Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Nathan Lane on R-Rated ‘Golden Girls’ and Broadway Legacy

Episode Title: NATHAN LANE — on doing R-rated ‘Golden Girls’ in new Hulu show and being a Broadway icon
Release Date: January 28, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with the illustrious actor Nathan Lane. Recorded at the iconic Crustacean in Beverly Hills, the conversation delves deep into Nathan Lane’s illustrious career, his upcoming projects, and personal anecdotes that reveal the man behind the memorable performances.

Early Career and Broadway Beginnings

Jesse opens the conversation by expressing his long-standing admiration for Nathan Lane, tracing back to Nathan's breakout role as Nathan Detroit in the 1990s revival of Guys and Dolls.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (00:02:19): "He was always sitting with some luminary like Liza Minnelli or Elaine Stritch… He was a Broadway star in the greatest sense of the word."

Nathan recounts his early days in theater, highlighting the significance of Guys and Dolls in launching his career.

Nathan Lane (00:18:19): "It was such a great New York show. I mean, it's my… [Laughs]"

He also shares his experience auditioning for Nathan Detroit, emphasizing the chemistry with co-star Faith Prince.

Nathan Lane (00:20:05): "I owe Jerry Zaks a great deal… We were just on the same wavelength."

Collaborations and Memorable Roles

Jesse and Nathan reminisce about their time working together on Modern Family, where Nathan played the beloved character Pepper Saltzman. Jesse highlights the joy of collaborating with one of his favorite actors.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (00:07:05): "One of my scenes was with Linda Lavin, who plays Nathan Lane's mother in the series. A few weeks after we shot my episode, Linda passed away very suddenly…"

Nathan pays tribute to Linda Lavin, dedicating the episode to her memory.

Nathan Lane (00:06:10): "I would love to dedicate this episode of Dinner's on Me with Nathan Lane to the memory of Linda Lavin. God, I was so lucky to work with her. I love you, Linda."

Behind the Scenes: The Birdcage and Mike Nichols

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Nathan’s experience working on The Birdcage alongside legendary director Mike Nichols.

Nathan Lane (00:25:15): "While I was doing Laughter on the 23rd floor, Neil Simon play one night, Mike Nichols and Diane Sawyer came to the show… He said, 'I'd like to talk to you about a movie.'"

Nathan shares the intriguing story of how he was considered for a role in The Birdcage, including a humorous anecdote about performing a screen test dressed as a woman.

Nathan Lane (00:26:55): "I had to sing and parade around in evening gowns…"

Despite initial enthusiasm, scheduling conflicts prevented Nathan from joining the project, a decision he reflects on with a mix of regret and gratitude.

Nathan Lane (00:29:55): "I really did turn it down… that's why it all happened."

Voice Acting and Iconic Characters

Transitioning to voice acting, Nathan discusses his role as Pumbaa in Disney’s The Lion King, sharing humorous behind-the-scenes moments with co-star Ernie Sabella.

Nathan Lane (00:40:20): "Ernie would just make fart noises… and then they put it in the movie."

He also introduces his latest voice role in Netflix’s animated film Spellbound, portraying Luno, the oracle of the moon.

Nathan Lane (00:43:03): "They're like a couple… They make garlic bread and lasagna and giggle a lot."

Personal Reflections: Being Openly Gay in Hollywood

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Nathan discusses his experiences as an openly gay actor in the entertainment industry.

Nathan Lane (00:34:36): "I've been out since I was 21 to my family and everybody…"

He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of being a public figure while maintaining his identity, emphasizing the importance of focusing on his craft rather than personal life discussions.

Nathan Lane (00:36:13): "I wanted it to be about the acting and not a coming out story…"

Future Projects and Collaborations

Looking ahead, Nathan expresses his excitement for future projects, notably the upcoming Hulu show Mid Century Modern, an R-rated sitcom likened to a "gay Golden Girls." He and Jesse discuss the creative process behind the show, including its multi-camera format and witty humor inspired by Will and Grace.

Nathan Lane (00:07:35): "It's very R rated, longer form… The horse is off the reins and he's able to do all of the stuff that they probably wish they could have done."

Dedication and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Jesse reiterates the dedication to Linda Lavin and teases the next episode featuring Alana Glaser from Broad City Babes. He also highlights subscription benefits for listeners eager to access new content early and ad-free.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (00:38:35): "This episode was recorded at Crustacean in Beverly Hills and is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Linda Lavin."

Notable Quotes

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson (00:02:19): "He was always sitting with some luminary like Liza Minnelli or Elaine Stritch… He was a Broadway star in the greatest sense of the word."
• Nathan Lane (00:25:15): "While I was doing Laughter on the 23rd floor…"
• Nathan Lane (00:34:36): "I've been out since I was 21 to my family and everybody…"
• Nathan Lane (00:43:03): "They're like a couple… They make garlic bread and lasagna and giggle a lot."

Conclusion

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers an intimate glimpse into Nathan Lane’s journey through Broadway, film, and television. From his early days in Guys and Dolls to voicing beloved animated characters, Nathan’s stories are both inspiring and entertaining. His candid reflections on fame, identity, and the evolving landscape of Hollywood add depth to the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring actors alike.

For more enriching conversations and exclusive early access to episodes, subscribe to Dinner’s on Me PLUS on Apple Podcasts. Visit sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow @sonypodcasts for additional updates.