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Podcasts > Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade > David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

By Dana Carvey, David Spade

Join comedy icons David Spade, Dana Carvey, and guest David Cross on "Fly on the Wall" for an uproarious dive into the world of stand-up and sketch comedy. In an engaging episode packed with personal anecdotes and insider insights, Cross recounts his collaborative journey with Bob Odenkirk on the cult classic "Mr. Show with Bob Odenkirk" and his raw comedic prowess that shines in his stand-up album "Shut Up You F***ing Baby". The conversation also touches on the delicate balance between passion-driven endeavors and the financial lure of the industry, as Cross discusses his current projects including a new comedy special and the intimate setting of Brooklyn's "Shooting the Shit, Seeing What Sticks".

The episode further delves into the poignant tales of comedy auditions and the professional hurdles one might face—as illustrated by David Cross's own SNL audition saga. Our hosts also pay homage to Steven Wright, highlighting his profound influence on their careers and the comedy landscape at large. Each comedian reflects on the challenges of up-and-coming artists aspiring to Wright's legendary style. Rounding off the discussion, Cross muses on the nuanced effects of fame, suggesting that sustained exposure to Hollywood from a young age, as seen in the case of actors like Jason Bateman, can contribute to a healthier and more grounded approach to success in showbiz.

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David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

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David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

1-Page Summary

David Cross's Comedy Career, Including Mr. Show and Stand-Up

David Cross has a multifaceted comedy career highlighted by his partnership with Bob Odenkirk on "Mr. Show with Bob Odenkirk" and his own stand-up successes. Cross speaks fondly of the creative freedom he and Odenkirk experienced on HBO, complimenting Odenkirk's strengths both in comedy and drama. Dana Carvey singles out Cross's early stand-up album, "Shut Up You F***ing Baby," as an example of his raw humor. Cross details his current projects, including a comedy special in production and his Brooklyn shows "Shooting the Shit, Seeing What Sticks," which serves as a testing ground for new material. He values passion projects and collaborations with top-tier filmmakers despite their lesser financial return.

David Cross's Experience Auditioning for Saturday Night Live

David Cross recalls his unconventional audition for "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) at Caroline’s on Broadway, which unfortunately did not go as hoped, and an SNL staff left the venue unimpressed. Additionally, Cross details a meeting with SNL creator Lorne Michaels, which felt circular and inconclusive. Ultimately, Cross did not land a position as a writer for SNL, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.

Recollections of Steven Wright's Early Comedy

Steven Wright's comedy has significantly influenced fellow comedians such as Cross, Spade, and Carvey. David Spade sees Wright as a standout early in his career, with Dana Carvey acknowledging Wright's excellence in big-room performances and joke-writing. David Cross shares how Wright's referral helped him gain representation. The comedians also discuss the challenge other comics face when trying to emulate Wright's distinctive style, acknowledging Wright's unique presence in the comedy world.

Discussions of Fame's Effects on Talent and Creativity

David Cross explores the impact of fame on talented individuals, particularly those who grow up in Hollywood. He points out that many child actors, like Jason Bateman, who are exposed to the industry from an early age, often maintain their authenticity and good nature despite achieving fame. This hints that early and continuous exposure to the entertainment industry may foster healthy attitudes toward fame and success.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Mr. Show with Bob Odenkirk" was a sketch comedy series that aired on HBO in the 1990s. It was co-created and starred Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. The show was known for its innovative and satirical humor, tackling various social and political issues. "Mr. Show" gained a cult following and is considered a significant influence on alternative comedy.
  • "Shut Up You F***ing Baby" is a stand-up comedy album released by David Cross in 2002. The album features Cross's raw and politically charged humor, touching on various social and political issues of the time. It received critical acclaim for its edgy and thought-provoking content. The title itself reflects Cross's confrontational and unapologetic comedic style.
  • Dana Carvey is a well-known comedian and actor, famous for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and movies like "Wayne's World." David Spade is another comedian and actor, also known for his time on "Saturday Night Live" and various comedy films. Lorne Michaels is the creator and longtime producer of "Saturday Night Live," a highly influential sketch comedy show on television.
  • Steven Wright's deadpan delivery and surreal humor have had a significant impact on comedians like David Cross, David Spade, and Dana Carvey. Wright's unique style of one-liners and dry wit has inspired many in the comedy world. Comedians often admire Wright's ability to craft clever, unconventional jokes that stand out in the industry. His influence can be seen in the way other comics approach joke-writing and performance.
  • Jason Bateman began his acting career as a child, appearing in various television shows and commercials. He gained early fame for his role on the sitcom "Silver Spoons" and later on "The Hogan Family." Despite the challenges that child actors often face in the industry, Bateman has managed to maintain a successful and respected career into adulthood. His experience growing up in Hollywood has provided him with unique insights into the entertainment industry.

