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[0:00] Eila Mell: Growing up, I always felt like I didn't belong. But you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home at last. So if there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong or your time hasn't come, don't give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever. This is a testament that love always wins. Thank you so much, it's an honor. God bless you all.

[0:45] Eila Mell: Hello and welcome to Behind the Awards. I'm Eila, I'm here with Bruce and we have our Tony expert, Matt Stashin. Hi, Matt.

[0:55] Matt Stashin: Hi, Eila. How are you?

[0:57] Eila Mell: Well, we are just in the aftermath of the Tonys, right? So we're just all still recovering. And so that's why we wanted to bring you on to sort of give our final thoughts on the Tonys this year, right, Bruce? Put a cap to the end of this Tony season.

[1:14] Bruce Gotlieb: That's right. And we just, you know, played Nicole Scherzinger's little piece of her speech for the most current reigning lead actress of a musical to get everybody ready for this little post-mortem, we'll call it.

[1:30] Eila Mell: That's right. So what'd you guys think? Surprises?

[1:32] Matt Stashin: A couple of surprises. Not as many shocks as I thought that there could have been. I thought that it could have really been like a huge shocking night. Before we unpack surprises and stuff, I want to share a stat I saw today, which I think we'll all be excited about. This year's Tony telecast had 4.85 million viewers, which was an increase of 38 percent from last year's broadcast.

[1:59] Bruce Gotlieb: That's right.

[2:00] Eila Mell: All right. So what do we think that is? Is it Cynthia Erivo or people super into her?

[2:04] Matt Stashin: I don't know. I think it maybe is partially the season. The season was so exciting, got a lot of people to the theater, new people to the theater. Maybe people wanted to see George Clooney. They might have wanted to see Hamilton. I think that's what it was a lot. Also, I think it was Cynthia Erivo, but it was also George Clooney and Jeremy Jordan and Darren Criss and the cast of Hamilton. I think that was a lot of it. As much as they did make fun a couple of times of the number of movie stars who came and did a show on Broadway this year, that was a large part of it.

[2:38] Eila Mell: Yeah. So what did everyone think about Cynthia Erivo?

[2:41] Matt Stashin: I went in with a very low expectation level. I honestly didn't think she was going to be the right person for the job. I just didn't know that she had all that you feel like a host should have. And I was really pleasantly surprised. I thought whoever did the writing and kind of orchestrated how the show was, the format was going to be, and I'm sure she had some input, but it really spoke to her strengths. And I think it really showcased her in the best way possible. And I was really impressed with her.

[3:15] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, I agree. I don't know if it was the kind of performance that would work year after year after year, but I thought she did a really good job.

[3:24] Matt Stashin: Yeah, I thought she was great. I was so happy with her as host. I did love the opening number, I have to say. I just thought it was a little bit of a boring way to start the show, but it was fine. You know, it just, I don't know. It wasn't my favorite.

[3:39] Bruce Gotlieb: I liked it. I gave it a 10 out of 10.

[3:41] Matt Stashin: All right.

[3:42] Bruce Gotlieb: I liked it also. I think that's exactly what she was doing, though. She was saying, I know you're expecting me to be able to do this, but that's not what I do. Here's what you're going to get. And I think that was the whole point of it.

[3:51] Eila Mell: Okay.

[3:52] Bruce Gotlieb: I also, I loved her closing number, and I thought her duet with Sara Bareilles for the In Memoriam was just beautiful.

[3:59] Matt Stashin: Yeah, no, I thought everything she did was great. I just, you know, it was just the tone that she set in the beginning. I don't know. It would have been more, I thought, I was hoping for something more fun to start off with.

[4:12] Bruce Gotlieb: Okay. I just don't know that, I don't know that that's, not to say that she's not fun. I haven't hung out with her, but, you know, you're not getting the same, you know, thing. And I love the joke, you know, if you had any complaints to email Neil Patrick Harris, because that's a comparison, and I love that she's not afraid to poke fun of it.

[4:33] Matt Stashin: No, I know. But that's kind of my point, right? Because she was fun. So I didn't, you know, we sort of started off with the expected. And then, you know, the rest of the night, we got all this unexpected stuff that, you know, I didn't know that she would bring. So that's all.

[4:47] Eila Mell: So speaking about performances, what did you guys think of the show performances that we got?

[4:52] Matt Stashin: Well, first of all, there were so many. And that's a good thing. But I just couldn't believe how rapid fire it was. It was like performance, performance, performance, with awards like thrown in between the performances.

[5:03] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, the majority of the awards were before the telecast. Definitely.

[5:07] Matt Stashin: Well, right.

[5:07] Bruce Gotlieb: In Act One.

[5:09] Matt Stashin: Yeah, exactly. Which I had to watch because, you know, I had a party that I had to go to. And so I had to watch it on Pluto without the sound. I was just so desperate to see who was going to win in real time.

[5:22] Bruce Gotlieb: Well, I thought some of the award show performances were successful. I think there's things that do they pick the right song? And, you know, there's that factor involved. And are they showcasing the show in the best light possible? I know one of our examples that we've used before is Shucked, you know, such a hilarious and fun show. But unfortunately, the way that they did their medley didn't showcase the show in the best light.

[5:49] Matt Stashin: Right? Yeah. In general, medleys don't work.

[5:52] Bruce Gotlieb: Right.

[5:53] Matt Stashin: But this year, the Buena Vista Social Club medley, I thought did work very well.

