I Like It Better When You're Funny: Working in Television and Other Precarious Adventures
Commentator, actor, author and playwright Grodin (It Would Be So Nice If You Weren't Here; We're Ready for You, Mr. Grodin) had appeared in films for over 30 years when he changed careers in order stay close to his family in New York. "It was the talk show that held out something unique to me... I would... rather speak in my own voice than in the voice of a fictional character." In 1995, he was launched as a nightly host on The Charles Grodin Show, and his opinionated observations on CNBC and MSNBC brought him four Cable Ace Award nominations. He recalls how he made that transition, beginning with a one-week stint as guest host on NBC's Tomorrow Show during the early '80s. He retraces the path to his CNBC premiere and early shows with enthusiasm. Recalling his favorite guests, from Dr. Ruth to Dana Carvey, Grodin's memories of boffo bits segue into transcripts of comedic exchanges with Jon Lovitz. Unleashing an armada of funny anecdotes, Grodin never pulls punches, often veering into serious matters, such as shows on school bullies, clemency and entrapment. He writes about his "checkered experience" with Don Imus, his Dershowitz debates and Howard Stern. Grodin concludes by summing up his first year of doing weekly closing segments on 60 Minutes II: "I feel as though I'm finally where I was meant to be." Andy Rooney told Grodin, "I think you've got it made. You're really good." Rooney is right, and Grodin's books which he writes in longhand keep getting better. Photos.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.