Are You A Charlotte? - Stanford's got a boyfriend! with Sean Palmer... (S5 E6 "Critical Condition")

Episode Date: August 31, 2026

Stanford Blatch found love with Marcus and actor Sean Palmer portrayed him perfectly.  Sean talks about chatting and dancing with Baryshnikov…casual!Plus, Sean reveals a storyline that was cut from the Sex and the City movie that frankly has us shook to our core.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Pro Society is a weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for anyone who thinks pride and prejudice and love island to serve the same level of discourse. Each week, we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and pop culture with your favorite writers, book talk creators, and plenty of overthought opinions. Yeah, I'm obsessed. So I'm says. Listen to Pro Society on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I survived nine months in captivity, and I've spent my life exploring how other people survive what should have destroyed them.

I'm Elizabeth Smart, and these are the Survivor Files. Every week, I'm with survivors who live through the unthinkable, abducted, stalked, controlled, and nearly silenced. These are stories about what it takes to make it out alive. Listen to the Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Hayes Davenport. And Sean Clements. We host the podcast, Hollywood Handbook. Each week, we talk to someone in show business and try to help them with their careers and see what they have to offer us.

Everyone has a good time, and no one gets mad at their publicists for letting them do our show. We've had a lot of great guests like Sarah Sherman, Adam Scott, Danny McBride, Ben Stillard, and a lot of other big shots that wouldn't be where they are without us. Listen to Hollywood Handbook on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle.

I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinero and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first. I'm on a mission to reclaim the word. Solita, trading the pity for possibility. Listen to Solita on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, I'm Kristen Davis, and I want to know, are you a Charlotte? Hi, everybody. Welcome back to Are You a Charlotte? Today, a super special guest is zooming in from Ireland. It is Sean Palmer, who played Marcus, who was Stanford's boyfriend. He is

so amazing and has so many great memories and insights. And he and I are going to rewatch Critical Condition, which is episode 506 aired August 25th, 2002. And hi, hi, Sean. You look exactly the same. How is it possible? You do. I don't. I don't. We both have glasses though. I love it. I love it so much. Wait, this is London. You're in London now? No, I'm in Dublin. What are you doing in Dublin? So my husband got a job here about eight years ago. And we both had been sort of, he's from London, well, from Scotland, but from London. And I'd been traveling back and forth between New York and London. And so we both moved upstate New York for a little while.

Nice. And he got this job offer and we like, shall we? Should we? Amazing. We did. And we really liked it here. It moved like right before COVID. And it was just like a, it was such a graceful place to do that. Oh, nice.

Do you know what I mean? Because obviously there was so much stuff going on all over the world. So it was really, I was like, wow, this place is different in that way. And it was obviously a big adjustment from New York and London, but it's me in the best way. It's been really, really good. And are you teaching meditation? Yeah. Amazing.

Wow. How did that start? Well, I started meditating in like, I think seven or eight years ago. And I went to London to see a friend who was like the lead, like, the lead. designer for like Anya Heinrich, the bad brand. Sure. I own many of those. Yeah, so they got into like the fashion show scene and his work schedule was crazy. And he was like going off to cry in the bathroom like all the time because the pressure

was getting so much. He loved the job, obviously, but he was like so stressed out. And I didn't see him for a while. And then I went back and saw him. It was a complete 180. I was like, who is this person? And he's like in a great space. He's really like stable. And he's said that he'd learned meditation. So I went straight out and took his advice and learned. Wow. It's been a game changer for me. That's wonderful. What style? What type? It's Vedic meditation. So if you do bring it up, it's just, it's, it's like TM, but we can't say it's TM for the sake because it's all the people that sort of broke away from TM and there was a lawsuit and all that kind of stuff. So it's TM. Essentially, it's mantra-based meditation.

You know, 20 minutes, twice a day, that whole thing. I've done it. I've heard about it. Yeah, there you go. definitely done it. I've definitely done it. Those are things I miss. And one day I would love to recommit, you know, to those types of practices, because I do think they're really powerful and interesting. I think like you're a mother. So motherhood is also very, it's a practice like a DERGA practice. You know, if you have to destroy yesterday and come straight into today with the full gusto. So true. It's so true. And it takes a lot of work. The practices are, they have a real life application. That's a good point. Yeah. Other rituals that happen in real life. It's so true. It's so true. And also they would be helpful.

with those other rituals. Do you know what I'm saying? Oh yeah, for sure. I'm not saying don't do it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, when the kids go back to school, I'm at the end of the summer, my kids are not in school yet,

everyone else's are, and I'm just like counting the days. Okay, mostly, I have so many things to ask you about. So, so many, because in my mind, we're getting to the part of the show where I don't have really, I have bits and pieces of memories, but like it got all kind of overwhelming

at a certain point, which is right around the part where you come, which is season five. So please, take me back and tell me your experience. How did you come to be on our show? Well, I came to be on the show strangely because one of Michael's best friends was my next door neighbor. And she's been on the show. Who? Her name is Nancy Shane. She was in, and just like that as two different characters. One was a funeral director. Yes. Oh my gosh. That's crazy.