[5:57] Bruce Gotlieb: Matt, you love that show. What did you think?

[5:59] Matt Stashin: I did love the show. And I also thought that did really showcase the vibe and the tone of the play.

[6:05] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, I thought that was successful. Really successful.

[6:07] Matt Stashin: I thought that was very successful. And I thought that Just In Time was successful. They had the luxury of really picking any kind of medley they wanted because Jonathan's in everything.

[6:18] Bruce Gotlieb: So yes, I thought Dead Outlaw was pretty good.

[6:22] Matt Stashin: I actually like that number better than I liked the show Dead Outlaw.

[6:27] Bruce Gotlieb: I thought it was very successful. I also really liked Pirates. I thought that was really successful in capturing what the show is as well.

[6:33] Matt Stashin: Yeah, that was the right number for sure to do. And it wouldn't have been a, you know, it wasn't like a no brainer, but it was really a smart choice.

[6:40] Bruce Gotlieb: Yes, it was. And, you know, while they didn't choose a medley, obviously, letting Audra get up there and just showcase what she does eight times a week. You can't go wrong.

[6:49] Matt Stashin: Oh, my God.

[6:50] Bruce Gotlieb: I can't believe she didn't win, though, I have to say.

[6:53] Matt Stashin: Is that one of your surprises of the night?

[6:55] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, it's not a shock because we always knew all season that it was probably going to come down to the two of them, Audra and Nicole. I just thought that Audra was going to win.

[7:05] Matt Stashin: So I thought so, too. I really did. My only, I guess I don't know that I would call it a critique. My only concern about her performance is I felt like at some points I was concerned about her vocal cords because, oh my God, like the sheer magnitude of I don't want to say yelling, but just force coming out of her. But I know she works with people to make sure that she's, you know, making the right decisions.

[7:32] Bruce Gotlieb: I saw online somewhere and it made me laugh out loud that Audra on the Tonys was the musical equivalent of Shut Up Patti LuPone.

[7:42] Matt Stashin: I mean, yeah. And I loved Oprah's little, you know, little joke in there. Somebody had to say something. So, of course, Oprah, right? Who better to address it?

[7:53] Bruce Gotlieb: If not, Cynthia Erivo. But it was good that it was Oprah. No one can get mad at Oprah.

[7:57] Matt Stashin: No, no one at all.

[8:00] Bruce Gotlieb: So was Patti not there?

[8:02] Matt Stashin: No, I don't think she was.

[8:04] Bruce Gotlieb: They didn't show her.

[8:05] Matt Stashin: I don't think she was ever. I don't know if she was ever going. Like, I don't know. But she wasn't there that I'm aware of. I didn't see her.

[8:12] Bruce Gotlieb: Because I thought that there was a move to have her disinvited. So that's why I'm asking.

[8:17] Matt Stashin: I don't know for certain that she wasn't there. But I feel like if she was, how would they not, either the camera or a red carpet, like, how would they not let it be known?

[8:26] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[8:26] Matt Stashin: She'd have been in the background of a shot at the very least somewhere. Or somebody would have called her out or something, you know, just mentioned her name or, you know.

[8:33] Bruce Gotlieb: Right. For sure.

[8:34] Matt Stashin: We would have seen her there. But yeah, maybe she decided not to go. Or maybe, Matt, you're right. Maybe she was never going and it was, you know, a non-issue.

[8:41] Bruce Gotlieb: Or she decided not to go, which is also possible.

[8:43] Matt Stashin: Yes, for sure.

[8:45] Bruce Gotlieb: On the other hand, I will say that as much as I love the show and as much as I love the number, in two different cases, maybe Happy Ending did not capture, it did not translate to TV well.

[8:57] Matt Stashin: No, I didn't think so either. I thought that that was not the right number to do.

[9:02] Bruce Gotlieb: I thought it was kind of dull.

[9:03] Matt Stashin: And Floyd Collins, as much as I think it might have been the right song to do to really showcase Jeremy Jordan, the way they shot it in such extreme, so many close-ups, you couldn't see what he was doing to understand what was going on.

[9:16] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, I agree. I think a big problem with these numbers is the camera angles a lot of the time.

[9:22] Matt Stashin: That hurt Shucked too, going back to our beloved Shucked.

[9:25] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[9:25] Matt Stashin: You know, it took away from the humor of the piece. You know, sometimes you need it to look just the way it does when you're seeing it in the audience.

[9:32] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, you need that full screen view. And, you know, I know that I've gone on many records saying that Death Becomes Her has to do for the gays, otherwise it won't work. And I was mistaken, because what I didn't account for was they only have a certain amount of time. So the song itself is, I think, what, a five-minute song? And I think they have two minutes. So the cuts that they had to make in order to get it to fit didn't work, because that song, all the jokes are in there. The humor is throughout the entire piece.

[10:10] Matt Stashin: And they cut my favorite line, grand jeté.

[10:14] Bruce Gotlieb: I hope that people won't judge the show by that, even though that's the whole point, because it's so much better than that number would let you think.

[10:23] Matt Stashin: Exactly.

[10:23] Bruce Gotlieb: I said from the beginning, they need to just let Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard scream at each other for a couple of minutes.

[10:28] Matt Stashin: Yeah, I thought for the gays was the absolute obvious choice, but I agree with you, Bruce. I think that was a mistake, and it should have been the two of them. You really did miss Jennifer Simard up there.

