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Bill Hader

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)

Published: Wed Nov 13 2024

Bill Hader joins Ted Danson to talk about his path from reality show PA to Saturday Night Live, the highwire act of live performance, co-creating Barry on HBO, handling negative feedback, and his friendship with Larry David. Bonus: Ted and Bill trade celebrity doppelgängers.    Like watching your podcasts? Visit http://youtube.com/teamcoco to see full episodes.

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)" Featuring Bill Hader

Podcast Information:

  • Title: Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)
  • Host/Author: Team Coco, Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson
  • Episode Guest: Bill Hader
  • Description: Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson reconnect with long-time friend Bill Hader to delve into his career, personal life, and the intricacies of his journey from "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) to creating the acclaimed HBO series "Barry."

1. Introduction

In this engaging episode, Ted Danson welcomes Bill Hader, beloved comedian and actor known for his tenure on SNL and the creation of the dark comedy "Barry" on HBO. The conversation navigates through Hader's experiences on SNL, his transition to post-SNL projects, the creation and impact of "Barry," and his approach to handling fame and personal well-being.

2. Bill Hader's SNL Journey

Bill Hader reflects on his eight-year stint on SNL, highlighting the supportive and talented environment fostered by senior members like Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph. Hader shares how the atmosphere was competitive yet non-toxic, allowing creativity to flourish without unnecessary rivalry.

Bill Hader [23:05]: "I was very lucky because of Seth Meyers... Tina Fey was the head writer when I showed up."

The camaraderie among cast members, including Will Forte, Chris Parnell, Rachel Dratch, and Daryl Hammond, is emphasized as a cornerstone of his positive SNL experience.

3. Challenges and Anecdotes on SNL

Hader delves into the high-pressure environment of live television and the anxiety it induced. He explains how he often concealed his nervousness through over-the-top laughter, developing what he calls the "death laugh" to mask his internal stress.

Bill Hader [04:17]: "It's the death laugh. Where I'm like, if I'm on a talk show from a huge audience and I feel like it's bombing... I'm like, this isn't going well at all."

One notable anecdote involves the infamous "Fart Face" sketch, which initially bombed during dress rehearsals but later gained acclaim after adjustments and support from Lorne Michaels.

Ted Danson [04:34]: "I have to bring up Will Forte."

Bill Hader [07:59]: "We did it at dress rehearsal. And this happened to be the show that Sarah Palin came to, and it was the highest rated SNL episode in the history of the show."

Hader also discusses his interactions with Will Forte, whose unwavering confidence in their sketches provided valuable lessons in resilience and self-assurance.

4. Transitioning from SNL

After leaving SNL, Hader navigated through various projects including writing for South Park, acting in films like "Trainwreck" and "Skeleton Twins", and co-creating "Documentary Now". Despite initial challenges in securing his next steps, support from industry peers like Megan Mullally and introductions to Lorne Michaels paved the way for his continued success.

5. Creation of "Barry"

The genesis of "Barry" is a highlight of the conversation. Hader recounts his collaboration with Alec Berg, the initial brainstorming session that birthed the concept of a hitman attending acting classes to reconcile his violent profession with his desire for personal growth.

Bill Hader [52:02]: "What if he takes an acting class? Hitman takes acting class. That's funny."

Through iterative development and feedback from HBO, Hader and Berg refined the show's tone to balance dark drama with subtle humor, emphasizing character depth and realistic storytelling.

Bill Hader [55:49]: "We decided early on the first scene should not be funny. So you immediately say, like, oh, it's this. And then let the comedy kind of come in through situations and the people instead of something like that."

Hader's dual role as writer and director on "Barry" allowed him to seamlessly integrate his comedic instincts with cinematic storytelling, resulting in a critically acclaimed series that resonated with both audiences and critics.

6. Handling Fame and Personal Life

Navigating fame has been a complex journey for Hader. He shares humorous yet candid experiences of being mistaken for characters like Dwight Schrute from "The Office" and the challenges of maintaining privacy amidst public recognition.

Bill Hader [86:07]: "I have a peanut allergy... So we had to work it out where she got stuff with nuts, whatever."

Hader discusses the impact of fame on his family, highlighting the difficulty his children have in connecting his on-screen persona with his real-life identity. He emphasizes the importance of grounding himself through meditation, routine, and genuine interactions with loved ones to maintain his mental well-being.

Bill Hader [72:08]: "I meditate... It takes me a while. I mean, I'm like, this dude's so lame."

7. Personal Well-being and Grounding Techniques

To counteract the stresses of his career, Hader employs meditation, regular exercise, reading, and maintaining a balanced routine. Disconnecting from digital distractions and prioritizing quality time with family are pivotal in his strategy to stay present and emotionally healthy.

Bill Hader [71:58]: "It takes me a while. I mean... Meditation has really helped me, but just getting into some sort of a routine and also being curious again... listening."

Hader acknowledges the ongoing challenge of balancing creative pursuits with personal life, striving to remain present for his family while continuing to innovate in his professional endeavors.

8. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Ted Danson commending Bill Hader for his multifaceted talents as an actor, writer, and director. Hader expresses gratitude for the supportive relationships and experiences that have shaped his career, while also looking forward to future projects, including writing a horror movie.

Ted Danson [94:05]: "You really are. I mean, a talented, amazing actor, writer, director. You really are."

Bill Hader reciprocates the praise, highlighting the meaningful connections and creative satisfaction derived from his work.

Bill Hader [94:17]: "That was the best experience I've had in my career doing that show... one of those great experiences."

The conversation encapsulates Hader's journey through the highs and lows of his career, his resilience in the face of challenges, and his commitment to personal growth and meaningful storytelling.

Notable Quotes

  • Bill Hader [00:49]: "Welcome back to where everybody knows your name..."
  • Bill Hader [04:17]: "It's the death laugh."
  • Ted Danson [13:47]: "You're one of my favorite kind of performers..."
  • Bill Hader [23:05]: "I was very lucky because of Seth Meyers..."
  • Bill Hader [55:49]: "We decided early on the first scene should not be funny..."
  • Bill Hader [71:58]: "It takes me a while. I mean..."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Bill Hader's professional journey and personal life, highlighting his ability to navigate the demanding world of entertainment with humor, resilience, and introspection. Listeners gain valuable insights into the creative process behind "Barry," the challenges of live performance, and the importance of maintaining personal well-being amidst fame.

No transcript available.