So in 1993, I moved to a building in which she lived on the sixth floor and I lived on the third floor. And I kept moving up floors until I was literally like right across the hall from her. And there was basically, we lived for years like we had no front door. And so Nancy would always let me be her plus one to go to your premieres. Amazing. So we kind of knew you in that way. Yeah. So I was around the whole thing, whatever. And I would go to like Michael's Christmas parties and like, you know, stuff like that in the village. It was Elizabeth Street, I think. Yeah, yeah. So yeah. So I would go, I would go to those. And I got familiar with everybody. And the way I got on the show, I am. am told this came to me through Michael and others is that one year I was at his Christmas party

and I was a very shy person like even though I'd done Broadway and dancing and stuff if it was not in the script I didn't I didn't want to do it so real life was very stressful oh so I was at Michael's party and of course it's famous people at the time it's like you know it's like Sandra Bernhard and like all the all the people right I just named two lesbians but it was it's not That's cool. And so I'm at the party apparently and I was talking to one person and then like all of a sudden it was just like a flock of men around me. And Michael just thought I was the strangest person because I didn't really come up with anything like prescient to say so much. And so he was like, how are you like getting all these people around you and whatever?

And it was just a very strange thing. And he said, and I just thought that was so funny you would say this awkward thing and they'd all laugh. And, you know, so he sort of brought me on to come and say one strange. line in a scene like that, you know, the very first scene I was in where I'm like, it's not very modern or something. Yes, about Carrie's dress for the, yes, that was excellent. Yes, go ahead. So it's sort of that, you know, the vibe was like this person who's, you know, maybe on

the spectrum. I love it. And comes on and says something strange. But anyway, that's how I got associated with that. And when you came, did you know that you would be Stanford's boyfriend? Uh, so I think I sort of remember Michael trying to get me to come in and audition. for, I think there was a burka bag one and like there was maybe a shop keeps, like there kept being opportunities and then he was like, yeah, it's not right. And then he said, I'm going to

write something specifically for you. So he wrote Marcus based on me. Wow. And which was very flattering because he was like, Adon is sort of like a nod to Adonis. And, you know, I was like, they must think of cute. You were way, I mean, you still are, but I mean, very cute. Very cute. You know, it was a huge compliment. But I did have to go in. in an audition to play this. No way. I had to go in an audition to get to see if I was funny enough to play the character that I inspired. Oh my good Lord. Was it scary? That that that oh my gosh, it was terrifying. You know, and also as you said, you sort of indicated that like at that point it was such a big thing. There was so much momentum behind the show at the time. You guys were so famous.

It was everywhere. You were in every magazine or everyone wanted to look like you or every, you know, and I can't imagine what it was like to be like in that situation. So to go into it, all of a sudden, And I felt like, well, you'll remember this. Like the Brady Bunch was such a big thing. And then like all of a sudden you're in the Brady Bunch and they're talking to you. And I was like, you know, now I'm in the big show and they're, they're expecting me to respond to them. And that first day of like being on set with just, it was Sarah, Kim and Willie and myself in a very small set. The fitting room.

The fitting room. The fitting room. And they had already blocked out everything. And I never been on television before. So I was like, I don't know what happens. And I didn't know the words to listen for, like, you know, obviously cut and things like that. Right. Right.

Right. And you're walking over the dolly thing and like, you know. Oh my gosh. It was crazy. Wow. And also, I don't know if you remember this, but season five was the season that got broken. Yes. The pregnancy.

So the pregnancy. How about Willie? Did you know Willie before? Had you met Willie at Michael's? No. And this is another great story, which is that Willie came. you were the first person I met because your costume fitting was either next after mine or just before mine. Right. So you were the very first person I met. And then Willie came in or stayed especially because he almost was like, I got a prop.