[10:38] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, for sure. And that's, you know, nothing bad about Megan Hilty, but it really, the show is the two of them. But she wasn't even in the number that much because she had to go change.

[10:49] Matt Stashin: Right, it was the dancers.

[10:50] Bruce Gotlieb: So it was really an ensemble number with a guest spot by Megan Hilty, a lot of it. So, you know, their ensemble is great, but, you know, people want to see the two of them.

[11:00] Matt Stashin: Right.

[11:01] Bruce Gotlieb: Oh, well, all right. I have to say I am so happy that our pal and our guest, Francis Jue, won. That was a really nice surprise.

[11:10] Matt Stashin: It was. I think I yelped at the top of my lungs at my TV because I was so thrilled for him.

[11:18] Bruce Gotlieb: I know, me too.

[11:19] Matt Stashin: Deserving, of course. And, you know, everybody, the season in total, just, you know, monster performances across the board in every category, which is why going through it and, you know, dissecting it like we did each of those special episodes was so difficult.

[11:34] Bruce Gotlieb: Right. Because so many of them could have been the winner.

[11:37] Matt Stashin: Yeah. But no, Francis was it was thrilling for him. And, you know, to think that he started the journey with this character, you know, 17 years ago or however long ago. And also thinking, being told that he was never going to actually do it.

[11:51] Bruce Gotlieb: Right.

[11:51] Matt Stashin: If it came to Broadway. And now he won a Tony for it. That's fantastic.

[11:56] Bruce Gotlieb: Absolutely.

[11:57] Matt Stashin: So happy for him, because I thought I really thought I was going to go to Conrad Ricamora.

[12:02] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[12:03] Matt Stashin: Most people did, I think.

[12:04] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah. That was nice. That was a nice surprise.

[12:07] Matt Stashin: I was also very happily surprised that my pal Cary Young won two in a row now, two Tonys in a row, for Best Supporting Actress in a Play. She's a powerhouse that Cary Young, so I'm very happy.

[12:24] Matt Stashin: I think I was surprised, maybe surprised isn't the right word, but I didn't expect Purpose to win Best Play, although within the past couple of weeks after winning the Pulitzer, it really just hit a stride, and at that point I said, you know, I don't know that you can stop the train that is Purpose right now. I know, but it did have some things going against it, Matt, right? No Felicia Rashad.

[12:48] Bruce Gotlieb: No Felicia Rashad, but I agree with like somewhere between when we recorded the special episodes and yesterday I said it has the weight behind it. It's what they want to award as the best play. I kind of expected it to win. As they opened the envelope, I said it's going to be Purpose, and then it was. Oh Mary is the most fun play, but Purpose I really think is the best play, so I think that was the right call. I will say, I think looking back on history, the fact that John Proctor did not win any Tonys is going to be looked at very poorly by history that a really brilliant show got snubbed.

[13:22] Matt Stashin: I guess so, but what would it have won? You know, what would you bump from winning? That's the thing. I would have reorganized a few of them, but I couldn't see a world where Fender Straza absolutely won. I can see a world where Don Yatimor absolutely won. I can see a world where it won best play.

[13:35] Bruce Gotlieb: OK, yeah, I guess so. I mean, I really, really like John Proctor as the villain, but I'm glad it worked out the way it did in the play category, I think.

[13:46] Matt Stashin: OK, I mean, that's the beauty of theater, right? Everyone comes in and out. Yeah, it's subjective. Nobody's right, nobody's wrong. Or everybody's right.

[13:57] Bruce Gotlieb: That's right. Yeah, you just get to, you know, you get to be moved and feel things that, you know, and the entire row could feel something completely different or capture something completely different at any given show. And they were all watching the same exact performance. And that's what's really special about live theater.

[14:12] Matt Stashin: Exactly. Any favorite moments or speeches?

[14:18] Bruce Gotlieb: Cola Scola. You know, for me, like the nicest moment was when Sam Pinkleton won and Cola Scola was so happy that Sam Pinkleton won. I thought that was really nice. My favorite moment of the evening might have been actually in Act One, which was friend to the show, Celia Keenan-Bolger's Isabel Stevenson win. I thought her speech was beautiful. And I just think the type of person that she is and all that she does for advocacy and giving back and all that that award represents is amazing. And just how touched and honored she was to be given this opportunity to shine, you know, to let that be what shines. I thought it was really special.

[15:05] Bruce Gotlieb: All right, so let's do fashion. Anybody stand out to you guys? Best or worst?

[15:11] Matt Stashin: I thought some of Cynthia's looks were good.

[15:13] Bruce Gotlieb: I loved her opening look, that first look, the reds. I loved it.

[15:17] Matt Stashin: Yeah, me too. I think some of my unfortunate worst looks, I'm going to have to say Cecily Strong. I don't know what was happening. No, that was a very tired, sorry-looking outfit.

[15:29] Bruce Gotlieb: I know she just had a baby, but she could have found something a little better. I mean, and I adore her. She's one of my favorite performers.

[15:38] Matt Stashin: Yeah, no, I get that. But yeah, that wasn't good at all.

[15:41] Bruce Gotlieb: I loved Jonathan Groff's maroon suit.

[15:45] Matt Stashin: Yeah, he looked great.

[15:46] Bruce Gotlieb: I loved Renee Lee Scoldsberry looked really just elegant in her, you know, slick black look with the slit was beautiful. Those are ones I think that stood out to me.

