing. is because. >> Well, we were talking about it and we. think you should decide. What his next. thing is? >> [laughter]. >> Well, I'm always pitching the two of us. doing a play. I love that. That's a great idea. >> do a play with him. I think it would be. or or anything. Honestly, I would I. would. >> idea. do anything with him. His question.

for you because of course it was was. very thoughtful. and interesting which was you know he. was saying like I've known Steve for so. long but I don't really know his. process. We've never really talked about. it in terms of like is there a. difference between when you're doing. something dramatic and doing something. comedic? Do you think about it. differently? Do you approach it. differently? >> I'll preface this by saying. whenever I hear an actor start to talk. about their process. >> cut the answer. >> doesn't know if they're in a comedy or. drama. Mhm. They're just living their.

life. >> Right. And so if funny things happen. around this character then the movie or. the show is a comedy. But if it's tragic or or scary or. whatever it's. it's leans towards drama. Sometimes it's. a mixture of both. But. but I I think if if you can tell a. character knows they're in a comedy it's. intrinsically less funny. Yes. Like look. I I look at somebody like Alan Arkin. or Peter Sellers. and.

they always seem very true to their. characters. They were never like you. couldn't tell whether Alan Arkin was. doing something. intensely dramatic [laughter]. or something crazily funny. It was the. same like not the same kind of not the. same acting. He played different. characters. But he was equally committed to both of. them and never letting on. He was never. winking. Mhm. I'm in a comedy. Here we. go. Watch this joke. You're going to. laugh.

>> [laughter]. >> Did you ever sense actors sometimes are. waiting for the. waiting for the laugh in a movie? >> [laughter]. >> They're [gasps] like look around like. like they. like a punchline. Like wait a second. Where The also the other thing that. makes me so stressed out and like sweaty. is in real life when people say like I'm. funny. >> [laughter]. >> And I'm like oof. I don't know. I don't know. If you got. to say it out loud, I don't know. >> ever had an executive I.

I had an executive once say, "Listen, I know comedy." Okay. Like I know it. [laughter]. I know it. >> I know it. I've studied it, okay? It's. such a subjective thing. And and and and. reverse it, right? Like if you if I went. up to like a you know an like if I went. up to Meryl and I was like, "I'm pretty. dramatic.". >> [laughter]. >> Like reverse it be like, "I'M PRETTY GOOD AT BEING PRETTY SAD.". >> [laughter]. >> I'm pretty I can get pretty sad. And people will buy it.

>> I think when I cry, I'm going to make. other people cry. So So I've cried. >> Something to A lot of my friends have. seen me cry. >> [laughter]. >> But Steve, I I mean I'm going to glaze. you for a second. Beautiful Boy, Foxcatcher, The Patient? You're so good at like that that series. was so incredible. I loved you in Four. Seasons. I loved that series and I look. forward for season 2 and your ghost. obviously haunting the set. I don't. know.

Um. I just think I should be in background. I think I should [laughter] just. just Just like Where's Waldo. deep. background and I just like turn. >> [laughter]. >> But like almost. It's like was that him? >> up like you can't yeah you can't tell if. it's me or not. >> Yeah. But but I love what she said about the. two of you working together cuz I do. think that you both have similar. qualities. You you work really hard, you're very professional, and you're. shyer than people would think, both of. you.

Yeah, well, we talked about that like we worked. together before and it took us 15 years. after that to become friends. >> [laughter]. >> Because it is true. I'm I'm very I think. closed off is what you with the word. looking for. >> [laughter]. >> I'm not shy. I'm just impenetrable. I I. But But um. But are you? [laughter]. I I'm pretty shy. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean well, I guess that. what I I I bet people think like you're.

going to be the life of the party. >> Oh, no. Yeah. Do you remember coming to my house for. the. >> [laughter]. >> I loved your house. But But tell that. story. So, Betsy and I had a dinner party. for the Oscars one year. >> That was so fun. >> And had a had a few couples over. And uh it was really fun. It was fun to. have everybody over. But that's that's. very unlike us. Like we don't. I don't know. We're not.

I think we're more social now. I've that we're getting older, I guess. Time's running out. >> [laughter]. >> I have to solidify some of these. friendships. But um so, the Oscars and we had a very. nice dinner and we taped it. We put it, you know, we were taping the Oscars. And. >> ate first like civilized and then we. were going to be like, "Let's go We're. going to sit down and then we're going. to go in and we're watching we can fast. forward through the awards that we like. And we looked at the.

the tape and we hadn't had added the. extension and Oscars always go long. So, like the big awards. we completely missed. [laughter]. Yeah. And we were frantic like. I think somebody got online. We just. started announcing like. >> [laughter]. >> WHO WON THE AWARD? >> YEAH. KIND OF ACTING IT OUT. >> UH MY MY memory of that time and feeling. was that it was really fun. Like So, I. can only imagine the stress of like, "Oh.

