The Last Laugh

Jim O’Heir has almost 200 acting credits to his name, appearing on dozens of iconic TV shows like ‘ER,’ ‘Friends,’ and ‘Better Call Saul.’ But as he reveals in this episode, he almost turned down the role of Jerry Gergich on ‘Parks and Recreation’ because his agents worried it was too small. O’Heir writes about his fateful decision to take a chance on what could have remained a “background” part in his new book ‘Welcome to Pawnee,’ which is part memoir, part oral history and all around love letter to the show that changed his life. The veteran character actor shares stories about auditioning for Ron Swanson, finding out he and Retta had been elevated to series regulars just of Paul Schneider (Mark Brendanawicz) had been let go, learning that Christie Brinkley had been cast as his wife, and why he believes the show is still comforting people in dark times nearly a decade after it went off the air. Plus, O’Heir delivers perhaps the all-time greatest answer to our final question: What’s a memory from your career that you laugh about now but really was not funny when it happened?Buy Jim O’Heir’s Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and RecreationFollow Jim O’Heir on Instagram @therealjimoheir Follow Matt Wilstein on Bluesky @mattwilstein and Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For better or worse, Timothy Simons will probably always be best known for the first TV role he ever booked: the cravenly odious political climber Jonah Ryan on HBO’s ‘Veep.’ He could have been typecast as a lanky creep forever, but in the years since that show ended, Simons has managed to have a surprisingly varied acting career, most notably with his role as rom-com sidekick Sasha in this fall’s Netflix hit ‘Nobody Wants This.’ In this episode, Simons talks about finding the nuance in what could have been a one-note character and reacts to the controversy around the show’s depiction of its Jewish female characters. He also looks back on what it what like to begin his career opposite a comedy legend like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and reveals the disturbing similarities between Jonah Ryan and America’s next vice president, JD Vance. Follow Timothy Simons on Instagram @timothycsimons Follow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Last Laugh listeners, please enjoy this excerpt from the latest episode of The Daily Beast's new podcast! In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, co-host Samantha Bee has some tough talk for President Joe Biden and his team and comedian Michael Ian Black has news for everyone.Subscribe now to The Daily Beast Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jenny Slate has never been a traditional stand-up comic. And after a lengthy hiatus that followed her 2019 Netflix special ‘Stage Fright’ and included both a global pandemic and the birth of her daughter, she wasn’t sure she’d ever get up in front of an audience again. “I didn’t have a system in place for how to get back up on stage. I didn’t know how to do that,” she says in this episode. But now, as she puts out her latest hour ‘Seasoned Professional’, Slate breaks down how she made her way back in front of the mic and why she decided to get so intimately personal in the special. Slate reflects on how her one unfortunate season as a ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member has informed the rest of her career, from finding the right kind of community on projects like ‘Kroll Show’ and ‘Bob’s Burgers’ to learning how to make her own unlikely success with ‘Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.’ And she discusses what it was like to pass the torch of her mixed race character on ‘Big Mouth’ to Ayo Edebiri, why she’s not sure ‘Obvious Child,’ her comedy film about abortion, would hit viewers in the same way 10 years later, and a lot more.This episode was originally published on February 21, 2024.Buy Jenny Slate’s new book of essays ‘Lifeform’Follow Jenny Slate on Instagram @jennyslateFollow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seth Meyers knows his show is likely to change based on the results of the presidential race. But with the election just days away, the comedian, ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum and host of NBC’s ‘Late Night’ is doing his best to stay in the present and take each new insane development as it comes. In this episode, Meyers talks about how he ended up releasing a stand-up special (‘Dad Man Walking’ on Max) that has nothing to do with politics so close to the election and goes deep on where his is at head on the stakes of Trump vs. Harris right now. The comedian also shares thoughts about his infamous ice cream date with Joe Biden, why he regrets platforming JD Vance on his show, how SNL’s reliance on guest stars has changed the show since he was in the cast, and so much more.Follow Seth Meyers on Twitter @sethmeyers and Instagram @sethmeyers Follow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past 30 years or so, Bruce Eric Kaplan has toiled away as a staff writer on some of the best television series ever produced, including ‘Seinfeld,’ ‘Six Feet Under,’ and ‘Girls.’ But as he writes in his new book ‘They Went Another Way: A Hollywood Memoir’—and discusses in this bonus episode—Kaplan has never managed to get his own show past the pilot stage. And it’s not for lack of trying. Kaplan has written more unproduced pilots than anyone else he knows, and tells the story of how the Hollywood system has slowly beaten him down in hilarious fashion in the new book. He also reveals some details about his new gig as co-showrunner for Season 2 of the Netflix hit rom-com ‘Nobody Wants This,’ shares what it was like to join ‘Seinfeld’ in its final season, and so much more. Buy Bruce Eric Kaplan’s ‘They Went Another Way: A Hollywood Memoir’ Follow Bruce Eric Kaplan on Instagram @bruceerickaplan Follow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Last Laugh listeners, please enjoy this excerpt from the latest episode of The Daily Beast's new podcast! With less than two weeks until Election Day, Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee are joined by political strategist James Carville for intel—and an insider’s take—on the state of the presidential race.Subscribe now to The Daily Beast Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I’m glad to be here. We have a lot to laugh about,” Kathy Griffin says at the top of her triumphant return to the podcast after a very eventful five years since her last appearance. In this episode, Griffin breaks down how she turned some of the most traumatic experiences of her life into jokes for her new “My Life on the PTSD-List” tour, which hits Carnegie Hall this week. The legendary comedian, who finally has her voice back after a botched lung cancer surgery, is still climbing out the “cancellation” that followed her infamous 2017 photo in which she posed holding up a Trump mask covered in fake blood. And since Hollywood may have left her behind—for now—she has no qualms sharing her unfiltered thoughts on everyone from Elon Musk and Donald Trump to Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld to Cheryl Hines and Ellen DeGeneres. Get tickets to see Kathy Griffin liveFollow Kathy Griffin on Twitter @kathygriffin and Instagram @kathygriffin Follow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Last Laugh listeners, please enjoy this excerpt from the latest episode of The Daily Beast's new podcast! This week, guest John Oliver and co-host Samantha Bee take a trip down late-night TV memory lane, sharing fun times and lessons learned from their time as correspondents on ‘The Daily Show.’ Joanna Coles and Sam dive deep into the Beast’s exclusive story of the consultant making serious bank on Trump’s campaign payroll, and obsess over Kanye West’s sexploits as well as other, unrelated sex toys. Subscribe now to The Daily Beast Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh off his surprise Emmy Award win for Season 5 of ‘Fargo,’ actor and comedian Lamorne Morris joins this week’s episode of The Last Laugh to break down his scene-stealing performance as the “elder statesman” of the original SNL cast in Jason Reitman’s new film ‘Saturday Night.’ Morris, who portrays Garrett Morris (no relation) in the movie, discusses what it was like to enter the fictionalized world of SNL more than a decade after he auditioned for the show (and didn’t get it). He also reveals how his ‘New Girl’ character Winston’s “kind eyes” helped land him his Emmy-winning role on ‘Fargo,’ tells the full story about how he almost missed out on the sitcom that has defined his career to date, and explains his running joke with ‘New Girl’ cast mate Jake Johnson about a potential reunion. Follow Lamorne Morris on Twitter @lamornemorris and Instagram @lamorne Follow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Last Laugh listeners, please enjoy this excerpt from the third episode of The Daily Beast's new podcast! This week, Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee talk all things Melania and share the latest scoop on Silicon Valley with Jessica Lessin, CEO of The Information. Sam shares her experiences with menopause and Joanna talks celeb sightings at opening night of the new Robert Downey Jr. play on Broadway.Subscribe now to The Daily Beast Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the handful of years since she broke through in a big way with her ‘Quarter-Life Crisis’ special on Netflix—and first appeared on this podcast—Taylor Tomlinson has become a bona fide comedy star. The 30-year-old comedian put out two more hours on Netflix, became the host of her own late-night show with CBS’ ‘After Midnight,’ and is currently touring her newest hour nationwide. In her second sit-down with The Last Laugh podcast, Tomlinson opens up about how fame has impacted her material, why she’s focusing on religion for her Save Me tour, and how ‘After Midnight’ is starting to look more like a traditional late-night talk show—even though that’s not what she signed up for.  Get tickets for Taylor Tomlinson’s Save Me tourFollow Taylor Tomlinson on Instagram @taylortomlinson and TikTok @taylortomlinsoncomedyFollow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Last Laugh listeners, please enjoy this excerpt from the second episode of The Daily Beast's new podcast! The Daily Beast Podcast is as wildly exciting, energizing, and entertaining as the topics it covers. Bringing their sharp wit and insights to each episode, co-hosts Joanna Coles (Chief Creative & Content Officer of The Daily Beast) and celebrated comedian and political commentator Samantha Bee will navigate the latest in politics, pop culture, and everything in between. Subscribe now to The Daily Beast Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lauren Lapkus grew up with one goal in mind: someday joining the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Now, nearly 20 years into a comedy career that has included scene-stealing roles in everything from ‘Orange Is the New Black’ to ‘Jurassic World,’ she has finally been able to “let go” of the way she thought things would go and fully embrace her unique place in the comedy world. It helps, Lapkus explains in this episode, that she has now landed lead roles in both broad comedies like 2020’s ‘The Wrong Missy’ (opposite David Spade on Netflix) and her latest, the darkly comedic postpartum depression dramedy ‘Another Happy Day.’ Lapkus also discusses how the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast opened new doors for her and what it was like to go up against Kate McKinnon for that coveted spot on SNL. Rent or buy ‘Another Happy Day’Follow Lauren Lapkus on Instagram @laurenlapkusFollow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Last Laugh listeners, please enjoy the first episode of The Daily Beast's new podcast! The Daily Beast Podcast is as wildly exciting, energizing, and entertaining as the topics it covers. Bringing their sharp wit and insights to each episode, co-hosts Joanna Coles (Chief Creative & Content Officer of The Daily Beast) and celebrated comedian and political commentator Samantha Bee will navigate the latest in politics, pop culture, and everything in between. Subscribe now to The Daily Beast Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Samantha Bee is back for the third time on The Last Laugh podcast—and this time it is as host of her very own Daily Beast podcast! Along with the Daily Beast’s Joanna Coles, Bee is bringing her always sharp and hilarious political insights to The Daily Beast Podcast. And before their first episode premieres this Thursday, Bee is here to share her unfiltered thoughts about interviewing Kamala Harris, being exhausted by Donald Trump, and those pesky “undecided voters” who seem to get so much attention this time of year. The former ‘Full Frontal’ host also reveals how she would have approached stories like JD Vance’s “childless cat ladies” if she—or really, any other woman—was still on late-night TV and reacts to Jon Stewart’s triumphant return to ‘The Daily Show’ and the backlash he received (including from the host of this podcast) for “both sides-ing” Trump and Joe Biden.Subscribe now to The Daily Beast PodcastFollow Samantha Bee on Twitter @iamsambee and Instagram @realsambeeFollow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Last Laugh listeners please enjoy! The Daily Beast Podcast is as wildly exciting, energizing, and entertaining as the topics it covers. Bringing their sharp wit and insights to each episode, co-hosts Joanna Coles (Chief Creative & Content Officer of The Daily Beast) and celebrated comedian and political commentator Samantha Bee will navigate the latest in politics, pop culture, and everything in between.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Oh god, you’re crying in front of Carol Burnett, fantastic,” Alex Edelman said at the top of his acceptance speech for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special at the 76th Emmy Awards. It was just the latest unexpected milestone in the life of his widely celebrated solo show ‘Just for Us,’ which premiered on HBO and also won a special Tony Award earlier this year. In this episode, the 35-year-old Jewish comic shares the unique challenges of bringing his story about attending a white supremacist meeting in Queens to the stage and screen, including the sudden death of his director just before opening on Broadway and how performing a show about antisemitism changed after October 7th. Edelman also discusses the surreal experience of getting notes from comedy heroes like Steve Martin, Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal, tells a story about the time he baffled Mel Brooks by calling him “woke” to his face, and teases his next stand-up hour, which will take on the Israel-Gaza war. This episode was originally published on April 10, 2024.Follow Alex Edelman on Twitter @alexedelman and Instagram @alexedelmanFollow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Ian Black began his career performing deeply absurdist comedy with his legendary sketch group The State and the besuited comedy trio Stella. Now, among other things, he’s a weekly columnist covering the 2024 election for the Daily Beast. But Black does not consider himself to be a political commentator “in any way, shape or form, even though I often comment on politics,” he says in this week’s episode of The Last Laugh podcast. During our wide-ranging conversation, Black shares his thoughts on where the 2024 race stands right now, how Donald Trump became America’s worst crowd work comedian, why he’s cautiously optimistic about the prospect of a Kamala Harris presidency, and what viewers can expect from his new satirical CNN game show ‘Have I Got News for You’ with Roy Wood Jr. and Amber Ruffin. Plus, what he remembers about filming his explicit sex scene with Bradley Cooper in ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ and why, after two reboots on Netflix, the cult classic finally “feels like it’s done” to him. Follow Michael Ian Black on Twitter @michaelianblack and Instagram @michaelianblackFollow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susie Essman made a name for herself cursing out Larry David as her alter-ego Susie Greene on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’ But as she reveals in this episode, in the 24 years since the show premiered—and nearly four decades since she met David in the New York comedy clubs—they have never once gotten into an actual fight. Essman opens up about David’s unique “genius” as a comedian, how ‘Curb’ gets away with being so politically incorrect, the unconscious inspiration for her character and the bizarro world in which she could have played Elaine on ‘Seinfeld.’ Plus, stories about roasting Donald Trump to his face at the Friar’s Club, her “horrible” late-night debut with Johnny Carson, and getting to portray Ilana Glazer’s mother on ‘Broad City.’This episode was originally published on November 30, 2021.Follow Matt Wilstein on Threads @mattwilsteinFollow The Last Laugh on Instagram @lastlaughpod and Threads @lastlaughpodHighlights from this episode and others at The Daily Beast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.