Comedy

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.

TV Critic David Bianculli talks about the history of television laugh tracks and a new development in their usage.

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)

The comedian is enjoying box office success with his new film "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," which he wrote, co-produced, and plays the title role. Myers began his career at Second City in Toronto and gained fame in the U.S. as a member of Saturday Night Live, where he created the characters and sketches for "Wayne's World" and "Sprockets." He made the transition from television to films when "Wayne's World" was adapted into a motion picture. (REBROADCAST from 5/1/90)

Rock is 26 years-old and grew up in Brooklyn. He got his start in show business performing stand-up comedy routines in Manhattan. He spent three years on "Saturday Night Live" and appeared in a few films, including the recent "Beverly Hills Ninja." He has a new comedy and talk-show series, "The Chris Rock Show," premiering February 7 on HBO.

Comic Graham Chapman. He was the straight man in the Monty Python troupe who would come in and break up the skits. A physician by training, he was a writer and activist for gay rights. He died in 1989. (REBROADCAST FROM 7/2/87)