Podcast Summary: Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson - Episode Featuring Susie Essman

Introduction

In the January 29, 2025 episode of Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson, hosts Ted Danson and Susie Essman delve deep into the life and career of Essman, renowned for her role as Susie Green on Curb Your Enthusiasm. The episode offers an intimate look at Essman's journey in the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy and television, her enduring friendship with Ted Danson since their Cheers days, and her experiences working alongside Larry David.

Reconnecting and Setting the Tone

The episode begins with a warm welcome from Ted Danson, reminiscing about their last meeting on March 24th. Danson expresses his excitement about having uninterrupted conversations with Essman, free from the comedic interruptions they might otherwise experience with Larry David.

Ted Danson [02:05]: "I love that I get to talk to you for an hour or whatever it is."

This sets a candid and relaxed tone for the conversation, emphasizing the long-standing bond between the two actors.

Navigating the Curb Your Enthusiasm Set

Susie Essman shares her experiences working on Curb Your Enthusiasm, highlighting the challenges and joys of collaborating with Larry David.

Susie Essman [02:38]: "Larry doesn't annoy on set because he's too, you know, focused."

They humorously discuss Larry's penchant for ruining takes by making him laugh uncontrollably, leading to moments where Essman's character is left screaming and yelling due to David's interruptions.

Susie Essman [02:46]: "Larry is a pain in the ass. But I will say this. Making Larry laugh, I think is truly one of the joys of my life."

Despite the frustrations, Essman acknowledges the importance of making Larry laugh, which has been pivotal in her longstanding role on the show.

The Impact of Larry David on Their Careers

Both Ted Danson and Susie Essman reflect on how Larry David has significantly influenced their careers. Danson recounts how Curb Your Enthusiasm came at a crucial time when his previous show had been canceled, revitalizing his interest in comedy.

Ted Danson [04:15]: "Larry... it rehabilitated me."

Essman adds that both their careers—and hers even more so—are intertwined with David's unique comedic vision.

Casting Serendipity and Early Experiences

Essman shares the serendipitous story of how Larry David cast her on Curb Your Enthusiasm after witnessing her stand-up performance during a roast. She describes the low-budget beginnings of the show, where she had to handle her own wardrobe and makeup, often improvising on the spot.

Susie Essman [16:55]: "Larry saw me and went, 'Oh, that's who I want to play.'"

This spontaneity and willingness to embrace the unconventional set the foundation for her dynamic portrayal of Susie Green.

Building Her Stand-Up Career

The conversation shifts to Essman's journey in stand-up comedy. She details her early struggles, including overcoming deep insecurities and lack of support, and how she eventually found her comedic voice by being authentic and relatable.

Susie Essman [29:28]: "I started just talking about things that I was going through. I was dating a lot of younger guys... I just tried to be authentic."

Essman emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience and being truthful in her performances, which helped her distinguish herself in a competitive field dominated by men.

Character Development: Susie Green

Essman delves into the creation and evolution of her character, Susie Green. She discusses the meticulous process of developing Susie's outrageous wardrobe and unyielding personality, aiming to portray a character devoid of insecurities despite her own challenges with self-confidence.

Susie Essman [43:11]: "I put on those outfits and I just become her... I wanted her to just think that everything she did was just fabulous and had no insecurities whatsoever."

Ted Danson compliments her on the boldness of her wardrobe choices, which have become iconic aspects of Susie Green's character.

Recognition and Public Interaction

As Curb Your Enthusiasm gained popularity, Essman began receiving recognition from fans. While initially under the radar, by the third season, she noticed an increase in public interactions, some of which were demanding her to reenact her character's infamous lines.

Susie Essman [40:22]: "People would shove a phone in my face and say, 'It's my husband. Call him a fat fuck.'"

Despite these intense interactions, Essman finds fulfillment in knowing that her work brings joy and laughter to others.

Life Outside Comedy and Acting

Beyond her professional life, Essman touches upon her personal life, including her relationships and family. She expresses a preference for working from home rather than touring, citing a dislike for leaving her familiar environment and a leaning towards agoraphobia.

Susie Essman [34:19]: "I'm slightly agoraphobic. Also, I don't like leaving home."

This preference aligns with Danson's sentiments about enjoying the camaraderie and routine of working on set rather than the unpredictability of touring.

Family Background and Early Influences

Essman provides a glimpse into her family history, revealing that her great-grandfather was a silent film actor involved with the Yiddish theater and worked alongside legends like Lon Chaney.

Susie Essman [55:48]: "My great grandfather, his name was Leo Fyodorov. He was the impresario of the Russian Grand Opera Company."

Growing up in New York with minimal support from her parents, Essman shares how her family’s artistic legacy and frequent Broadway visits fueled her passion for acting and comedy, despite the lack of encouragement.

Challenges and Triumphs in Curb Your Enthusiasm

Ted Danson recounts his Broadway experiences, including a humorous yet humbling story about a show that failed to receive positive reviews, ultimately leading to its closure.

Ted Danson [62:18]: "I played a bartender and we went out... it was my one Broadway showcase."

Essman sympathetically relates to these challenges, discussing the difficulties of balancing personal life with a demanding career and the exhaustion that comes with roles requiring high energy and improvisation.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Essman shares her aspirations to continue working on well-written series in New York, balancing creative fulfillment with personal comfort. She expresses a desire to engage in projects that her future grandchildren can appreciate, particularly in voiceover animation.

Susie Essman [47:31]: "Five years from now I want to be working at something interesting and well written."

Danson echoes this sentiment, expressing his intention to continue exploring his comedic craft well into his later years, aiming to reflect the humanity and humor of his aging self.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges between Danson and Essman, underscoring their mutual respect and affection. Essman appreciates being part of projects that resonate deeply with audiences, while Danson marvels at her ability to blend stand-up prowess with collaborative acting.

Susie Essman [41:55]: "I feel extremely blessed to be able to make people laugh. It's like you're putting a good thing into the world."

Their conversation encapsulates the essence of Where Everybody Knows Your Name, providing listeners with an authentic and comprehensive understanding of Susie Essman's life, career, and the enduring friendships that shape her journey in the entertainment industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Danson [04:15]: "Larry... it rehabilitated me."
• Susie Essman [02:38]: "Larry doesn't annoy on set because he's too, you know, focused."
• Susie Essman [29:28]: "I started just talking about things that I was going through. I was dating a lot of younger guys... I just tried to be authentic."
• Susie Essman [43:11]: "I put on those outfits and I just become her... I wanted her to just think that everything she did was just fabulous and had no insecurities whatsoever."
• Susie Essman [34:19]: "I'm slightly agoraphobic. Also, I don't like leaving home."
• Susie Essman [55:48]: "My great grandfather, his name was Leo Fyodorov. He was the impresario of the Russian Grand Opera Company."
• Susie Essman [47:31]: "Five years from now I want to be working at something interesting and well written."
• Susie Essman [41:55]: "I feel extremely blessed to be able to make people laugh. It's like you're putting a good thing into the world."

Timestamps for Key Discussions:

• Casting and Early Career: 16:55 - 17:40
• Stand-Up Challenges and Evolution: 24:17 - 31:54
• Character Development and Wardrobe: 43:10 - 46:56
• Family Background and Early Influences: 53:05 - 58:39
• Expectations and Aspirations: 47:31 - 52:18

Through this insightful dialogue, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Susie Essman's multifaceted career, her resilience in overcoming personal and professional hurdles, and the profound impact of her collaborations with iconic figures like Ted Danson and Larry David.