[15:56] Matt Stashin: I loved Jasmine Amy Rogers, I thought looked just gorgeous.

[16:00] Bruce Gotlieb: She did. My favorite was Julianne Hough. I thought she looked perfect.

[16:04] Matt Stashin: Okay. I didn't love the tool at the bottom.

[16:08] Bruce Gotlieb: Oh, I love that.

[16:09] Matt Stashin: I thought it caught her in a weird spot.

[16:12] Bruce Gotlieb: Oh, to me, it was just perfect. I loved her.

[16:15] Matt Stashin: Okay, I did love Cole's Bernadette Peters homage. You know, to me, he reminded me very much of Jay Harrison G when he won a couple years ago. The outfit, the hair, it's all the same vibe.

[16:29] Bruce Gotlieb: Definitely a similar look. I wonder if it's the same designer.

[16:34] Matt Stashin: I don't know. Well, I know it was Jerome Lamar for Jay. So I don't know who Cole is wearing.

[16:39] Bruce Gotlieb: Okay. I thought Audra looked beautiful.

[16:42] Matt Stashin: She did. I like that Audra went with something bold.

[16:44] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, I have to say, I didn't like all of Cynthia Erivo's looks, not to be contrary, but I hated that first red and white. To me, she looked like Little Orphan Annie. I didn't like that. But I loved her second dress. I thought that was gorgeous when she hit it right. It was perfect. But then some of the looks weren't great, I thought.

[17:03] Matt Stashin: Okay. I think she had a few to choose from.

[17:07] Bruce Gotlieb: She had so many. I know.

[17:08] Matt Stashin: Well, that's the fun. Oprah looked great. Who else? Kristen Chenoweth, I thought, looked gorgeous.

[17:14] Bruce Gotlieb: In which outfit she had, too. She had a red carpet look and a Tony look.

[17:18] Matt Stashin: I know. She looked great in both of them.

[17:21] Bruce Gotlieb: My personal preference was the presenting the black, but she looked perfect in both. So, okay. No complaints there.

[17:28] Matt Stashin: All right. Well, have we done it? Are we done with the Tonys for a few months anyway?

[17:33] Bruce Gotlieb: Well, I mean, the new season is upon us. So, we have to start digging in. It started already.

[17:37] Matt Stashin: It's true. It's true. We have to start making notes.

[17:41] Bruce Gotlieb: First show of the new season opens on the 12th.

[17:44] Matt Stashin: Okay. Well, call me Izzy, right?

[17:47] Bruce Gotlieb: That's right.

[17:48] Matt Stashin: All right. Well, Matt, thank you so much for joining us once again this season.

[17:53] Matt Stashin: My pleasure.

[17:55] Bruce Gotlieb: And we look forward to having you back next year.

[17:58] Matt Stashin: Yes, continue to share your thoughts as the season goes on, what you're liking, what you're loving.

[18:04] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah. And, you know, since we're at the beginning of the season now, you can tell us what you think is in contention. We can do a very, very early Tony run.

[18:10] Matt Stashin: As the show's open, we can put things in categories. I mean, right now, it's going to be a hot revival of a musical category.

[18:23] Bruce Gotlieb: Yes, that's right.

[18:24] Matt Stashin: All right. Well, we have some business to get to, Bruce. We have the most amazing guest, Wendi McLendon-Covey.

[18:31] Bruce Gotlieb: Coming out.

[18:33] Matt Stashin: So people know her from Bridesmaids, from The Goldbergs, from St. Denis Medical, from so many things.

[18:39] Bruce Gotlieb: Reno 911.

[18:40] Matt Stashin: That's right. And actually, they're starting to shoot their second season of St. Denis this month. So let's get Wendi while she's got a minute.

[18:46] Bruce Gotlieb: I know. The one minute she probably has left.

[18:51] Matt Stashin: All right. Well, thank you, Matt, again.

[18:53] Bruce Gotlieb: And here's Wendi.

[18:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Hi, this is Wendi McLendon-Covey. And behind the awards, we'll be right back.

[19:03] Bruce Gotlieb: Well, Bruce, we have a guest on today that I'm so excited about. I mean, you know, when we found out Wendi McLendon-Covey was coming on our show, I was very excited.

[19:12] Matt Stashin: You know, I had to convince you, you weren't on board.

[19:14] Bruce Gotlieb: No, I'm kidding.

[19:21] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Oh, wow.

[19:22] Bruce Gotlieb: Listen, let's let Wendi stick to the comedy.

[19:26] Wendi McLendon-Covey: All right.

[19:27] Bruce Gotlieb: Why?

[19:28] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Oh, Wendy, welcome to our show.

[19:31] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Thank you so much for having me. It's such an honor.

[19:35] Bruce Gotlieb: We are thrilled to have you.

[19:36] Matt Stashin: Yeah. So, you know, as I was saying, I just think that you're just brilliant in so many different things. And the characters that you create are so unique. I was thinking before we started this conversation that you must have the pleasure of having some anonymity when you go out because you look so different in your characters. Is that true?

[19:53] Wendi McLendon-Covey: That is true. But what gives me away is my voice.

[20:01] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yeah. Apparently. Because, you know, I still wear a mask sometimes because I just want to, you know.

[20:09] Bruce Gotlieb: Uh-huh.

[20:09] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Just to hide.

