Profession Network Founder This category consists of people who have founded networks, including cable networks.
Interview Anne Meara In her over two-hour Archive interview (consisting of one hour solo and just over an hour with her husband and comedy partner, Jerry Stiller), Anne Meara (1929-2015) recalls wanting to be a serious actress. She tells of her time doing Summer stock productions and discusses her roles on Archie...
Interview Bill Persky In his four-hour Archive interview, Bill Persky discusses his early years in advertising and radio, before teaming up with longtime partner, Sam Denoff. He describes how after writing for The Steve Allen Show and The Andy Williams Show , he and Denoff were hired to write for The Dick Van Dyke Show...
Interview Jerry Stiller In his three-and-a-half hour Archive interview, Jerry Stiller (1927-2020) is interviewed for two hours solo, and for over one hour with his wife and comedy partner Anne Meara. He chronicles his notable work in the long form production Seize the Day, and details the role for which he is most...
Interview Rob Reiner In his four-hour Archive interview, Rob Reiner talks about growing up surrounded by the group of comedy legends that included his father, Carl, Sid Caesar, and Mel Brooks. He discusses his first forays into performing and lists some of his early television appearances. He discusses his work as a...
Interview Tom Poston In his two-hour Archive interview, Tom Poston (1921-2007) talks about his first television appearances, including his stint as a regular on Hawkins Falls and Population 6200 , which originated in Chicago. He chronicles his work on a local New York daytime show, which led to appearances as a regular...
Interview Kevin Bright In his three-hour interview, Kevin Bright discusses his childhood in New York City, and his father, Vaudeville comedian turned talent manager, Jackie Bright. He talks about attending Emerson College, and, after graduation, working for producers Joseph and Gilbert Cate and producing David...
Interview Diane English In her two-and-a-half hour Archive interview, Diane English discusses her upbringing in Buffalo, New York, where she first worked as an English and drama teacher before moving to New York City to pursue a career in playwriting. She describes how she instead landed her first industry job at public...
Interview Hugh Hefner with Emerson College In his forty-five minute interview for the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College, Hugh Hefner talks about his connection to humor, and his friendships with comedians like Lenny Bruce and Don Adams. He describes having comedians on his early talk show Playboy’s Penthouse , as well as breaking...
Interview Pat Harrington, Jr. with Emerson College In his ninety-minute interview for the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College, Pat Harrington, Jr. (1929-2016) talks about his father Pat Harrington, and his career on stage. He recalls meeting Jonathan Winters, which led to several shots on Tonight Starring Jack Paar . He talks about...