In this episode of Fly on the Wall, Dana Carvey and David Spade chat with Sean Hayes about his career milestones and latest endeavors. Hayes delves into his experience playing Larry Fine in "The Three Stooges" and reflects on the early success of "Will & Grace." He also discusses launching the popular "Smartless" podcast with friends Jason Bateman and Will Arnett during the lockdown, shedding light on the trio's chemistry and interview approach.
The conversation touches on memorable behind-the-scenes moments from Saturday Night Live, including Chris Farley's genuine curiosity about Beatles lyrics. Hayes also shares insights into developing comedy impressions, drawing from his background as a classically trained pianist.
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Hayes shares details about playing Larry Fine in "The Three Stooges," working alongside celebrities like Sofia Vergara. He recalls the challenges of shaving his head twice daily and enduring the uncomfortable combination of Atlanta heat and adhesive for a wig.
Hayes compares "Will & Grace" gaining popularity after its first season to "Friends." He recounts receiving a gifted Porsche after season one but initially considered selling it due to financial concerns over upkeep costs.
Hayes describes starting "Smartless" with longtime friends Jason Bateman and Will Arnett during the lockdown as a way to see each other. David Spade and Dana Carvey note the hosts' strong bond and the podcast's success.
The three hosts have developed a natural conversational rhythm after over 20 years of friendship. One host leads each episode after researching the guest, with Bateman often asking insightful questions, per Hayes.
Hayes reflects on Chris Farley earnestly asking Paul McCartney about the meaning behind the Beatles lyric "the love you take is equal to the love you make" during a famous SNL sketch. Farley's innocent follow-up, "Is that true?" elicited audience laughter.
Hayes admires Dana Carvey's meticulous development of impressions. Carvey praises Frank Caliendo's "freakishly accurate" Morgan Freeman impersonation.
Hayes studied classical piano from a young age, working to pay for lessons. He engaged McCartney in a discussion about time signatures, marveling at McCartney's intuitive use of complex structures despite no formal training.
1-Page Summary
Sean Hayes reflects on his diverse acting experiences, from comedic television to film roles, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges and successes he has faced.
Hayes describes his role as Larry Fine in "The Three Stooges" movie, where he starred alongside celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Sasso. The filming took place in Atlanta, where Hayes contends with the extreme heat, a challenge compounded by having to shave his head twice a day for the role. In addition to the bald head, Hayes had to endure gluing a wig to his scalp, which, in the Atlanta heat combined with the adhesive, resulted in a notably uncomfortable experience.
Discussing the success of "Will & Grace," Hayes compares the show’s trajectory to that of "Friends," which wasn’t an overnight sensation but rather gained popularity after its first season. Hayes shares an in ...
Sean Hayes's Career and Roles on Will & Grace and The Three Stooges
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Sean Hayes talks about the surprising success of "Smartless," the podcast he shares with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett, and shares details about its inception during the lockdown and the unique dynamic among the hosts.
Sean Hayes describes the start of the podcast as an opportunity for him and his friends to see each other during the lockdown. With the world in an unprecedented situation, Hayes and his co-hosts Bateman and Arnett seized the chance to use the podcast as a reason to come together. David Spade and Dana Carvey note the strong bond among the "Smartless" hosts and the podcast's notable success. This camaraderie, rooted in a long friendship, is an essential element that defines both the podcast’s inception and appeal.
Hayes, Bateman, and Arnett bring over 20 years of friendship to "Smartless," establishing a conversational rhythm that resonates with their audience. Spade touches upon Hayes being "great on Smartless" while hinting at a comedic dynamic that contributes to the show's rhythm. The friendship is not just a backdrop but the core of the podcast; it's this relationship that makes scheduling and collaborating feel natural and effortless to Hayes.
Each episode features one host who introduces a guest and, having done the research and prepared more thoroughly, feels a sense of responsibility to drive the conversation. Bateman often asks sophisticated ques ...
The success of Hayes's podcast Smartless and how it started during lockdown
Sean Hayes looks back at a standout moment from "The Chris Farley Show" segment on "Saturday Night Live," where the late comedian Chris Farley had an unforgettable interview with the legendary musician Paul McCartney.
During the sketch, Farley nervously asked McCartney about the meaning behind The Beatles' lyric "the love you take is equal to the love you make." McCartney responded earnestly to Farley's question, but the interview took a comedic turn when Farley earnestly followed up with, ...
Reflections on SNL and the Chris Farley interview of Paul McCartney
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Conversations about comedic impressionists often bring up legends such as Dana Carvey and marvels like Frank Caliendo, both admired for their unique skills in the art of mimicry.
Dana Carvey is recognized for his meticulous process when developing impressions. The care and thought behind each of his characterizations have consistently left an impression on audiences, showcasing a deep understanding of his subjects.
Hayes expresses implicit admiration for Frank Caliendo's impressive mimicry skills. Carvey himse ...
Discussing Impressions and Impersonators Dana Carvey and Frank Caliendo
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Sean Hayes offers insights into his beginnings as a classical pianist and a noteworthy interaction with music legend Paul McCartney regarding song structures.
Hayes started learning classical piano at a young age, sparked by the convenient proximity of a piano teacher who lived just across the street. His mother's casual suggestion to take lessons led him to agree, primarily because he wasn't preoccupied with other activities. However, because his family couldn’t afford the lessons, he worked by doing yard and landscaping tasks for his teacher as a form of payment.
Sean Hayes, passionate about music, engaged in an in-depth discussion with Paul McCartney about music theory. Hayes, a self-proclaimed music nerd, was intrigued by McCartney's use of varying time signatures within a single song, which he enthusiastically explained to the legendary musician. He noted the unusual structure of one McCartney's songs, which alternated ...
Hayes's background as a classical pianist
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