[20:11] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[20:11] Wendi McLendon-Covey: And plus, I love not getting sick, I have to say.

[20:14] Bruce Gotlieb: That's good.

[20:15] Wendi McLendon-Covey: It's pretty cool.

[20:15] Bruce Gotlieb: It's a positive.

[20:16] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yeah. And, you know, when I don't want to do a full beat of makeup, I just put my mask on and a dirty baseball hat and I'm off to home goods. But, yeah, so it's my voice that gives me away.

[20:29] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[20:31] Matt Stashin: So before we get in, dig into your career and your current show, you started what seems like just, I want to take an improv class is how it feels when I was reading and doing a little research. And that's now led into, I mean, physical comedy is not easy and not everyone can do it. So for someone who just, it feels like almost fell into it. How did that come to you that like, this is what I want my life, my career to be?

[21:00] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Well, I didn't just fall into it. I know that's how it sounds when you read my bios or whatever. But the thing was, is like, I've never wanted to do anything else. So waiting for permission to do this because, you know, my parents did not think this was a good move. No one in my life thought that I would ever be anything other than maybe a stewardess or maybe again, very dated term, but that's what was proposed to me.

[21:33] Wendi McLendon-Covey: And, you know, so before I started taking workshops at the Groundlings, I was trying to get out there and audition and stuff. But when you don't know what you're doing and you have no one that you can kind of consult or even pattern things off of, I was just, you know, sending my picture blindly to drama log announcements. And sometimes you would drive past the area of where that audition was taking place. And you're like, this is too sketchy. I'm not getting out. I'm driving back home, you know, there, it just wasn't the way to go about it. But I knew like, no, I have to do this. My life cannot be this. My life cannot be, you know, waiting till two o'clock so I can go to the vending machine and get a Twix.

[22:21] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[22:21] Wendi McLendon-Covey: So I can get through the second half of my day.

[22:24] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[22:25] Wendi McLendon-Covey: You know?

[22:25] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[22:26] Wendi McLendon-Covey: So yeah, I saw a show at the Groundlings and, um, one of my childhood best friends, she and I were working together at this shitty hotel in Anaheim and we decided, oh, come on, what's, what's the worst that can happen if we start taking classes? What is the worst that can happen? We just won't get it. Well, we don't have it anyway. So why don't we just keep going? So that's what we did. And then it was like, oh, now I've got the virus. I've got the virus. I have to keep doing this.

[23:02] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[23:02] Wendi McLendon-Covey: So, um, you know, it worked out, but it's not like it came easily. It's not, I mean, the truncated version is I took classes and then I got somewhere, but that's, there was a lot of sobbing, a lot of, you know, dark nights of the soul, a lot of expense on costumes and wigs. And what if my poor husband would work two jobs at one point so I could do this. So it's, you know, it wasn't easy, but damn, it was worth it.

[23:29] Bruce Gotlieb: I'm sure.

[23:30] Wendi McLendon-Covey: For sure.

[23:31] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah. Well, you know, so that's the thing, you're an artist and you're supposed to spend time working on becoming an artist, but you really have to be a business person too. And no one tells you that.

[23:38] Wendi McLendon-Covey: It's the, it's the worst thing to not tell someone.

[23:40] Bruce Gotlieb: Right.

[23:41] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Cause then you're not prepared.

[23:42] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[23:43] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Kitten, you think that you're just going to book one commercial and then you can quit your job for the rest of your life? No.

[23:54] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yeah, I kept my job, my side hustle till I got The Goldbergs.

[24:13] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think the best part about working with veterans like David Alan Grier and George Segal is that you learn so much just by watching them. They have this incredible ability to make everything feel effortless, and you realize how much experience they bring to the table. It’s inspiring, and it pushes you to elevate your own performance.

[24:43] Wendi McLendon-Covey: When I was working with Allison Tolman, I felt like we had this instant chemistry. We both have a similar sense of humor, and it made the scenes flow so naturally. It’s always a joy to work with someone who gets your comedic timing and can bounce off your energy.

[25:13] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I remember the first time I met David Alan Grier on set. I was so nervous, but he was incredibly welcoming. He has this way of making everyone feel at ease, and it really helped set the tone for the whole production.

[25:43] Wendi McLendon-Covey: George Segal was another one who had such a wealth of knowledge. He would share stories from his career, and you could just sit there and listen for hours. It’s like being in a masterclass every day.

[25:51] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think comedy is all about timing and knowing when to pause. Working with these seasoned actors has really taught me the importance of those little moments of silence that can make a joke land even better.

[25:59] Wendi McLendon-Covey: The dynamic on set was fantastic. Everyone brought their A-game, and it created an environment where we could all thrive. It felt like we were all in this together, and that camaraderie really shines through in the show.

[26:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I also love the challenge of playing a doctor in "St. Denis Medical." It’s a different kind of role for me, but it’s fun to step outside of my comfort zone and explore new characters.

[26:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: The writing on the show is sharp and witty, which makes it easy to deliver those punchlines. I think audiences will really connect with the humor because it’s relatable and grounded in real-life situations.

[26:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’ve always been drawn to comedy because it allows you to tackle serious subjects in a lighthearted way. "St. Denis Medical" does just that, and I think it’s important to find humor even in challenging circumstances.

[26:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m excited for people to see the show. It’s a fresh take on the workplace comedy genre, and I think it’s going to resonate with a lot of viewers.