Counterarguments

  • While Cross values creative freedom, it's worth noting that not all artists thrive under such conditions; some may require more structure or external input to produce their best work.
  • Praising Cross's raw humor is subjective, and not all audiences may appreciate or agree with Dana Carvey's assessment of Cross's stand-up album.
  • Cross's focus on passion projects and collaborations with top-tier filmmakers, though admirable, might not be a sustainable model for all artists, especially those who need to prioritize financial stability.
  • The unsuccessful audition for "Saturday Night Live" could be seen as a missed opportunity for SNL to diversify its writing staff with Cross's unique comedic voice.
  • The circular and inconclusive meeting with Lorne Michaels might reflect a broader issue within the industry where communication and decision-making processes can be opaque and frustrating for talent.
  • While Steven Wright's influence on comedians is acknowledged, it's possible that other, less recognized comedians have also had significant impacts on their peers but haven't received the same level of recognition.
  • The idea that fame can have positive effects on talent and creativity doesn't account for the numerous instances where fame has had detrimental effects on individuals, leading to pressure, loss of privacy, and other challenges.
  • The suggestion that early and continuous exposure to the entertainment industry may foster healthy attitudes toward fame doesn't consider the many child actors who have struggled with the pressures of growing up in the spotlight.

Learn more

David Cross - Wikipedia
David Cross (born April 4, 1964) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and director.Cross is best known for his stand-up performances, the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show (1995–1998), and his role as Tobias Fünke in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013–2019).. Cross created, wrote, executive produced, and starred in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of ...
15 Partnerships That Changed The World – #TOGETHERBAND
Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The founders of Microsoft first met at school in Seattle in the 1960s and bonded over a computer terminal. It was expensive to use - $40 per hour - so the pair teamed up and struck a deal to use the computer for free if they identified bugs in the system. In 1975 they founded Microsoft together, which changed the ...
Fame as an Illusion of Creativity: Evidence from Pioneers of Abstract ...
Within creative industries, the conceptualization of fame as broad cultural visibility beyond one’s field can be found in work of scholars such as Lang & Lang (1988, p. 84-85). Table 1(a) in the Appendix lays out the distinction between fame and other forms of symbolic capital. Fame is crucial for careers in creative markets.

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David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

David Cross's Comedy Career, Including Mr. Show and Stand-Up

David Cross's comedy career has been diverse and influential, spanning from sketch comedy to stand-up, with pivotal collaborations and personal stand-up successes.

Partnerships with Bob Odenkirk

David Spade and Cross discuss the comedian's fruitful partnership with Bob Odenkirk, especially on their critically acclaimed series "Mr. Show with Bob Odenkirk." Cross recalls beginning his collaboration with Odenkirk on HBO, where they had the creative freedom to craft a distinctive sketch show away from the constraints of network TV, despite a limited budget.

From the initiation of their work together, Cross describes the partnership as effortless, with their strengths and weaknesses complementing perfectly. He cites working with Odenkirk as a personal highlight and appreciates Odenkirk's humble personality, which Cross believes enriches their collaboration. Moreover, Cross acknowledges Odenkirk's dramatic prowess, affirming the consensus within their circles that anticipated Odenkirk's acclaim in drama.

Dana Carvey even references a "Mr. Show"-like scenario when discussing an anecdote about Hollywood, underscoring the show’s lasting cultural impact.

Early Stand-Up Albums (Shut Up You F***ing Baby)

Dana Carvey reminisces about one of Cross’s early stand-up albums, "Shut Up You F***ing Baby," released around 2002. Cross confirms that this was his first comedy album and narrates a real story captured in a bit from the album, which encapsulates the candid and uninhibited humor that Cross is known for.

