Comedy

For more than 40 years, Phyllis Diller has made a career out of her own poor looks, and the exploits of her bumbling, imaginary, husband, Fang. Diller paved the way for an entire generation of female comics. (Rebroadcast from 7.1.86.)

Comedy writer Alan Zweibel. He was one of the original writers for "Saturday Night Live." He discusses his 14 year friendship with Gilda Radner whom he met at SNL and teamed up with to create such memorable characters as Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella. Zweibel has written a memoir about their friendship, called "Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner: A Sort of Love Story" (Villard Books), which has since been turned into a play. He also worked on "The Gary Shandling Show." (Rebroadcast from 8.3.89).

Comedian Joan Rivers did stand up comedy for years. She was a guest host for "The Tonight Show" and has also hosted her own talk show. In this interview from 1991, Rivers discusses her memoir, called "Still Talking." (Random House). (Rebroadcast from 11.08.91.)

Veteran stand-up comedian Henny Youngman. When this interview first aired in 1991, Youngman had just published a new memoir, called "Take My Life, Please." (Morrow). (Rebroadcast from 10.18.91.)

Saturday Night Live cartoonist Robert Smigel. He’s created such popular segments as The Ambiguously Gay Duo, and Fun with Real Audio. Smigel is no stranger to SNL or comedy TV. He was a writer for Saturday Night Live from 1985-93.

Guest host (and our TV critic) David Bianculli interviews Tommy Smothers of the comedy duo The Smothers Brothers. In 1967, their show The Smothers Brothers Comedy hour first went on the air. The show has been credited with helping pave the way for a new generation of TV comedy shows including Saturday Night Live.

O'Brien took over David Letterman's spot in 1993. Now, nearly four years since becoming host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brian," he's become a household name. Previous to that, O'Brien was a writer for Saturday Night Live. His sketches included "Mr. Short Term Memory" and "The Girl Watchers." He was also a writer/producer for "The Simpsons." (Originally aired 10/30/96)

Carlin has written his first book called "Brain Droppings" (Hyperion Books). It's a collection of original humor pieces. He has been working in comedy for forty of his sixty years.

Carlin has written a new book "Brain Droppings" which is published by Hyperion. In this archival interview, he talks about his famous "seven dirty words' routine. (REBROADCAST from 6/1/90)

Leno is celebrating his 5th anniversary as host of The Tonight Show. In this archive interview, he talks with Terry about his life: growing up, his struggling years as a stand-up,taking over The Tonight Show, and his book "Leading with my Chin." (REBROADCAST from 10/21/96)