[26:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: The cast is incredible, and we all bring our unique styles to the table. It’s a melting pot of comedic talent, and I think that diversity really enhances the show.

[26:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I also appreciate how the show addresses the realities of working in a medical environment while still keeping it light and funny. It’s a balancing act, but I think we’ve managed to pull it off.

[27:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’ve had the privilege of working on so many different projects, but this one feels special. There’s something about the energy on set that makes it feel like we’re creating something truly unique.

[27:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think audiences are going to love the characters and their relationships. There’s a lot of heart in the show, and it’s not just about the laughs; it’s about the connections we make with each other.

[27:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’ve always believed that laughter is the best medicine, and I think "St. Denis Medical" embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s a show that will make you laugh while also making you think.

[27:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m really proud of what we’ve created, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’s been a labor of love, and I hope it brings joy to viewers.

[27:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: The journey of creating this show has been incredible. From the writing process to filming, every step has been filled with laughter and creativity.

[27:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think the audience will appreciate the authenticity of the characters. We’ve all put a lot of ourselves into these roles, and I think that shines through in the performances.

[28:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: It’s been a joy to collaborate with such talented individuals. Everyone involved has brought their passion and expertise, and it’s made for a fantastic experience.

[28:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences react to the show. I hope they find it as funny and heartwarming as we do.

[28:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Comedy is such a powerful tool, and I love being part of something that can bring people together and make them laugh.

[28:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think "St. Denis Medical" is going to surprise a lot of people. It’s not just another workplace comedy; it has depth and character development that I think viewers will really appreciate.

[28:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m excited to see how the show evolves over time. There’s so much potential for growth, and I think we’re just scratching the surface of what we can do.

[28:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that people will tune in and give it a chance. I think they’ll find something to love in every episode.

[29:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’ve always been passionate about comedy, and I feel lucky to be able to do what I love every day. It’s a dream come true.

[29:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: The support from fans has been incredible, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had in my career. It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[29:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think the key to success in this industry is to stay true to yourself and your craft. It’s important to keep pushing boundaries and challenging yourself.

[29:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m always looking for new ways to grow as an artist, and I think that’s what keeps things exciting. There’s always something new to learn.

[29:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with such talented people. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by creativity and passion.

[29:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think that’s what makes "St. Denis Medical" so special. It’s a collaborative effort, and everyone has played a vital role in bringing this show to life.

[30:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I can’t wait for viewers to experience the humor and heart of the show. It’s going to be a fun ride!

[30:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that people will find joy in the stories we’re telling. Laughter is such an important part of life, and I think we all need a little more of it.

[30:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m excited to see how the show resonates with audiences. It’s a unique blend of humor and heart, and I think it’s going to connect with a lot of people.

[30:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think we’ve created something really special with "St. Denis Medical," and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

[30:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: The journey has been incredible, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished. I hope it brings smiles to faces everywhere.

[30:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m looking forward to hearing feedback from viewers. It’s always interesting to see how people connect with the material.

[31:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think the show has a lot of heart, and I hope that shines through in every episode. It’s about more than just laughs; it’s about connection.

[31:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m grateful for the chance to be part of this project. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.

[31:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think comedy has the power to heal, and I hope that "St. Denis Medical" brings a little bit of joy to everyone who watches it.

[31:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m excited for the future of the show and where it will go. There’s so much potential for growth and exploration.

[31:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that audiences will embrace the humor and heart of the series. It’s a labor of love, and I think it shows.

[31:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m looking forward to seeing how the characters develop over time. There’s so much depth to explore, and I think it’s going to be a fun journey.

[32:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think the key to a successful comedy is finding that balance between humor and heart. It’s important to connect with the audience on an emotional level.

[32:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’s going to be a great ride!

[32:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that "St. Denis Medical" becomes a show that people look forward to watching. It’s all about bringing joy and laughter into their lives.

[32:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think we’ve created something really special, and I’m excited to share it with the world. It’s a show that I believe in.

[32:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I can’t wait for everyone to experience the humor and heart of "St. Denis Medical." It’s going to be a fun journey!

[32:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that viewers will find something to connect with in the show. It’s all about the characters and their relationships.

[33:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m excited to see how audiences react to the humor and heart of the series. It’s a unique blend that I think will resonate with many.

[33:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think we’ve created something that people will love. It’s a show that celebrates laughter and connection.

[33:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with everyone. It’s been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for the world to see it.

[33:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that "St. Denis Medical" brings a little joy into people’s lives. Laughter is such an important part of the human experience.

[33:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this project. It’s been a labor of love, and I think it shows in the final product.

[33:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created. It’s going to be a fun ride, and I hope it brings smiles to faces everywhere.

[34:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m excited for the future of "St. Denis Medical" and where it will go. There’s so much potential for growth and exploration.

[34:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that audiences will embrace the humor and heart of the series. It’s a show that I believe in, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

[34:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think the key to a successful comedy is finding that balance between humor and heart. It’s important to connect with the audience on an emotional level.

[34:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’s going to be a great ride!

[34:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that "St. Denis Medical" becomes a show that people look forward to watching. It’s all about bringing joy and laughter into their lives.

[34:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think we’ve created something really special, and I’m excited to share it with the world. It’s a show that I believe in.

[35:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I can’t wait for everyone to experience the humor and heart of "St. Denis Medical." It’s going to be a fun journey!

