Joy Podcast Episode Summary: Diedrich Bader

Podcast Information:

• Title: Joy, a Podcast
• Host: Craig Ferguson
• Guest: Diedrich Bader
• Release Date: June 10, 2025
• Description: Hosted by the storied late-night talk host Craig Ferguson, "Joy" explores the modern state of happiness by engaging with notable guests from various fields. This episode features actor Diedrich Bader as he delves into his career, personal experiences, and insights on finding joy amidst life's challenges.

1. Introduction and Early Collaboration (00:00 - 04:50)

Craig Ferguson opens the episode by reminiscing about his time working with Diedrich Bader on The Drew Carey Show, particularly highlighting Bader's portrayal of Oswald Lee Harvey. Bader humorously reflects on the character's quirky name, stating, "Oswald Lee Harvey, which is on a par with Count Alucard as a stupid name, but you were playing that fairly early on in the run" (03:10).

2. Career Beginnings and The Drew Carey Show (04:50 - 13:00)

Bader discusses the impact of The Drew Carey Show on his career, noting that despite the show's initial struggles, it provided him with significant exposure. He shares an anecdote about the "Full Monty" episode, where both he and Ferguson got intoxicated in Las Vegas, leading to memorable on-screen antics. Bader admits, "I truly enjoyed it, even though it was entirely two-dimensional" (11:24).

3. Personal Background and Family Influence (13:00 - 25:45)

Diedrich opens up about his upbringing, mentioning his father's prominent role in the CIA and later as Assistant Secretary of State during the Clinton administration. He reveals, "He was able to use his contacts for those that were within the CIA who were upset with the way the agency was going" (09:22). This background instilled in him a strong sense of ethics and resilience, preventing him from being drawn into corruption despite the high-stakes environment.

Bader recounts his early passion for acting, inspired by legends like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. A vivid childhood memory includes saving a Charlie Chaplin movie screening in Paris by performing a impromptu pantomime act, earning a standing ovation from the audience (35:00).

4. Ambition and Career Transitions (25:45 - 38:00)

The conversation shifts to the nature of ambition in the entertainment industry. Bader reflects on his decision to join The Drew Carey Show, initially hoping to transition into a more substantial role but ultimately feeling confined to a secondary position. He candidly shares, "I tried to get off the show because I thought I should be the first banana" (16:40).

Craig Ferguson relates to this sentiment, discussing his own struggles with ambition during his late-night show tenure. Both acknowledge the cyclical nature of careers in Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and recognizing when to pivot.

5. Acting, Improvisation, and Directing (38:00 - 53:17)

Bader delves into his craft, highlighting the challenges and rewards of acting versus directing. He emphasizes the importance of knowing his lines and the discomfort he feels with improvisation, stating, "One of my favorite parts about acting is knowing what I'm gonna say" (20:34). They discuss the complexities of directing, with Bader expressing interest but preferring to focus on acting due to his passion for the craft.

Notable moments include their discussion on improvisational skills, where Bader praises Ryan Stiles as "the improv genius" and credits Drew Carey with bringing a unique energy to the show through his genuine humor and laughter (06:11).

6. Interactions with Other Celebrities (53:17 - 60:58)

The episode features stories about interactions with iconic figures like Sean Connery and Michael Caine. Bader shares a touching story about meeting Connery at an awards ceremony, where Connery effortlessly diffused a tense situation by preventing a director from mishandling a horse on set. Craig Ferguson humorously recounts his own encounter with Connery, highlighting the actor's charismatic presence and ability to make others feel special (30:45).

They also discuss Michael Caine's meeting with Charlie Chaplin at the Elephant and Castle in London, illustrating the mutual respect and shared childhood experiences between the two legends (37:00).

7. Reflections on the Entertainment Industry (60:58 - 63:59)

Towards the end of the episode, Bader reflects on the evolution of the entertainment industry, particularly the loss of glamour and the increasing challenges posed by social media. He criticizes the superficiality of platforms like Twitter, noting, "I have yet to see the glamour of this business" (40:35). The conversation shifts to the importance of genuine talent and passion in sustaining a fulfilling career, with both hosts advocating for authenticity over superficial success.

8. Final Thoughts and Conclusions (63:59)

Craig Ferguson concludes the episode by celebrating Diedrich Bader's contributions to acting and expressing anticipation for his upcoming projects, such as Lucky Hank. Bader reiterates his commitment to the craft, emphasizing continuous growth and the joy found in creating meaningful performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Diedrich Bader on The Drew Carey Show:

  • "Oswald Lee Harvey, which is on a par with Count Alucard as a stupid name, but you were playing that fairly early on in the run." (03:10)

• Diedrich Bader on Acting:

  • "One of my favorite parts about acting is knowing what I'm gonna say." (20:34)

• Diedrich Bader on His Childhood Incident:

  • "I did it for the audience. The French audience." (35:44)

• Craig Ferguson on Sean Connery:

  • "He could make women tits blush." (32:51)

• Diedrich Bader on Hollywood's Nature:

  • "It's the magic hat. So, yeah, they didn't let me off. And I wasn't crazy." (16:42)

• Craig Ferguson on Social Media:

  • "I don't see you being you everywhere... I don't see you being you." (47:39)

Insights and Reflections:

• Career Resilience: Bader's journey underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the volatile entertainment industry. Despite setbacks, such as The Drew Carey Show initially being a gamble, he leveraged these experiences to build a robust career.

• Influence of Family: Bader credits his father's ethical stance and professional background in intelligence for instilling a strong moral compass, aiding him in navigating Hollywood's complexities without succumbing to corruption.

• Authenticity in Acting: Both hosts emphasize the value of genuine performance over superficial accolades. Bader's preference for scripted acting over improvisation highlights the balance actors must maintain between spontaneity and preparation.

• Changing Dynamics of Fame: The episode touches on the diminishing glamour in Hollywood and the challenges posed by social media's superficial interactions. There's a yearning for the authentic connections and the mystique once inherent to celebrity culture.

• Joy through Creativity: Central to the episode's theme is the joy derived from creative expression and collaboration. Bader's anecdotes illustrate how creating meaningful art and sharing laughter contribute significantly to personal happiness.

Conclusion:

This episode of Joy offers an intimate look into Diedrich Bader's life, both professionally and personally. Through candid conversations, shared memories, and reflective insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of what brings joy to a seasoned actor navigating the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment. Bader's stories serve as a testament to finding happiness through resilience, authenticity, and the enduring bonds formed in the creative process.