Podcasts Comedy Classic Conversations Tearing it up with Lenny Ripps

Tearing it up with Lenny Ripps

Published: Aug. 28, 2023, 4 a.m.

Get an inside look into Lenny Ripps' life and career. Discover how his childhood humor transformed into a profession. Hear about his work with comedy legends like Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield, his experiences on sitcom sets, and his influence on international comedy adaptations. A genuine peek into the world of humor and entertainment.

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Recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

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My guest, Lenny Ripps, and I discuss:

  • Using humor as a defense mechanism as a child to shield himself from bullies
  • Transition from social work to comedy writing
  • Life-altering encounter with Joan Rivers
  • Comedy writing for icons: Rivers, Dangerfield, Steinberg
  • High-stakes humor: Gambling with Rodney Dangerfield
  • Writing on the Mac Davis Show and fine-tuning a sketch with guidance from George Burns\xa0\xa0
  • Working Dick VanDyke's show: VanDyke and Company
  • Collaborative comedy with Bob Einstein
  • Working with Redd Foxx on Redd Foxx's Variety Hour and The Royal Family - Lenny shares some Redd Foxx stories
  • Bosum Buddies anecdotes and unrealized revival
  • Joining The Royal Family (created by Eddie Murphy) two weeks before Redd Foxx passed and taking the lead on the show with new lead Jack\xe9e Harry
  • Working on the sitcom Angie with Donna Pescow and Robert Hays. Working with Danny DeVito who acted in one of Lenny's first scripts he wrote for TV
  • Lenny's pivotal part in The Star Wars Holiday Special
  • Working with Tim Burton and the creative clashes and triumphs with Disney's Frankenweenie
  • Hollywood rewrites: Flintstones, Casper, and more
  • Working on the set of Full House. Lenny shares an amazing story about John Stamos.\xa0
  • Lenny's work rewriting American sitcoms for other countries such as The Golden Girls in Greece.
  • and much more from Lenny Ripps!

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You're going to love my conversation with Lenny Ripps

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