Senses Working Overtime with David Cross: Episode Featuring Annaleigh Ashford

Release Date: June 19, 2025

In this engaging episode of Senses Working Overtime with David Cross, host David Cross delves deep into a candid and heartfelt conversation with renowned Broadway actress Annaleigh Ashford. The episode seamlessly weaves through personal anecdotes, theatrical insights, and humorous exchanges, providing listeners with a multifaceted view of Annaleigh's life and career.

1. Honoring Linda Lavin

The episode opens with Annaleigh discussing her commitment to performing at multiple memorials for the beloved actress Linda Lavin.

Annaleigh Ashford [02:30]: "I have to do Linda Lavin's one more memorial today."

David expresses curiosity about the frequency of these memorials, highlighting Linda Lavin's significant impact.

David Cross [02:33]: "How many memorials is this lady gonna have?"

Annaleigh shares the emotional experience of performing Linda's signature song at the memorial, emphasizing the personal connection.

Annaleigh Ashford [03:31]: "The Alice theme song. It's like. It was actually like really hard to get through because it was her song. You know what I mean? That's really like her."

2. Childhood and Family Background

The conversation shifts to personal backgrounds, with David sharing his transient childhood marked by frequent relocations and eventual stability during high school.

David Cross [08:03]: "We moved literally annually until we moved. I moved back to Georgia when I was nine."

Annaleigh adds her perspective, touching upon the challenges of family dynamics and the eventual financial struggles following their father's departure.

Annaleigh Ashford [03:04]: "Her name is like a famous piano player. He played for Eliza Minelli."

3. High School Memories and Genealogy

Both guests reminisce about their high school experiences, mascots, and the complexities of discovering familial roots.

Annaleigh Ashford [38:15]: "It's a big deal. When you got a locker for the first time, you were like, I'm getting a locker next year."

David shares his journey to uncover his dual citizenship, revealing surprising links to his great-grandparents from Leeds.

David Cross [32:21]: "My great, great grandmother, they were all born in Royal Hospital in Leeds."

Annaleigh discusses her own ancestry revelations through platforms like Ancestry.com.

Annaleigh Ashford [35:38]: "My grandma was adopted on my mom's side. She was like, almost completely British."

4. Theatrical Ventures and Broadway Insights

Annaleigh provides an in-depth look into her Broadway career, including her roles and the challenges of portraying characters that balance humor and darkness.

Annaleigh Ashford [60:27]: "I played a ballerina. Really, though. This girl who was terrible at dancing but thought she was good."

David reflects on his own limited Broadway exposure and shares memorable experiences from theater productions.

David Cross [41:04]: "Crestwood is not there anymore. It became something else."

5. Travel Tales and Cultural Observations

The duo discusses their travels, comparing the efficiencies and cultural nuances between Europe and the United States. David critiques the American perception of freedom versus the structured and clean environments in European cities.

David Cross [70:02]: "There are people swimming in whatever that body of water is off of Oslo, where they have, like, this sauna rooms that are on little boats."

Annaleigh echoes similar sentiments from her experiences in Toronto and Vancouver, highlighting the palpable tension and cultural differences.

Annaleigh Ashford [73:46]: "It felt like going to Thanksgiving and your brother being like, fuck you."

6. Parenting and Personal Humor

Annaleigh opens up about the humorous and sometimes awkward moments of motherhood, particularly dealing with breastfeeding and managing her child's preferences.

Annaleigh Ashford [10:33]: "I don't want to taste my own milk. But maybe it's not good."

David reciprocates with funny anecdotes about his daughter's playful teasing regarding his sports affiliations.

David Cross [76:49]: "We were up at a sports bar... decided to tell everybody that I was a Yankees fan."

7. Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Towards the episode's conclusion, Annaleigh promotes her latest project, the Paramount Plus series "Happy Face", where she plays Melissa, the daughter of a notorious serial killer.

Annaleigh Ashford [80:08]: "It's about the daughter of the Happy Face murder who was a serial killer in the 90s."

David encourages listeners to watch the series, integrating a seamless plug into the conversation.

David Cross [81:54]: "Happy Face on Paramount Plus, the daughter of a crazy serial killer."

8. Closing Remarks and Audience Engagement

Wrapping up the episode, David introduces a thoughtful question from his daughter Marlo, prompting Annaleigh to reflect on the ever-changing desires women have regarding their hairstyles.

David Cross [82:06]: "Today's question from Marlo: Why does every girl want the opposite of the hair they have?"

Annaleigh provides a heartfelt and insightful response, addressing the psychological aspects of self-image and personal change.

Annaleigh Ashford [82:27]: "I think it's because your hair grows, so it's always changing... it's something you can change about the way that you look."

Notable Quotes:

• Annaleigh on Memorial Performance [03:31]: "The Alice theme song... really like her."

• David on Finding His Roots [32:21]: "My great, great grandmother, they were all born in Royal Hospital in Leeds."

• Annaleigh on High School Mascots [38:15]: "When you got a locker for the first time..."

• Annaleigh on "Happy Face" [80:08]: "It's about the daughter of the Happy Face murder who was a serial killer in the 90s."

• Marlo's Question [82:06]: "Why does every girl want the opposite of the hair they have?"

Conclusion

This episode of Senses Working Overtime offers a rich tapestry of personal stories, professional insights, and heartfelt conversations. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of Annaleigh Ashford's journey in the performing arts, her reflections on family and identity, and the universal challenges of self-perception and change. David Cross skillfully navigates the dialogue, balancing humor with poignant moments, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.