[ __ ] we didn't record the [laughter]. Oscars." But also. I mean, who That was just fun. That was. fun. >> so fun. But you But yeah, I think that. people probably assume that you're going. to be kind of crazy. Yeah, I'm pretty Yeah, I'm Yeah, I'm not. I'm not out there. No who No who I really envy. envy I admire. is uh Will. Yeah. >> Like he just. owns it. >> Will Ferrell. >> Like he'll show Yeah, Will Ferrell. Like. he he he'll show up at a a Kings game.

He was wearing a ref's uniform the other. day just sitting in his seat. He came as as. uh his character from Elf year before. last and was just smoking a cigarette. and drinking a beer. >> [laughter]. >> But he just he just kind of owns it. >> I know. And He loves it. >> love it and I'm I'm. way too introverted to do that. Yeah. I. one one time. and I would never do this, but I thought.

I'm just going to do it. I was in. Beverly Hills, I was driving around and. a tour bus went by. >> [laughter]. >> and I thought I'm going to I'm going to. do it. I'm going to wave and I went, "Hey everybody." Not a person. >> [laughter]. >> They were like. >> They were like, "What? Who's that?" And. I. And then I shrank into this little ball. like, "Last time I'm ever doing anything. like. >> [laughter]. >> They were like, "WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN IN?". And you were like, "Um what do.

You just start listing your resume. >> Oh man, I was [laughter] like, "Why did. I even do that?". >> Yeah. It It was It certainly no gift to. anybody. That was like. No. Oh god. Oh god. I I mean I you're. you're you're I mean that is what I love. about you Steve is like I feel like. well for many things. One is that I feel. like you're just such an incredible. actor performer and and and. collaborative person to work with and. and I do look forward to being in the. play that you and Stephen do together.

Yes. Um. >> Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Want to do it? Yes. >> All right. Two things though. I like to go to bed. early and I don't want to do as many. performances as they make you do. I. think about our times when like the. hardest part of our day was at the end. of our day when we would do our shows. and it was like in jeans shuffling out. there. We'd be like, "Can we get a word. to get started?" Like a bunch of lazy. [ __ ] Shout out a few things. out. >> [laughter]. >> Shout out to shout out.

>> Where do we work? Where do the two of us work? What's our relationship? >> [laughter]. >> What's my first line? What's my last. line? And what are some of the lines in. between? >> [laughter]. >> But you have been killed off on a couple. shows. Morning show you were killed off. Morning show. the patient The last three shows The. last three shows. >> three shows I've been killed What's. going on? I people love to see me killed. off. >> [laughter].

>> It's a thing. >> Yeah. Now, your new show you're not. Roos- Okay, let's talk about Rooster. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> Season one. So far so good. >> Okay, it just came out on. >> [laughter]. >> just came out on HBO. >> Yeah. W- What is it about? It's about. my my character, Greg, is a [snorts] writer not unlike uh Carl. Hiaasen. whose daughter is a professor at a. prestigious East Coast university.

I go to that university to just do a uh. reading. And. in order my my daughter kind of gets. into some trouble. and the president of the university This. is a long-winded version. President of the university asks if I'll. stay on as resident, you know, a writer. in residence. And so I become the writer in residence. at this college that my daughter And so. my it it really changes the dynamic. between.

uh me and my daughter. And it's like you. stepping into this like academic world. >> Yeah. I like to see you as a professor. I like that a lot. Yeah, it's fun. Yeah, I like I I think it's really And the. cast is stacked. Such a good good group. What's it like doing another show with. like How does it feel? It's really. It was great. >> Yeah. It was. It had that sense of freedom. Yeah. And. that sense of. anything can happen at any time.

>> Mhm. We can try stuff. Um, everybody's. a great improviser. >> Mhm. People, you know, talking before. about improvising. in character on point. >> Everybody's so good at that. >> So great. >> Um, it's it's very well written and. funny. Yeah. I I love it. I I I really. love it. >> Congrats on that. It's great. It's going. to be my parents' favorite show. I hope. to run into them at that restaurant. >> Well, I was hoping actually. Would you. Would you mind if we just FaceTime them. quick? >> Oh my gosh.

