Journey into the heart of the entertainment industry with "The Daily Show: Ears Edition" as Michael Kosta and Desi Lydic delve deep into conversations with David Alan Grier and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Grier, with his extensive experience in film, takes listeners behind the scenes of his satirical take on race and stereotyping in "The American Society of Magical Negroes." He also shares the personal triumphs and challenges of his acting career, including a cherished moment voicing God at the 2023 Academy Awards and his reflection on a tenacious journey that spans decades, from auditioning for "The Color Purple" to his ongoing evolution in the industry.
The episode touches on more than individual roles as Grier weighs in on the potential of revisiting the iconic "In Living Color," considering the vastly different cultural landscape of today compared to when the show first aired. Meanwhile, Goldsberry offers an inside look at her character in "Girls5eva," a comedy series that sheds light on the music industry's evolution and the persisting dreams of a former '90s pop star. Tying her own personal aspirations to her character's experiences, Goldsberry prepares to launch her pop album in 2024, echoing the series' theme of relentless pursuit and the timeless message that it's never too late to chase your dreams.
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
David Alan Grier speaks with Michael Kosta and Desi Lydic about his prominent career in the film industry. He stars in "The American Society of Magical Negroes," which critically and humorously examines the stereotypical role of a Black character serving as a problem-solver for white leads without having a personal story. Grier is familiar with this trope, having auditioned for similar roles early in his career. The film's creative approach and reflection on language, particularly the outdated term "Negro," resonates with him.
Grier also voiced God at the 2023 Academy Awards, an enjoyable experience amplified by sharing it with his 16-year-old daughter. Additionally, he looks back on his determined path in acting, exemplified by auditioning for "The Color Purple" as Harpo and later securing a role in the story three decades after his original tryout, manifesting his evolution and persistence in acting.
David Alan Grier considers the feasibility of an "In Living Color" reunion. He expresses that the series, as it was originally presented, wouldn't fit well with the current audience due to considerable cultural shifts since the show's original airing. The humor and sketches that were a hallmark of the show could lead to controversy, especially in an era where social media quickly escalates such matters, suggesting that any potential revival would need significant reworking.
Renée Elise Goldsberry discusses her role in "Girls5eva," where she portrays a former '90s pop star aiming for a comeback. The show humorously contrasts the past and present of the music industry, with Goldsberry's character Wickie and the rest of the cast navigating both the satirical and genuine hurdles of the era, including rampant sexism. Her personal journey parallels her character's as Goldsberry is on the cusp of releasing her own pop album in 2024.
Drawing on personal experiences from attempting to launch her pop career in the '90s, she emphasizes the show's message of continuing to chase your dreams at any age. Goldsberry is inspired by stars like Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé, reaffirming that it's never too late for creative endeavors or new triumphs. Her upcoming album and ongoing aspirations align with her character's journey in "Girls5eva," reflecting the theme of persistence and the pursuit of ambition despite all odds.
1-Page Summary
Michael Kosta and Desi Lydic speak with David Alan Grier about his latest ventures in film and his unique experiences in the acting world.
Grier is the star of "The American Society of Magical Negroes," a film that plays on a familiar trope in cinema. Grier discusses how the film takes a critical and humorous look at the clichéd role of a Black character whose sole purpose is to support a white lead, often lacking their personal story. These characters often have an enigmatic ability to fix various problems—ranging from broken spaceships to golf swings—but without their own detailed backstories. Grier mentions that earlier in his career he often auditioned for such roles and although these parts were often critically acclaimed, he was consistently told he wasn’t the right fit for that character archetype.
Kosta commends the film on its humor, insightfulness, and sentimentality. Grier resonates with this, noting the script’s uniqueness and quirkiness. Moreover, Grier reflects on the film's title and the word "Negro," which he calls the other N-word, articulating how the discomfort around the term is often misdirected given the existence of more offensive language.
Grier recently lent his voice as God for the 2023 Academy Awards. This opportunity came from his longtime friend Jimmy Kimmel. Grier explains how much he ...
David Alan Grier's acting career
...
David Alan Grier weighs in on the possibility of an "In Living Color" reunion, addressing the reality that the original format and content of the show would face challenges in today's cultural landscape.
Grier boldly states that "In Living Color," as it was known during its original run, wouldn't resonate the same way with today’s audience. He acknowledges that the world has changed, implying that the sketches and jokes which were once a staple of the show's humor might not be deemed acceptable under current cultural standards.
Although not explicitly mentioned in the content provided ...
Possibility of an In Living Color reunion
...
Renée Elise Goldsberry shares insights on the musical comedy series "Girls5eva," in which she stars, along with her ambitions and inspirations—including her forthcoming album.
"Girls5eva" follows a one-hit-wonder girl group from the '90s who reunite to revive their careers after a rap star samples their song. Goldsberry explains that across different seasons, the group progresses from deciding to stay together to making an album called "Returnity," and then embarking on a tour. The show, known for its high joke density, humorously explores flashbacks between the '90s and today, highlighting the team behind it, which includes Meredith Scardino and Tina Fey.
The series also cast a light on the sexism that female pop stars faced during the '90s and early 2000s. Goldsberry, joined by castmates like Sara Bareilles, Paula Pell, and Busy Phillips, navigates the misogynistic landscape of that era through her character Wickie, who ambitiously books a gig at Radio City Music Hall on Thanksgiving morning. Goldsberry shares that her character's big swings resonate with her, succeeding or failing. Drawing from her own efforts to become a pop star in the '90s, she reflects on performing songs with sexist messages and how the show delves into these challenging themes.
Goldsberry reveals that she is finally realizing her dream of releasing a pop album, slated for 2024. After spending much time writing music and lyrics, she is eager to share her ...
Renée Elise Goldsberry discussing Girls5eva
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser