Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – Part Two: Frank Fay, The Fascist Who Invented Stand Up Comedy

Podcast Information:

• Title: Behind the Bastards
• Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Part Two: Frank Fay, The Fascist Who Invented Stand Up Comedy
• Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction to Frank Fay The episode delves into the life of Frank Fay, a pivotal yet controversial figure in the history of American entertainment. Known as the man who invented stand-up comedy, Fay's legacy is marred by his deeply ingrained bigotry and destructive personal life.

Early Life and Career Beginnings Frank Fay emerged as a prominent name in vaudeville during the late 1910s. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Fay chose a transient lifestyle, residing exclusively in upscale hotels rather than maintaining a permanent home. This nomadic existence was influenced by his tumultuous family background and his father's abandonment to work on the Panama Canal, leading to a fractured childhood for Fay.

Relationship with Barbara Stanwyck A significant portion of the episode focuses on Fay's tumultuous relationship with Barbara Stanwyck, a rising star in Broadway. Their relationship began in the late 1920s, characterized by a substantial age gap and marked by Fay's manipulative and abusive behavior. Despite Fay's notorious reputation as an alcoholic and womanizer, Stanwyck fell deeply in love with him, even to the point of sacrificing her burgeoning career.

• Notable Quote:
  • Robert Evans (05:57): "Here's a great example of a toxic relationship... She willingly stuck by him despite knowing all his flaws."

Transition to Hollywood and Career Decline As the entertainment industry transitioned from vaudeville to film, Fay attempted to replicate his stage success in Hollywood. However, his anti-Semitic views and volatile personality severely hindered his career progression. Unlike Stanwyck, whose movie career soared, Fay struggled to secure significant roles, leading to financial instability and further personal decline.

Anti-Semitism and Political Radicalization Fay's deep-seated anti-Semitism became increasingly prominent, especially during the rise of fascist sentiments in the United States. His association with Father Charles Coughlin, a known fascist radio priest, further alienated him from mainstream Hollywood and cemented his status as a pariah.

• Notable Quote:
  • Andrew T (52:44): "He's a bigot, and that's a big part of why he couldn't get work in Hollywood."

The 1946 Fascist Rally In a final act of defiance, Fay organized a fascist rally at Madison Square Garden in January 1946, aligning himself with extremist groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the American Nazi Party. This event was met with widespread condemnation and effectively ended any remaining prospects of his career.

• Notable Quote:
  • Robert Evans (71:38): "He holds a Nazi rally in 1946, and this backfires in every way possible, destroying his career once and for all."

Later Years and Legacy Frank Fay's later years were marked by isolation and obscurity. Despite his early influence in shaping stand-up comedy, his personal failings and extremist beliefs overshadowed his contributions to the entertainment industry. He passed away in Santa Monica in 1961, largely forgotten by the public.

Conclusion and Insights Frank Fay's story is a cautionary tale of how personal demons and hateful ideologies can ruin even the most talented individuals. While he played a crucial role in the development of stand-up comedy, his legacy serves as a reminder of the destructive power of bigotry and abusive behavior.

• Notable Quote:
  • Robert Evans (83:53): "Comedy's more about just making fun of the people you hate, and sometimes those people deserve it. Frank Fay being a great example."

Final Thoughts The episode paints a complex picture of Frank Fay—a talented yet reprehensible figure whose innovations in comedy are irrevocably tainted by his abhorrent personal conduct and extremist beliefs. It highlights the often-overlooked dark sides of influential personalities and the lasting impact of their actions on both their personal lives and broader societal norms.

References:

• Books and Articles:
  • Victoria Williams' book on Frank Fay
  • Meredith Grau's article on Barbara Stanwyck
  • New York Times obituary excerpts

Listeners’ Takeaway: Understanding figures like Frank Fay is essential in dissecting the intertwined nature of talent and morality. The episode encourages listeners to critically evaluate historical figures, acknowledging their contributions while not excusing their flaws.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Robert Evans (05:57): "She's a good guy in this, but she's definitely... there's some toxicity."
• Robert Evans (16:29): "It's so nuts. Barbara is the good guy in this, but there's toxicity coming from her side too."
• Robert Evans (52:11): "This right-wing celebrity starts complaining about a thing he doesn't like, and his fans start threatening to murder people on his behalf. Right. Same as it ever was."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions about Frank Fay.