WTF with Marc Maron: Episode 1602 – Bruce Vilanch
In Episode 1602 of the WTF with Marc Maron, host Marc Maron engages in an in-depth conversation with the legendary comedian, writer, and LGBTQ+ activist, Bruce Vilanch. This episode offers a comprehensive look into Vilanch's extensive career in comedy writing, his experiences within the evolving landscape of show business, and his passionate activism for LGBTQ+ rights. Below is a detailed summary of their enlightening dialogue.
Introduction to Bruce Vilanch
Marc Maron opens the episode with introspective reflections on the holiday season's impact on his mood and social interactions. Transitioning smoothly, he introduces Bruce Vilanch, highlighting his reputation as an "old school" comedian known for his distinctive mop-top blonde haircut and colorful glasses. Maron sets the tone for a conversation that promises a deep dive into Vilanch’s storied career.
Notable Quote:
"He's a very funny guy in a very old school way and he's been around a lot of years and he had a lot of great stories about the evolution from writing for club entertainers and then into variety shows and then into writing for comics and writing for the Oscars." — Mark Maron [04:10]
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Bruce Vilanch recounts his upbringing in Patterson, New Jersey, a rural area that was among the first of the suburbs. He shares anecdotes about his family's involvement in the textile industry and the environmental impacts they witnessed, such as dye being dumped into the Mosaic River.
Vilanch’s early interest in performance is evident through his mother's aspirations to be a showgirl and his own foray into child acting. He describes attending a camp run by Ted Mack, the "Simon Cowell of his day," which fostered his love for performing and writing. His time as a child actor included summer stock performances and working in his father’s optometry office, where he developed an affinity for glasses—a trademark look that persists today.
Notable Quote:
"I was a homosexual professional." — Bruce Vilanch [69:55]
Transition into Comedy Writing
Vilanch transitioned from acting to writing, beginning with contributions to his high school newspaper where he honed his skills in journalism and theater at Ohio State University. Despite the challenges of the Vietnam War era, he managed to balance his studies with burgeoning interests in comedy and performance.
After graduating, Vilanch moved to Chicago, securing a position at the Chicago Tribune. Here, he leveraged his writing talents by crafting humorous pieces and performing one-liners at local clubs, notably Punchinello's. This period was pivotal, allowing Vilanch to network with emerging talents like Bette Midler and contribute to the vibrant Chicago comedy scene.
Notable Quote:
"The truth of the matter is this last year I just have to see it in terms of whatever my goals were or whatever I wanted to do." — Mark Maron [04:30]
Collaborations with Celebrities
Vilanch’s collaboration with Bette Midler stands out as a cornerstone of his career. Starting as a television critic, he developed a rapport with Midler, writing topical humor for her performances. Their partnership expanded to include co-writing comedic segments for her shows and collaborating on projects that blended music and comedy. Vilanch also worked with other notable figures such as Lily Tomlin, George Carlin, and Robin Williams, providing tailored humor that matched each performer's unique style.
He recounts specific instances, such as writing for Roseanne Barr early in her career and contributing to special events like Comic Relief, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of comedic timing and audience engagement.
Notable Quote:
"A lot of people heard and they began calling me and asking me to work for them." — Bruce Vilanch [34:31]
Work on Variety Shows and The Oscars
Bruce Vilanch’s tenure as the head writer for the Academy Awards is a significant highlight. He delves into the complexities of writing for live television events, balancing humor with the prestige of the Oscars. Vilanch discusses the challenges of maintaining quality under tight budgets and the constant need to innovate in a fragmented entertainment landscape.
He shares behind-the-scenes stories about memorable Oscar moments, including the infamous Rob Lowe Snow White dance number and the mishaps that followed, such as Disney’s lawsuit over the use of Snow White. These anecdotes illustrate the high-stakes environment of live showwriting and the unpredictable nature of television production.
Notable Quote:
"The first Oscar show had no host. It was the Notorious Snow White Rob Lowe show. And that was a guy named Alan Carr producing a very flimsy." — Bruce Vilanch [60:06]
Reflections on Show Business Evolution
Maron and Vilanch reflect on the transformation of show business from a tightly-knit community to a sprawling, fragmented industry. Vilanch emphasizes how the rise of cable, the internet, and reality television has diluted the communal aspect of entertainment that once made events like the Oscars feel intimate and cohesive.
He contrasts the golden age of variety shows and close celebrity networks with today’s vast and diverse media landscape, where personal connections and unified industry rhythms have lessened. This shift, Vilanch suggests, has impacted the quality and authenticity of live events and comedic performances.
Notable Quote:
"Everything so far that represents, it's all fragmented now." — Mark Maron [28:34]
Personal Life and Activism
Beyond his professional achievements, Vilanch is a prominent LGBTQ+ activist. He discusses his journey of coming out, particularly during the AIDS crisis, and how the fight for survival galvanized the community’s push for equality and acceptance. Vilanch underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting LGBTQ+ rights, drawing parallels to ongoing political battles.
His activism is deeply intertwined with his work in show business, using his platform to advocate for marginalized communities and leverage entertainment as a means of social change.
Notable Quote:
"AIDS showed how much we weren't. And of course that led to marriage equality because the only way we could really." — Bruce Vilanch [70:34]
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
Bruce Vilanch remains active in the entertainment industry, recently venturing into podcasting with his own show, "Oscars: What Were They Thinking?". Co-hosted with Adam Davis, the podcast dissects historical Oscar events, analyzing why certain films won over others, often spotlighting surprising outcomes.
In addition to podcasting, Vilanch is writing a book titled "I Wrote the Worst TV Shows in History: It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time", slated for release on March 4th. The book promises an insider’s critique of notoriously poor television productions, blending humor with candid reflections.
Vilanch is also expanding into musical theater, collaborating with Dolly Parton on "Here Youe Come Again How Dolly Saved my life in 12 easy songs", a show that has seen success in regional productions and London’s Riverside Studios. His ventures demonstrate his enduring creativity and ability to adapt to new mediums.
Notable Quote:
"It's called 'Here youe Come Again How Dolly Saved my life in 12 easy songs.' And we did five regional productions here and then we toured the UK for six months and now we're in London. It's a hit." — Bruce Vilanch [73:02]
Conclusion
Episode 1602 of WTF with Marc Maron offers a rich and engaging exploration of Bruce Vilanch's multifaceted career and his significant contributions to comedy writing and LGBTQ+ activism. Through personal anecdotes, professional insights, and reflective conversations, Vilanch provides listeners with an intimate look at the evolution of show business and the enduring power of humor and resilience.
Notable Quote:
"But I am being optimistic. I don't see somebody saying to Pete Buttigieg that his marriage doesn't exist anymore. I mean, when you're in high levels of office already, I mean, even though he will not be at this January, but it seems to me that more people know gay couples who are married than ever did before." — Bruce Vilanch [71:43]
This episode serves as a testament to Bruce Vilanch’s enduring legacy in the entertainment industry and his unwavering commitment to social advocacy. Listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of comedy writing, the shifts within the entertainment landscape, and the importance of activism in fostering an inclusive society.