Marty Feldman made a hilarious appearance on the iconic talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where he talked about his role in the movie Young Frankenstein and working with the legendary Mel Brooks. Known for his wild stream of consciousness humor, Feldman added his unique touch to both his acting and directing.
In the interview, Feldman discussed his role as Igor in Young Frankenstein, one of the funniest characters in the film. He revealed that some of the funniest lines were actually scripted, but there was room for improvisation as well. Feldman and Brooks shared a similar comedic style, which made their collaboration even more enjoyable.
Feldman also talked about his experience directing his first motion picture, The Last Remake of Beau Geste, in which he also starred. He mentioned that while working with Brooks, suggesting ideas was not as effective as just going ahead and doing them. Brooks had a knack for recognizing funny moments, so Feldman took the opportunity to add his own touches to the film.
The conversation then turned to Feldman’s unique appearance, specifically his bulging eyes. He explained that he had a hypothyroid condition caused by exhaustion, which resulted in his unmistakeable gaze. Feldman’s eyes became one of his defining physical features, adding to his comedic appeal.
The interview took a playful turn as Feldman and Carson engaged in a lighthearted game while sitting at Carson’s desk. They entertained the audience with their childlike antics, showing that humor knows no age limits. Feldman’s love for comedy began at a young age, and he found that he could easily make people laugh with his natural talent for acting up and entertaining others.
In addition to his work in film, Feldman was also a soccer enthusiast. He played the sport twice a week, mostly with fellow actors and waiters. While soccer may not have gained the same popularity in the United States as it has in other parts of the world, Feldman saw potential for its growth, especially among smaller individuals who might not excel in sports like basketball or football.
Towards the end of the interview, Feldman shared some behind-the-scenes stories and showed some pictures from his latest film, The Last Remake of Beau Geste. He described the film as a parody with no regard for anachronisms or logic, determined solely to make the audience laugh.
Marty Feldman‘s wit and comedic timing made his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson a memorable one. His collaboration with Mel Brooks in Young Frankenstein showcased his talent for bringing laughter to audiences, while his unique physical appearance only added to his charm. Whether through acting, directing, or playing soccer, Feldman had a natural ability to entertain and bring joy to those around him.
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Originally aired on July 15, 1977