>> [laughter]. >> Do you mind? No. Cuz I told them that we were. interviewing you. >> [laughter]. >> And my mom texted back, "Okay, it was. the Gibbet Hill Grill." Yeah. In Groton, Mass. >> Yeah. Now, when I called my dad before. when I texted my dad and said, "Where. did you see Steve Carell?" He didn't. answer me back. And mom said he was at. the gym. >> [laughter]. >> So, let's see if we can get a hold of. him. Hi, Mama. I've got I've got Steve Carell. here. Oh my god, how are you?

>> How are you? How was. How was your meal? It was very nice. I. believe I had the stuffed scrod. >> [laughter]. >> Scrod? Scrod? Now, scrod is a Boston. thing. We were talking about how Steve doesn't. seem like he's from Boston. He doesn't. have any kind of accent. But neither do. you, Mom. Oh, don't even make fun of me. I know. you're going to ask [laughter] me to. assist. Yeah. How mad is Dad going to be that he. didn't answer the phone? He's at the.

gym. No, he's right here. He's going Oh, Bill's right here. Steve, do you mind? >> Of course. >> Steve Carell's on the phone here. Sit. up. [laughter] Steve Carell. HEY. >> [laughter]. >> ARE YOU JUST LOUNGING ON THE COUCH? Lounging on the recliner. He's in his. recliner. What time is it there? [laughter]. Hi Pop, look who you secured for me. Yes. Uh do I get any uh benefit from that? >> Yeah, like a what do you call it? Like.

Like a finder's finder's fee. Yes, [laughter] finder's fee. Boston. >> what? Are you you when you go out to. restaurants now, are you just going to. be like scoping [laughter] for people. for the show? Uh you'd be interested to know what I. said after you left. >> What? I said, "His wife is beautiful.". >> [laughter]. >> Weird. Weird. Thanks, Dad. >> Yeah, WHAT'S THAT ABOUT? >> [laughter]. >> WEIRD. SAYING SOMEONE IS BEAUTIFUL.

>> HEY, MRS. POLAR, that's not right. That's weird. >> [laughter]. >> Don't let your husband talk That's. That's gross. I'm I'm filing for divorce now that I. THINK ABOUT. >> [laughter]. [gasps]. >> WELL, THANKS YOU GUYS FOR THE ASSIST. WE. HAD A great interview and Dad, I owe you. a couple bucks. Bye. >> [laughter]. >> So, Steve, thank you for being with my. parents. And before I Before. Before I finish, I got to ask you my. most important question, which I almost.

forgot to ask you, which is what is. making you laugh these days? What are. What are What are you watching, reading, who's making you laugh, what do you. like? >> I Nancy, I just started We're late to. it, but just started watching uh The. Righteous Gemstones. >> Oh. And. that first season was I. a joy. Loved it. Danny. Incredible. Incredible. But can we talk. about um Edie for a second? >> Mhm.

Edie Patterson on that show. >> [laughter]. >> I'd never seen her before. >> Oh my god. She's so funny. >> So. See, that's when when you start when you. see someone that just comes out of the. blue. Yeah. And. I. unexpected and like completely. different approach to Yeah. a character. Um so unique. and specific. Yeah. I know. And talk.

about like improvising in character. >> Mhm. She. did like everything she's saying is. tumbling out of her mouth, it seems. like. Yeah. I don't know how much is. written or improvised, but it looks like. a lot is improvised, but I don't know. But everything is kind of tumbling out. of her mouth, but it's never ever a. false note. She's just staying. Yeah. All those characters are nuts. >> Yeah. I really like it. >> That is an amazing cast. John Goodman, I. love John Goodman. >> I do too. Adam Devine. Yeah. It's really good. I I.

And it's one of those I. I just it just kind of. slipped by. Like it didn't um was under. under our radar and. on a whim we just. said, you know, I've heard good things. I started watching it. Let me call my. parents and see what they think. >> Okay. Let's see. >> [laughter]. >> Thank you, Steve. Thank you for doing. this. >> Thank you, Steve Carell. Um thank you. for talking to my parents. Um.

you know, for this polar plunge, I just. want to reiterate how. grateful and lucky I am to be a Boston. girl. You know, me and Steve are. Boston kids who made it big. And um. it is really nice always to feel like. you are part of a community and that's. what being from Boston feels like. So, um. don't come at me, Boston, if I said one. thing that made you mad, all right? Let. it roll off your shoulders, all right?

Cuz you're still the best, number one, don't forget. Um Boston forever. Uh go Sox. Okay, thanks for listening and uh. we'll catch you next time on Good Hang. Bye. You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss-Berman, [music]. and me, Amy Poehler. The show is. produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, Kat Spellane, Kaya McMillan, and. Aleya Zenneris. [music]. For Paper Kite, production by Sam Green,

Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss-Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. I I had a. wonderful really. good hang. [music and singing].