Jon Lovitz - Joy, a Podcast. Hosted by Craig Ferguson

Joy Podcast Episode Summary: Jon Lovitz with Craig Ferguson

Release Date: May 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Joy," hosted by Craig Ferguson, the legendary comedian Jon Lovitz joins to delve into a myriad of topics ranging from memory and aging to the intricacies of a successful career in comedy and acting. The conversation is rich with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections, offering listeners a comprehensive glimpse into Lovitz's life and thoughts on joy.

1. Memory Challenges and Aging

The episode kicks off with a candid discussion about memory issues, which Lovitz humorously attributes to the COVID vaccine and the virus itself.

[03:29] Jon Lovitz: “Do you find you're, like, searching for a word? They're saying yes, and when asked if this happened before the vaccine or COVID, they said no.”
[04:12] Craig Ferguson: Relates with his own experiences, stating, “I feel like my memory is kind of the same, but I might have forgotten how it used to be.”

Lovitz contemplates whether these memory lapses are signs of aging or something more concerning.

[04:30] Jon Lovitz: “It's either that or I'm getting senile.”

The banter continues with playful metaphors about plumbing versus memory issues, highlighting the natural anxieties that come with aging.

2. Origins and Personal Background

Ferguson and Lovitz explore their geographical backgrounds, emphasizing their transition from their native lands.

[05:25] Jon Lovitz: “But aren't you from Scotland originally?”
[05:28] Craig Ferguson: Confirms, “I am, yes. Aren't you from California, though?”

Lovitz explains his decision to reside in California, balancing familial ties and career opportunities.

[05:50] Jon Lovitz: “I have to be near them, apparently.”

3. Career Trajectory: From Talk Shows to Movies

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Lovitz's decision to leave his talk show and pivot towards acting.

[07:55] Jon Lovitz: “Why did you stop doing your talk show? You were genuinely one of the funniest talk show hosts.”

Ferguson shares his perspective on maintaining high standards, likening Lovitz’s experience to the challenges faced by Saturday Night Live alumni.

[07:12] Jon Lovitz: Discusses contractual obligations and missed opportunities that led to his departure, saying, “I was mad, so I quit. In retrospect, I should have said to the movie, I'm not leaving…”

Lovitz emphasizes the importance of enthusiasm in his roles, choosing quality over quantity in his acting projects.

[44:27] Jon Lovitz: “I have to be enthusiastic about the part. I can't just do it otherwise.”

4. Personal Anecdotes and Relationships

Lovitz reminisces about his friendship with the late Bob Saget, sharing heartfelt and humorous stories.

[09:54] Jon Lovitz: “We were very good friends for years. God bless him. It's horrible that he passed away.”

He recounts crafting comedic songs about his manager and transitioning to using Bob's name in his performances, highlighting the nuances of comedic relationships.

[11:10] Jon Lovitz: “But see, he was grumpy because he would try to make up songs about him. I go, they're not funny.”

5. Reflections on Comedy and Influence

The duo delves into the impact of comedy on both the performer and the audience, discussing the challenges of making meaningful humor without alienating viewers.

[55:38] Jon Lovitz: “Everyone thinks they're changing minds, but they're just making people laugh.”

Ferguson echoes this sentiment, appreciating that most audiences seek laughter and a good time.

[55:48] Craig Ferguson: “They just want to laugh, and I'm fine with that. That's a good deal.”

6. Stand-Up Comedy vs. Acting

Lovitz contrasts the autonomy of stand-up comedy with the structured nature of acting in films and television.

[51:03] Craig Ferguson: “I love Stand up because it gives you autonomy.”
[53:08] Jon Lovitz: Describes the surreal experience of watching himself perform, noting, “It's very strange because a lot of the stuff I do makes me laugh because I didn't know I was doing that.”

He emphasizes the importance of enjoying his work, regardless of external validations or success metrics.

[50:45] Jon Lovitz: “I can't just enjoy this movie now. Like, I'm doing it.”

7. Personal Life and Public Recognition

The conversation touches upon Lovitz's experiences with fame and recognition, especially in everyday settings like public outings.

[40:13] Jon Lovitz: “I get recognized a lot in LA... but I don't like when people are drunk.”
[40:56] Jon Lovitz: Shares a viral moment on social media, humorously discussing a TikTok video about him pooping.
[56:57] Jon Lovitz: “It's 2.1 million views. It's ridiculous.”

8. Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Lovitz speaks about his recent work and future projects, highlighting a new comedy film where he plays a father dealing with sobriety challenges.

[45:42] Jon Lovitz: Discusses the movie "Toast," portraying a father who relapses during his daughter's wedding day, emphasizing the blend of comedy and emotional depth.
[46:35] Jon Lovitz: “The extras gave me applause. Director says people were crying because I was so bad.”

Ferguson and Lovitz humorously debate the authenticity of reactions to his performances.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Fergusson and Lovitz share light-hearted moments, including discussions about privacy, the nature of comedy, and the importance of enjoying one's craft without overthinking external perceptions.

[56:19] Jon Lovitz: Jokes about the necessity to leave the conversation, citing natural needs with humor.
[58:45] Jon Lovitz: "You're one of the funniest men in the world. Nearly as funny as Al Pacino."

Ferguson ends the episode on a warm note, acknowledging Lovitz's comedic prowess and the delightful exchange they've shared.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

[03:29] Jon Lovitz: “Do you find you're, like, searching for a word? [...] Have you ever got in trouble for anything you've said?”
[09:54] Jon Lovitz: “We were very good friends for years. God bless him.”
[55:38] Craig Ferguson: “They just want to laugh, and I'm fine with that. That's a good deal.”
[56:57] Jon Lovitz: “It's 2.1 million views. It's ridiculous.”

This episode offers a heartfelt and comedic exploration of Jon Lovitz's experiences in the entertainment industry, his personal life, and his perspectives on joy and happiness. Through their dynamic interplay, Ferguson and Lovitz provide listeners with laughter, introspection, and a deeper understanding of what brings joy to a world that often seems chaotic.