Current Projects

David Cross delves into his current endeavors, mentioning a special shot during a tour and named "the worst daddy in the world" or "the worst idea in the world," with the exact title still undeterm ...

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David Cross's Comedy Career, Including Mr. Show and Stand-Up

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • David Cross is a comedian known for his work in sketch comedy and stand-up, notably his collaboration with Bob Odenkirk on "Mr. Show." His early stand-up album, "Shut Up You F***ing Baby," showcased his candid humor. Currently, Cross is working on a new stand-up special and continues to perform live shows in Brooklyn. He balances passion projects like "Todd Margaret" with collaborations with filmmakers like Steven Spielberg.
  • David Cross and Bob Odenkirk collaborated on the critically acclaimed sketch comedy series "Mr. Show with Bob Odenkirk." Their partnership began on HBO, where they had creative freedom despite budget constraints. Cross and Odenkirk's complementary strengths and effortless collaboration were key to the success of their work together. Odenkirk's humble personality and dramatic talent enriched their partnership, contributing to the show's lasting impact.
  • "Mr. Show with Bob Odenkirk" was a sketch comedy series that aired on HBO in the 1990s. It was created by and starred Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, showcasing their unique comedic style and satirical sketches. The show gained a cult following for its innovative and irreverent humor, influencing a generation of comedians and leaving a lasting impact on the comedy landscape. The collaborative chemistry between Odenkirk and Cross, along with the show's creative freedom and critical acclaim, solidified its place in comedy history.
  • "Shut Up You F***ing Baby" is David Cross's first comedy album, released around 2002. The album showcases Cross's candid and uninhibited humor, capturing real-life stories and experiences in his stand-up routines. It is known for its sharp social commentary and satirical take on various topics, reflecting Cross's unique comedic style. The title itself hints at the irreverent and provocative nature of the content found in the album.
  • David Cross is currently working on a stand-up special shot during a tour, tentatively titled "the worst daddy in the world" or "the worst idea in the world." He produced this special efficiently and in-house with 800 ...

Counterarguments

  • While Cross's partnership with Odenkirk is described as effortless, it's possible that, like any collaboration, they faced challenges and disagreements that required negotiation and compromise.
  • The claim that Odenkirk's humble personality enriches their collaboration could be countered by suggesting that humility is not the only or most important trait for a successful partnership; other factors like talent, work ethic, and vision are also crucial.
  • The cultural impact of "Mr. Show" is noted, but it could be argued that its influence, while significant, may not be as pervasive as that of other contemporary shows that have achieved mainstream success.
  • The humor in "Shut Up You F***ing Baby" is described as candid and uninhibited, but some might argue that this style of humor can be polarizing and not universally appreciated.
  • Cross's current projects are mentioned without critique, but it could be argued that not all of his endeavors have been equally successful or well-received by audiences or critics.
  • The efficiency of producing the special in-house with 800 Pound Gorilla is highlighted, but some might argue that in-house production can also have drawbacks, such as limited resources o ...

Learn more

David Cross - Wikipedia
David Cross (born April 4, 1964) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and director.Cross is best known for his stand-up performances, the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show (1995–1998), and his role as Tobias Fünke in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013–2019).. Cross created, wrote, executive produced, and starred in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of ...
Comedian David Cross: ‘A lot of people in America would think I’m a ...
When it comes to standing in opposition to conservative, Christian, so-called “family-friendly” America, Cross is no novice. He began performing comedy in his native Georgia in 1982, the week ...
At the Intersection - Stanford Social Innovation Review
Cross-sector collaborations and partnerships are more crucial than in the past as the country tries to recover from the economic, health, and social dislocations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when trust in institutions, public and private, is at an all-time low, cooperation among the sectors can be a confidence-inspiring approach ...

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David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

David Cross's Experience Auditioning for Saturday Night Live

David Cross, a comedian and writer, shared his unique experience auditioning for the iconic sketch show "Saturday Night Live" at Caroline's on Broadway, which turned out to be less than ideal.

Cross and his comedy group, hailing from Boston and beginning to catch some eyes in New York, were invited to showcase their talents in front of "Saturday Night Live" representatives. Among those in the audience were Al Franken, James Downey, and possibly others associated with SNL at the time.

