Podcast Summary: Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend – Episode Featuring Nathan Lane

Episode Information:

• Title: Nathan Lane
• Release Date: April 14, 2025
• Host: Conan O’Brien
• Guest: Nathan Lane
• Producer: Team Coco & Earwolf

1. Introduction and Personal Connections

The episode begins with Conan O’Brien expressing his gratitude towards Nathan Lane for his kindness and support in personal moments. Conan shares a heartfelt story about Nathan offering condolences for the passing of his parents, which resonated deeply with him.

• Conan O’Brien [12:59]: “You are an extremely sensitive person, probably to your own detriment. I'm thinking you know what I mean. You're not a thick-skinned soul.”

Nathan responds by reflecting on similar experiences and the importance of gratitude in acknowledging one’s achievements.

2. Childhood and Family Background

Nathan Lane delves into his upbringing, discussing the challenges he faced due to his father's alcoholism and his mother's struggles with bipolar disorder. He shares poignant memories that shaped his resilience and dedication to his craft.

• Nathan Lane [20:32]: “It was a difficult childhood... I had to grow up fast. I sort of became the adult.”

Conan relates to Nathan’s experiences, highlighting their shared Irish heritage and Catholic upbringing, which influenced their personalities and coping mechanisms.

• Conan O’Brien [19:03]: “I always sensed that when I would hang with you, like, oh, I think Nathan and I have a kinship here.”

3. Career Beginnings and Broadway Journey

Nathan recounts his early days in theater, influenced by his older brothers and their encouragement to pursue acting. He describes his first encounters with Broadway and how these experiences ignited his passion for performance.

• Nathan Lane [27:05]: “I remember doing impressions to entertain the family... And then I was in a grammar school play.”

Conan shares his own challenges transitioning from late night TV to podcasting, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections over scripted interactions.

• Conan O’Brien [15:15]: “I just have a real problem with the transition...“

4. Collaboration with Mike Nichols and The Producers

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Nathan’s collaboration with renowned director Mike Nichols and the making of The Producers. Nathan details the casting process, initial setbacks, and the eventual success that bolstered his career.

• Nathan Lane [32:35]: “Robin decided after Mrs. Doubtfire... and that opened up the role for me.”

Conan highlights the impact of The Producers on Nathan’s career and their friendship, noting the mutual respect and admiration they hold for each other.

• Conan O’Brien [48:37]: “There are hits on Broadway, but something happened and everyone agreed that this is the greatest thing that's ever happened in New York City.”

5. Voice Acting and Disney Contributions

The discussion shifts to Nathan’s ventures into voice acting, particularly his roles in Disney films like The Lion King. Nathan shares amusing anecdotes about recording sessions and the creative process behind his characters.

• Nathan Lane [39:03]: “I'm just doing a Brooklyn Jewish meerkat.”

Conan appreciates the depth and versatility required for voice acting, comparing it to his own work on The Simpsons.

• Conan O’Brien [37:23]: “Voice work... if the actor who's doing the voice can't capture it, you don't have anything.”

6. Personal Reflections and Mental Health

Towards the latter part of the episode, Nathan opens up about his battles with vertigo and the steps he took to overcome it, including seeking therapy. This segment underscores the importance of mental health and self-care, themes that resonate deeply with both Conan and Nathan.

• Nathan Lane [59:03]: “I made a recovery, but it was a weird thing.”

Conan empathizes with Nathan’s struggles, emphasizing his own experiences with self-deprecation and the journey to self-acceptance.

• Conan O’Brien [41:56]: “I have a tendency to squish things down if things are good... I just cut it down.”

7. Achievements and Legacy

In the closing moments, Conan encourages Nathan to recognize and own his accomplishments. He praises Nathan’s talent, integrity, and the positive impact he has made in the entertainment industry.

• Conan O’Brien [63:37]: “You are a crazily talented person who has integrity, and you're a very sensitive person, and you have made this happen.”

Nathan expresses his gratitude, acknowledging the role of luck, opportunity, and supportive colleagues in his success.

• Nathan Lane [41:57]: “I'm very grateful. It's something to not only be proud of, but just not that you're resting on your laurels, but you feel like...”

Notable Quotes:

• Nathan Lane [01:10]: “I feel it's about fucking time I was asked Conan O’Brien's friend.”
• Conan O’Brien [64:22]: “I hope that you can hang on to it and then go hate yourself five minutes from now.”
• Nathan Lane [28:49]: “It's really more of a writer's process. It's their sort of rewriting.”

Conclusion

The episode offers an intimate glimpse into Nathan Lane’s life, showcasing his resilience, humor, and the profound friendships he cherishes. Conan and Nathan’s candid conversation navigates personal struggles, career triumphs, and the essence of genuine connections, aligning perfectly with the podcast’s mission to foster real friendships beyond the celebrity veneer.

For listeners who appreciate heartfelt dialogues blended with humor and insightful reflections, this episode stands out as a testament to the enduring bond between Conan O’Brien and Nathan Lane.