'The Interview': Change Can Be Beautiful. Just Ask Will Ferrell and Harper Steele.

Update: 2024-09-07

Digest

This podcast features a conversation between Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, longtime friends and collaborators, about their new documentary "Will and Harper." The documentary follows their cross-country road trip as Harper navigates life as a trans woman. They discuss their friendship, Harper's transition, and the evolving attitudes towards transgender identity in America. Harper Steele also reflects on how her transition has impacted her comedy writing and her perspective on the comedy world. She discusses the changing landscape of late-night comedy, the challenges of navigating wokeness and humor, and the importance of representation in comedy. The podcast delves into Harper's experiences at Saturday Night Live, where she used comedy to deflect from her own internal struggles. She acknowledges the challenges of navigating wokeness and humor, and she wonders if sometimes being woke can take away the joy of play for comedians. She believes that there is a need to find a balance between calling out harmful content and allowing comedians to explore subjects with a sense of play.

Outlines

00:00:00

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele Discuss Their Documentary "Will and Harper"

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, longtime friends and collaborators, discuss their new documentary "Will and Harper," which follows their cross-country road trip as Harper navigates life as a trans woman. The film explores their friendship, Harper's transition, and the evolving attitudes towards transgender identity in America.

00:00:33

Harper Steele on Comedy, Trans Identity, and the Evolution of Late-Night

Harper Steele reflects on how her transition has impacted her comedy writing and her perspective on the comedy world. She discusses the changing landscape of late-night comedy, the challenges of navigating wokeness and humor, and the importance of representation in comedy.

Keywords

Transgender Identity

Refers to a person's gender identity that differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. It encompasses a spectrum of experiences and expressions, including transgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and gender-fluid individuals.

Comedy

A genre of entertainment that aims to evoke laughter through humor, wit, satire, and absurdity. It can take various forms, including stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, sitcoms, and films.

Late-Night Comedy

A genre of comedy that typically airs late at night, often featuring satirical commentary on current events, celebrity culture, and social issues. It often involves stand-up routines, sketches, and musical performances.

Wokeness

A state of being aware of and actively attentive to important social issues, particularly those related to race, gender, and social justice. It often involves challenging systemic inequalities and promoting inclusivity.

Representation

The presence and portrayal of diverse groups of people in media, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. It aims to reflect the real world and promote inclusivity and understanding.

Will Ferrell

An American actor, comedian, and producer known for his comedic roles in films such as "Anchorman," "Elf," and "Talladega Nights."

Harper Steele

A comedian, writer, and actress known for her work on Saturday Night Live and her advocacy for transgender rights.

Documentary

A non-fiction film that presents factual information and stories, often using interviews, archival footage, and narration.

Q&A

How did Will Ferrell and Harper Steele's friendship begin?
They met while working on Saturday Night Live in the fall of 1995. Harper and Will went to lunch together, and Harper reported back to the other writers that Will was actually funny, despite his quiet demeanor.
What was the workplace environment like at Saturday Night Live for Harper Steele?
Harper describes the comedy room as a place where people often hide things and use comedy as a way to deflect from their personal struggles. She acknowledges that she used comedy to deflect from her own internal struggles, and that the environment could be scary and intimidating.
How has Harper Steele's comedy writing changed since coming out as a trans woman?
Harper says that her writing hasn't changed as much as people might think, but her perspective on being around people has changed radically. She acknowledges that her satirical pen is now aimed at different things, and that she has become more woke.
What is Harper Steele's perspective on the relationship between wokeness and comedy?
Harper acknowledges the challenges of navigating wokeness and humor, and she wonders if sometimes being woke can take away the joy of play for comedians. She believes that there is a need to find a balance between calling out harmful content and allowing comedians to explore subjects with a sense of play.