However, the showcase was fraught with issues—it started very late due to an unexpected performer, had moments where some group members tried excessively hard to be humorous, and ultimately concluded with the SNL staff leaving unimpressed.

Furthering his connection with SNL, Cross was invited to consider a writing position for the show. He recalled a lengthy meeting with Lorne Michaels, SNL's creator and ...

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David Cross's Experience Auditioning for Saturday Night Live

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Al Franken is an American politician, comedian, and writer who gained fame for his work on the NBC sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live." He served as a United States senator from Minnesota from 2009 to 2018. Franken was known for his satirical and political commentary during his time on SNL and later transitioned into a career in politics.
  • James Downey is a seasoned comedy writer known for his work on "Saturday Night Live." He has been associated with the show for many years and has contributed to numerous iconic sketches and episodes. Downey's expertise and experience in comedy writing have made him a respected figure in the industry. His involvement in the comedy scene has influenced and shaped the humor of SNL over the years.
  • Lorne Michaels is a prominent Canadian-American television writer and producer known for creating and producing the iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night ...

Counterarguments

...

Learn more

List of celebrities who unsuccessfully auditioned for Saturday Night Live
Mindy Kaling auditioned to join Saturday Night Live but was offered to write for the show, which she turned down. [1] [2] [6] Andy Kaufman auditioned for a spot on the original cast. [12] Ellie Kemper auditioned in 2008. [16] Mimi Kennedy was offered a part in the show in 1975, but Gilda Radner was worried that they were both too similar to ...
Saturday Night Live (SNL) | History, Cast Members, & Facts
Saturday Night Live (SNL), American sketch comedy and variety television series that has aired on Saturday nights on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) network since 1975, becoming one of the longest-running programs in television. The series is a fixture of NBC programming and a landmark in American television. NBC developed Saturday Night Live as an edgy comedy series designed to appeal ...
Dan Aykroyd Went Through A Particularly Brutal Saturday Night Live ...
The actor remembered his audition process in the 2015 oral history book " Live from New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests ...

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David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Recollections of Steven Wright's Early Comedy

David Spade, Dana Carvey, and David Cross reminisce about the unique and lasting impact of comedian Steven Wright, whose distinct style left an indelible mark on the comedy world.

David Spade comments on Steven Wright as one of David Cross's favorite comics, mentioning Wright's significant run during the time Spade was starting his career.

Dana Carvey notes that Wright is still performing in big rooms to this day, and reflects on his exceptional joke-writing abilities. Carvey praises Wright's continued success and hints at the lasting nature of his comedic impact.

David Cross acknowledges Steven Wright's influence on his career, sharing a pivotal moment when Wright contributed to his success. Wright told his manager to watch Cross perform, which ultimately led Cross to be signed.

Recalling his initial impression, David Spade speaks about the uniqueness of Wright's comedy when he first saw it and how it contrasted with the more conventional styles of humor prevalent at t ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Recollections of Steven Wright's Early Comedy

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Steven Wright is known for his deadpan delivery, monotone voice, and surreal one-liner jokes. His humor often involves absurd observations, wordplay, and dry wit. Wright's style is characterized by its slow pace and understated delivery, creating a unique and memorable comedic experience. He gained popularity in the 1980s for his unconventional approach to stand-up comedy.
  • Steven Wright had a significant influence on David Spade, Dana Carvey, and David Cross in their comedy careers. Wright's unique style and exceptional joke-writing abilities left a lasting impact on these comedians, inspiring them in various ways. From helping David Cross get signed to influencing their comedic perspectives, Wright's presence in the comedy world was profound and memorable for these comedians.
  • Steven Wright is a stand-up comedian known for his deadpan delivery and surreal humor. He gained fame in the 1980s for his one-liners and monotone style. Wright's influence on other comedians is evident in how his unique approach to comedy inspired and challenged them to think outside the box. Many comedians have tried to emulate his distinctive style, but few have been able to capture the same essence and impact as Wright.
  • Steven Wright recommending David Cross to his manager was a pivotal moment in Cross's career. This act of support from a respected comedian like Wright helped Cross gain recognition and ultimately led to him being signed by his manager. It showcased the influence and impact that e ...

