Ted Danson and Paul Reiser recently appeared on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show and had an engaging and entertaining discussion. During the interview, Ted Danson asked Paul Reiser about his well-balanced approach to his career, expressing admiration for Reiser’s ability to juggle various roles and projects without seeming desperate. Reiser, known for his work as a stand-up comedian, serious actor, musician, and author, explained that while he never planned on pursuing music professionally, he had studied it in college and enjoyed playing the piano. Stand-up comedy was always his passion, sparked by his fascination with comedians he watched on TV as a child. Reiser shared how he would listen to the likes of George Carlin and Robert Klein and even caught their performances live in small coffee houses in New York. He mentioned how he was drawn to comedy and was fortunate that the comedy club scene started to take off when he was in college. Reiser expressed his desire to perform on The Tonight Show, but unexpectedly stumbled into the casting office for Barry Levinson’s film “Diner.” This opportunity led to his appearance on The Tonight Show and opened the door to his future career in acting.
Danson then delved deeper into Reiser’s early days in stand-up comedy, asking about his first time performing in front of an audience. Reiser recalled his initial performance, admitting it wasn’t good. He described the process of trying to come up with funny material and auditioning for open mic nights. Reiser mentioned how nervous he was during his audition and how he struggled to get laughs with his borrowed material. Despite the poor reception, he remained determined and continued to pursue stand-up comedy because he loved making people laugh.
The conversation between Danson and Reiser also touched on their early experiences in theater and acting. Danson shared how he initially planned to pursue a career in basketball but ended up auditioning for a play in high school on a whim. Reiser, on the other hand, had always been drawn to performing and experienced his first taste of theater at Kent School for Boys. They discussed the camaraderie and love for ensemble work that comes with performing in plays. Reiser noted that while theater and stand-up are different, he enjoyed being part of a team and found fulfillment in being part of a group that creates something together.
The discussion then shifted towards their respective careers in Hollywood. Danson shared that he was impressed by Reiser’s ability to handle wardrobe fittings with ease, something that can be initially uncomfortable for actors. Reiser humorously acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation but emphasized the importance of getting over self-consciousness in show business.
As the conversation continued, Danson and Reiser reminisced about their roles in the film “Diner” and the friendships they formed with their co-stars, including Kevin Bacon, Tim Daly, Daniel Stern, and Steve Guttenberg. They expressed their gratitude for the experience and how the bond they formed on set has remained strong even after 40 years.
Overall, the interview on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show provided a glimpse into the lives and careers of Ted Danson and Paul Reiser. Their candid and engaging conversation showcased their passion for comedy, acting, and the art of making people laugh. It served as a reminder that career paths in the entertainment industry can be unpredictable and that success often comes from seizing unexpected opportunities.
