Podcast Summary
The Office rewatch podcast: Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey's podcast offers exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with The Office cast, including Bob Odenkirk, who shared stories about his career in comedy and drama, including the creation of the iconic Chris Farley motivational speaker sketch on Saturday Night Live.
Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey, who starred in The Office together, have started a podcast called The Ultimate Office Rewatch where they discuss each episode and share exclusive behind-the-scenes stories. In their latest episode, they interviewed Bob Odenkirk, who appeared on The Office as Mark Franks and is best known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Odenkirk shared stories about his extensive career in comedy and drama, including his time writing for Saturday Night Live and his transition from comedy to drama. A highlight of the interview was Odenkirk discussing the creation of the iconic Chris Farley motivational speaker sketch on Saturday Night Live. Jenna and Angela's friendship and long history allowed for a candid and entertaining conversation with Odenkirk, providing fans with unique insights into his career.
Earnestness in Comedy: Earnestness can hinder comedy performances, while a light, mirthful energy is more enjoyable for audiences. Successful comedians can relax and let go, allowing their performances to shine.
Earnestness and the ability to fully immerse oneself in a performance are crucial elements in comedy, particularly for audience enjoyment. Bob Odenkirk shared his experience of struggling to be a standout comedy performer due to his earnestness and inability to fully let go and bring a light energy to his performances. He found success in drama, where his earnestness and full engagement were assets. In comedy, performers who can relax and bring a light, mirthful energy are more enjoyable to watch. Odenkirk also discussed his audition experience for "The Office," where he and Steve Carell were both in the running for different roles, and how Carell's ability to be genuinely fun was a better fit for the comedy series. Ultimately, Odenkirk found success in his role on "Better Call Saul," where his earnestness and seriousness were a good fit for the character.
Collaboration in comedy: Collaborating with funny people and improvising in comedy projects excites actor and writer Bob Odenkirk, leading to his best experiences in show business.
The best experiences in show business for actor and writer Bob Odenkirk have been those where he gets to work with an ensemble of funny people, invent and improvise, and collaborate with his colleagues. Whether it was on "The Ben Stiller Show," "Mr. Show," or even in action movies, these opportunities allow him to use his writing skills and have fun on set. Odenkirk has found that while well-written dramas can be rewarding, the improvisational nature of comedy projects is what truly excites him. He expressed his excitement about joining the podcast to connect with fans and share stories about his career, including the creation of iconic characters like Matt Foley.
Unexpected success in comedy: Despite struggling at SNL and Second City, the speaker found success and joy through dedication and taking risks, leading to the hit sketch 'motivational speaker'.
Despite struggling at Saturday Night Live and feeling out of place at Second City, the speaker found success and joy in unexpected ways. He took on a challenging schedule, juggling work at SNL and Second City, and endured tension and criticism. However, his dedication to comedy and the development of a new sketch, the motivational speaker, paid off. The sketch became a hit at Second City and later on SNL, bringing him recognition and fulfillment. The experience taught him that taking risks and following his passion, even when faced with adversity, can lead to great rewards.
Unexpected moments and repetition in comedy: Unexpected moments and repetition are key elements in creating memorable and entertaining comedy. Chris Farley's unforgettable performance and the repetition in 'thimble' and 'hunger strike' sketches are examples of their impact on audiences.
The magic of comedy lies in unexpected moments and repetition. The speakers shared stories about their experiences writing and performing for the show "Mr. Show," highlighting the impact of a single, hilarious moment and the power of repetition in comedy. For example, Chris Farley's unforgettable performance in a sketch left a lasting impression on audiences, and the repetition in sketches like "thimble" and "hunger strike" resulted in big laughs. The speakers also emphasized the importance of structure and taking risks in comedy, even if it means going against the norm and potentially offending some viewers. Overall, their stories demonstrate the unpredictable and enduring power of comedy to entertain and connect with audiences.
Improvised song in The Office: Improvising during auditions can lead to memorable scenes and reveal unexpected chemistry between actors. Regretfully, not shooting with real locations and minimal sets might have added more authenticity.
The actor's audition preparation and improvisation significantly influenced a scene in the episode of "The Office." During the audition process, the actor improvised a song with another actor, which was so funny that the producers decided to include it in the show. This experience brought back memories of the actor's long history with the other actor, who is a comedy legend. Despite feeling nervous around him, the actor acknowledged the importance of recognizing and appreciating each other's unique talents. The actor also expressed a regret that they didn't shoot the scene as an indie movie, using real locations and minimally built sets, which they believed could have added more authenticity to the comedy. Overall, this experience showcases the power of improvisation and the importance of embracing one's strengths and those of others in the creative process.
Creative setbacks: Creative setbacks are inevitable, but they provide opportunities for growth and learning. Keep creating and making mistakes, as the journey is just as valuable as the destination.
Growth and learning often come from experiences that don't go as planned. This is especially true in creative fields like directing or writing. While it's important to strive for excellence, it's also crucial to remember that not every project will be a success. Older artists often reflect on their careers and recognize that hard work and dedication don't always guarantee positive outcomes. Instead, they encourage the next generation to create and make mistakes, as the journey is just as valuable as the destination. Additionally, some people are naturally drawn to creative roles, like directing or writing, and find joy in the process, while others may find it challenging and tedious. Ultimately, it's essential to find what resonates with us and to keep learning and growing, even when the path isn't always clear.
Acting industry challenges: Not everyone who is great gets chosen in the acting industry, but that doesn't diminish their worth, and it's important to keep going and find joy in the process.
The entertainment industry can be a challenging and competitive environment, but it's important to remember that everyone involved, whether they get the role or not, brings their unique talents to the table. Bob Odenkirk shared his experiences of auditioning for roles and the reality that not everyone who is great gets chosen, but that doesn't diminish their worth. He encouraged new and old actors to keep going and not be discouraged by rejection. Additionally, Bob shared some personal stories from his career, including his first job as a character in a singles bar and his love for Ireland, which he considers his happy place. Overall, Bob's reflections highlight the importance of perseverance and finding joy in the process of acting.
Bob Odenkirk's Ireland love, personal life: Bob Odenkirk cherishes Ireland's charm, enjoys dinner with industry friends, working out, watching movies, recommends 'The French Dispatch', and has an early dinner and bedtime.
Bob Odenkirk, a renowned actor and writer, shared his love for Ireland, despite its clichéd appeal, and his newfound social life with his wife, which includes dinner with industry friends, working out, and watching movies. He recommended the new film "The French Dispatch" and mentioned his memoir "Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Drama" and the book of whimsical poetry "Xylot and other important rhymes." He also enjoys an early dinner and an early bedtime. Overall, Bob's interview was filled with his unique perspective on showbiz and his personal life, making for an entertaining and engaging conversation.