[35:17] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that viewers will find something to connect with in the show. It’s all about the characters and their relationships.

[35:27] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m excited to see how audiences react to the humor and heart of the series. It’s a unique blend that I think will resonate with many.

[35:37] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I think we’ve created something that people will love. It’s a show that celebrates laughter and connection.

[35:47] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with everyone. It’s been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for the world to see it.

[35:57] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I hope that "St. Denis Medical" brings a little joy into people’s lives. Laughter is such an important part of the human experience.

[36:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this project. It’s been a labor of love, and I think it shows in the final product.

[36:21] Wendi McLendon-Covey: I remember when I was interviewing for The Goldbergs, but also I'd had offers to do other things at the same time. So, I was going around and meeting with these people, even though I knew I would be picking The Goldbergs. And I met with a producing team and they said, yeah, we've got this show that's going to be Netflix's, one of their first scripted shows, and who knows what it's going to be. I don't know. I don't know what to expect. So, that was Orange is the New Black. And it was like, oh, wow. Okay. So, streaming was really the place to be until people figured out, oh, you can't make money there. Like, it's prestigious. You can say all the dirty words. You can tell gruesome stories. But there's no way to make a living as an actor.

It doesn't mean you don't want to still do those things. But I feel like there's a renaissance with network. And thanks to Matlock. I mean, Matlock is really overperforming. It's like doing great things for network. It seems like there's a trend of people going back and watching because A, network doesn't cost money to watch. B, that's where syndication comes from. Yeah, really. I mean, that's an actor's best friend. Yeah. And I mean, when you think about all the comfort shows that you watch, like, I'm big into comfort viewing. Like, every day I've got to watch, you know, Seinfeld or Cheers or something like that. Right. Or Happy Days. Yeah. Like, those shows have never been off the air. Well, can you say that about anything from streaming where you would be like, yeah, I want to watch that for the rest of my life? When I'm sick at home, they're having a gloomy day. I'm going to put on Squid Game. Right. Right. You know, like, listen, loved Squid Game. Loved it. I will never watch it again.

[38:10] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, me too. I didn't even go back for season two. One was enough.

[38:12] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yeah, it was good. Yeah. I'm in it to win it. I'm in it to win it. But, you know, I'm not going to be cuddling up on the couch and watching these things. Right. Yeah. So I think I think TV is really where it's at right now. Movies, the film industry, it makes no sense to me. I don't I mean, I just haven't been bowled over by anything that I've gotten to read. I don't know. No, it's it's TV. That's what's happening right now, which I think is great because, you know, as a kid of, you know, whatever period that was, I was raised on television. That was my babysitter. It was, you know, I came home alone. No one else was home. Yeah. General Hospital. And then I would go, you know, and oh, my God, if you were home, I had mono in sixth grade. Oh, my God. Three weeks. It was the best vacation I ever had. And of course it was. I watched TV and I roller skated around my apartment.

[39:19] Bruce Gotlieb: Oh, my God. Of course you did. Of course you did. Oh, my God. You're so right. All those shows like kids now, you know, in 20 years, they're not going to have that.

[39:29] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Well, the other thing, too, with TV is like you get to these people become your friends, your family, and you get to see them every week. A movie, it's over and they leave you. Yeah. And also we got to build a relationship over an entire year. Now, you know, something streaming, it's 10 episodes and you're done. It's much more disposable.

[39:50] Bruce Gotlieb: Exactly. And again, we love anything that employs actors, right?

[39:55] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yes. I've got no beef with streaming, but, you know, the fact remains is that you can do a streaming show and still be broke. Yeah. Right.

[40:05] Bruce Gotlieb: Well, the beautiful thing about St. Denis Medical is that it's on the network, but then it's also streaming. So you can binge it, too, if you want.

[40:10] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yes, you can. Yes, you can. And you should. You should. And you should. Because after, you know, you get to see it a second time like I did, and it's just so much more fun because there's more to discover because it moves so quickly.

[40:28] Bruce Gotlieb: It does. So is it always going to be Joyce or did you have your choice of roles on the show?

[40:35] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Oh, I never saw myself as anything other than Joyce. Yeah. I mean, I like the oddballs. Yeah. Yeah. I like the oddballs. I understand those people. Did you have a say in her look, in her suits, her hairdo?

[40:48] Wendi McLendon-Covey: A little bit. And, you know, my hairdo was kind of like, well, this is what we got to do. I was growing out a really bad haircut at the time. So it was like, there's just nothing else we can do. We just got to pile it on and shellac it.

[41:05] Bruce Gotlieb: Our listeners would not forgive us if we didn't ask you about Bridesmaids. Was that a game changer for you career wise?

[41:11] Wendi McLendon-Covey: It was in that it gave me the strength to fire my team at the time who didn't think that I should do it. Wow. And had nothing lined up for me afterwards and just didn't find it a good move. So I was like, OK, OK, I think we're done. I think we've gone as far as we can go together. So doing that, it forced me to go into free fall for a little bit. And I figured, well, maybe this is it for me. Maybe nothing's going to come. But about two weeks after I did that, I landed my manager that I have to this day and we just started a production company together. So, yeah, sometimes you have to just say goodbye to things that aren't working. So that's what that gave me the strength to do.

[42:00] Bruce Gotlieb: That's a really good lesson, because that can be so hard, especially in a business like this, where, you know, like you wonder, will I ever get another agent? Will I ever get, you know, so you have to be brave.

