Get an inside look into Lenny Ripps' life and career. Discover how his childhood humor transformed into a profession. Hear about his work with comedy legends like Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield, his experiences on sitcom sets, and his influence on international comedy adaptations. A genuine peek into the world of humor and entertainment.
Recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
My guest, Lenny Ripps, and I discuss:
- Using humor as a defense mechanism as a child to shield himself from bullies
- Transition from social work to comedy writing
- Life-altering encounter with Joan Rivers
- Comedy writing for icons: Rivers, Dangerfield, Steinberg
- High-stakes humor: Gambling with Rodney Dangerfield
- Writing on the Mac Davis Show and fine-tuning a sketch with guidance from George Burns
- Working Dick VanDyke's show: VanDyke and Company
- Collaborative comedy with Bob Einstein
- Working with Redd Foxx on Redd Foxx's Variety Hour and The Royal Family - Lenny shares some Redd Foxx stories
- Bosum Buddies anecdotes and unrealized revival
- Joining The Royal Family (created by Eddie Murphy) two weeks before Redd Foxx passed and taking the lead on the show with new lead Jackée Harry
- Working on the sitcom Angie with Donna Pescow and Robert Hays. Working with Danny DeVito who acted in one of Lenny's first scripts he wrote for TV
- Lenny's pivotal part in The Star Wars Holiday Special
- Working with Tim Burton and the creative clashes and triumphs with Disney's Frankenweenie
- Hollywood rewrites: Flintstones, Casper, and more
- Working on the set of Full House. Lenny shares an amazing story about John Stamos.
- Lenny's work rewriting American sitcoms for other countries such as The Golden Girls in Greece.
- and much more from Lenny Ripps!
You're going to love my conversation with Lenny Ripps
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