Counterarguments

...

Learn more

Steven Wright - Wikipedia
Steven Alexander Wright (born December 6, 1955) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and film producer. He is known for his distinctive lethargic voice and slow, deadpan delivery of ironic, philosophical and sometimes nonsensical jokes, paraprosdokians, non sequiturs, anti-humor, and one-liners with contrived situations. Wright was ranked as the 15th Greatest Comedian by Rolling ...
Steven Wright’s Offbeat Humor Has Nurtured Other Comics - The New York ...
April 30, 2014. Steven Wright. Gary Miller/FilmMagic, via Getty. When Steven Wright started appearing on “The Tonight Show” in the early 1980s, he was such a change of pace that Johnny Carson ...
Steven Wright, Master of the One-Liner, Tries His Hand at a Novel
“Lawyers, religion, space. Everything.” Asked why he would focus on a boy, Wright shrugged. But he believes children notice things that adults miss. He sounds almost jealous when he describes the...

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Steve Martin and Martin Short | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
David Spade, Dana Carvey, Martin Short, Steve Martin

On this episode of "Fly on the Wall," hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome legendary comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short for an insightful, witty, and humor-filled conversation. They explore their celebrated entertainment careers, delve into their individual comedic styles, and open up about their personal growth in the ever-changing landscape of comedy. The intimate trip down memory lane takes the listeners through recollections of their collaborations, notably on the film "The Three Amigos," to their friendly banter that showcases the depth, sincerity and humor inherent in their enduring relationship.

In the second half, insightful explorations of self-scrutiny and artistic growth paint a fascinating picture of the inner workings of these comedic heavyweights. The chats about current projects and future endeavors highlight their adaptability and resilience in an evolving industry. The lively back-and-forth exchanges between the hosts and guests combined with a candid look into their shared history with SNL creator Lorne Michaels, make this episode an absolute must for any fan of comedy. Their stories leave listeners with a deeper appreciation for the hard work and creative genius behind the humor we've enjoyed for decades.

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David Cross | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Discussions of Fame's Effects on Talent and Creativity

David Cross discusses how growing up in Hollywood and early exposure to the industry affects individuals, implying that it can have grounding effects on their perspective on fame. He notes that child actors who are born and raised within the indus ...

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Discussions of Fame's Effects on Talent and Creativity

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Early exposure to the entertainment industry can shape individuals' perspectives on fame and success. Growing up in Hollywood can provide unique insights and experiences that influence how individuals navigate their careers. This exposure may impact their authenticity, values, and approach to fame as they mature in the ...

Counterarguments

  • While some individuals like Jason Bateman may retain authenticity, this is not universally true; many child actors struggle with the pressures of fame and do not necessarily remain grounded.
  • The idea that early exposure to Hollywood grounds individuals could be challenged by the argument that it often leads to a distorted sense of reality and entitlement, which can negatively impact talent and creativity.
  • The notion that growing up in Hollywood has a uniform effect on individuals overlooks the diverse experiences and outcomes of child actors, suggesting that other factors (such as family support, personal resilience, and professional guidance) play significant roles.
  • The assertion that child actors remain genuine and good people despite fame ...

Learn more

Young children and screen-based media: The impact on cognitive and ...
As early childhood is filled with critical periods of brain development, which lead to the emergence and growth of cognitive abilities within several domains, such as focused attention, memory, executive functions, and language (Carson et al., 2015), exposure to screen-based media during the early years can influence child’s optimal ...
Fame as an Illusion of Creativity: Evidence from Pioneers of Abstract ...
Within creative industries, the conceptualization of fame as broad cultural visibility beyond one’s field can be found in work of scholars such as Lang & Lang (1988, p. 84-85). Table 1(a) in the Appendix lays out the distinction between fame and other forms of symbolic capital. Fame is crucial for careers in creative markets.
Do We Know Politicians’ True Selves From the Media? Exploring the ...
The first hypothesis proposed a positive correlation between the use of social media for political information and perceived political authenticity. Model 2 shows no significant effect of higher social media exposure on perceived authenticity (β = –.04, p = .155). This result does not lend support to H1a.

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