[42:07] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yeah. But what's meant for you will never miss you. Yeah. So you just have to just, you know, take that into consideration and say, if I'm not supposed to be doing this anymore, then that means I'm supposed to be doing something better. So I win either way.

[42:23] Bruce Gotlieb: I'm very much a control freak, so I have trouble believing I like to try to make it happen.

[42:29] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Reno 911. Yeah. I mean, you're so hilarious on that. That is really, you know, where I first found you. And it's just the whole everyone in that cast was really just astoundingly great. How did that was that just an audition for you or did you know the team?

[42:45] Wendi McLendon-Covey: That that was just an audition for me. And it was at a time where I had just gotten into the main company at the Groundlings. And I was thinking once again, like, maybe I should give up. Like, I don't have an agent. I was probably 32. Maybe I'm too old. You know, I probably felt old then. I know. Yeah. And it's like, that is so young. Right. But yeah, I got a call because someone had seen me substituting a role in a show and the casting assistant saw me and called me in. They were looking for one person. And that was who turned out to be Clemmy. I came up with the name. I mean, it was just like, we want a sexy cop. That's all the information I got. And at that point, I was like, listen, I'm probably not going to get this anyway, so I don't even care.

I'm just going to go do my thing. And that's how you have to go into auditions. You have to go in. Yeah. Not caring. And it went my way. It went my way. And that was my first big job. And that show has never been off the air.

[43:50] Bruce Gotlieb: That's amazing. And when we when Quibi came around. Yes. Remember Quibi? That four month experiment? We in the before times. Yeah. We fired off some episodes of that. We got two more movies out of it. I know. I mean, yeah, it was it's been a gift. It's been a real gift. And it would be I love those people back. But that's the thing. It can come back anytime. It can't because that's what we're doing anymore. Forget what you did before 10 years ago. Right. That's right. You know, my character was technically killed, but who cares? No one's paying attention. Yeah. So people can come back.

[44:29] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Exactly. I love that. Your idea of a sexy cop was like almost like 70s, 80s sexy. Not. Well, not. Yeah. See, today is great. It can't be Hollywood sexy.

[44:43] Bruce Gotlieb: Exactly. It's got to be small town sexy. And I thought, like, it's funnier if she just thinks she's sexy. That I can do that. I can do real sexy, literally get anybody. And that's not even funny. Real sex. Yeah. No, that's not funny. That's super boring. But it is someone who who is still trying to squeeze into the same pants she wore as a sophomore in high school. And she's, you know, flubbering out of them and just walking around like, excuse me, I don't need you to tell me I'm cute. That's right. Oh, my God. So, yes, that's my problem with a lot of movies. Everyone just looks perfect in them. And it's so boring. So boring. So boring.

[45:24] Bruce Gotlieb: Absolutely. St. Denis Medical is do you know if that's coming back for a second season?

[45:29] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Oh, yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Picked up for a second season and we'll go to work in June.

[45:35] Bruce Gotlieb: Oh, well, that that's a huge relief. Not that I doubted it. I mean, it's so good. I mean, I just think that, you know, when you I have a friend who texts me about it all the time because he thinks it's the funniest show on TV.

[45:48] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Oh, yeah, it's really nice. I'm going to pass that along. Yes, I like that. We're so thrilled for you. I hope that it has as big as an audience as I think it does. Because it's just I think we're doing pretty well. Yeah. You know, aside from having, you know, an ensemble or group of people that that are funny, it's just if for me, anyway, it throws it back to like those times of that, you know, that lead woman who's just funny and leading the show. And that's I just feel like that that mixture, that combination just works so well, because, you know, it throws it back to those like, you know, Lucy and like, just being physical comedy is isn't is just such an art firm and to see somebody do it so well.

[46:42] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Oh, thank you. It just is so good. So yeah, you're so sweet. Well, I don't mind being the butt of the joke. I think that's part of it. You know, if you if you want to be funny, you have to be willing to look like an absolute idiot. Yeah. Yeah. And sometimes it hurts your ego because there are audience members that can't tell back from fiction, you know what I mean? Right. I'm sure. Sometimes you get DMs about you shouldn't have said that, you know, in my hospital, we do this. It's like, oh, no, this isn't real. Right. But, you know, some people, some people don't know that. They should shut down any hospital that's basing their experience on the show. It's like meanwhile, the other side of the coin is I know people who, you know, Grey's Anatomy has been on for a bazillion years. But you go in there with a splinter, you die like there is no. Yeah, you're coming out with tetanus.

[47:42] Bruce Gotlieb: Never at least at least in your hospital, they'll laugh.

[47:46] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Yeah, exactly. Exactly. That's right. All right. Well, Wendy, thank you so much for joining us.

[47:51] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Oh, thanks for having me. The biggest delight. Please come back.

[47:55] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Absolutely. When you're getting ready for your next season. Anytime you have anything.

[48:00] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Thank you. You guys are so sweet. Everyone check out St. Denis Medical. If it's not on NBC. Currently, you can just Peacock and it's on whenever you want it to be watched. I think everybody has Peacock. So that's the best. They better have it.

[48:14] Bruce Gotlieb: That's right. You're going to be in deep shit with me.

[48:18] Wendi McLendon-Covey: That's right. All right. Well, we will see you all next time on Behind the Awards.

[48:22] Wendi McLendon-Covey: Bye bye.