Sure. I got a story. And so he stayed and he like wanted to talk to Pat about what costumes I was going to wear and how they would match with the like the Botang. Oh, how cute. He like he was there. I mean, I'll probably cry, but like he was so supportive and so. so kind and it was a big deal, you know, for me to get on the show, like the Broadway dancer and all that kind of stuff. Yeah. And he just was very kind in terms of me saying that, like, I didn't know anything. Willie gave me that little bit of extra help. I'm so glad. Of course he did. And then, of course, the first, you know, the scene that we have to do is like the very first thing is the blow job. Oh my gosh. And so like, I'm like, they're like, do you want to cushion for your knees? And I was like, oh my God, what's a girl like me doing in a place like this? I work all this

time to get an acting job and like, no, I'm just, like, bobbing my head. Oh my gosh. So embarrassing. So embarrassing. I mean, that was the hard part of the show, too. And it's funny because people always just, I don't know, they think that it's not weird or whatever. And I always think it is weird. You know what I mean? It's weird. Like, it's weird to simulate sex. Yeah, I didn't know really very well at all. And like, they were like, oh, no, will, you have to get your underwear out and like, so I'm sitting there with his crotch in my face, you know, and like, and they kept being like, Sean, can you bob your head more? But they were trying to say it in a way that was like, didn't offend me at all.

Polite. Right, right, right. And, you know, you're there with all these, like, grips and, like, so many, like, tough, straight guys. And I'm, like, just sitting there, like, I was just, like, oh, no, I was just, oh, no. Oh, no. It's so embarrassing and funny. We really had to, like, bring all of them, collect myself for that. Totally, totally.

So previous to this, you had been, like, primarily theater, Broadway, dancing, tell me. All Broadway. So my first, my first Broadway show was a nightmare, but it was called Dream. and it was a Johnny Mercer review of five decades of music. And I had been a swing in the show. So I covered, I think, six men in the show. Wow.

And it was an all singing, all dance show that Wayne Salento had directed. And he was the choreographer of Wicked. So if you remember the choreography from Wicked and how complicated it was, this was like 10 times that. Oh, my God. And so that was my very first show. Wow. And it was a nightmare because the show was doing so poorly that we had to get paid from the box office.

or else our checks wouldn't go through. Oh, Lord. People don't think that kind of stuff happens up probably. Never. Never. Wow. So that was my first show. And then my second show was Fosse.

Whoa. Which obviously went on to be a big thing and won the Tony Award and stuff. And I was a swing in that show. And then I went on and did Saturday Night Fever where I was one of the friends. And then I took over the lead in that show. Oh, my God. And then I took some time off. And that's after that, that's when Sex and the City happened.

Amazing. And when we get you to dance in the show, was that weird for you or fun for you? It was, do you know what's crazy? It's like, so I was in Chicago the movie doing that number. Did Michael know that? No. Wow.

Like of all the things, you know? Wow. And Mary Testa, obviously, who's in that, it's like a big, huge Broadway star. Like, it's like you wouldn't know just watching that little scene. But like Mary's like the queen of Broadway. Right, right. And so it was a big deal. That was a big deal.

Because I'm like, in a way, like I should have been the extra in that scene but I was like, you know, the focus of what was happening on stage. And yet I'm next to Mary Testa and I was like, this is so weird. It was amazing. And people say such mean things about, you know, like the commentary. But it was also, I was like, why didn't we change the dialogue to suit what was happening? Because you guys were amazing, don't you mean? Well, it was, I mean, he said it was, you know, supposed to be kind of tragic a little bit.

Right. That was a choreography credit on my part. I did the choreography. Wow. The guy next to me is a guy. I called Rhett, who I had done literally during September 11th, I was working on a thing called The Baby and Johnny Project, which was actually dirty dancing, which came to be the Broadway show. Got it.

And West End show. So we were doing a workshop of it. And that's right when September 11th happened. But when I went to like, Michael was like, do you know someone that you'd like to do this with? And I was like, oh, call my friend Rhett because it'll be a gas to do that with him. So all of that stuff is like so it's such a formative time in my life. I can only imagine. Well, for you, it was as well.

I mean, it's just like it's such a big period of time and so much happened and so much happened to us. Like that was a really special time to be on the show because I think that's when like it turned the character of New York City into the portraiture. Like, you know, that little, the very sweet beginning of the season with the sailors. And then we were all trying to still adjust to what had happened. Yeah. And the show had to sort of catch up with reality a little bit in a way. Definitely, definitely. We couldn't totally ignore it.

but we also couldn't talk about it because it was so awful. Right. So it was a strange time, but I really felt very happy because I thought Michael did magic with what he had. Do you know what I mean? Yes, I do. I do. I wouldn't think that that show would have the kind of robustness to be able to handle that, but it really worked well for those two seasons, I thought, anyway. Behind every night spent making the kids' lunches, there's a lot of suspense.

Will they finally eat the veggies? Will the pastos survive the first buy? Will the lunchbox come home empty, half full, or come home at all? And will you finish episode 8 before you're done slicing the cucumbers? Get Bell Pure Fiber Internet with Craved Netflix and Disney Plus from $94 a month. Price guaranteed for two years on internet with a two-year term and auto pay credit. Visit bell.com for details and to check availability. Bell, connection is everything.

Hey, this is Hayes-Davimport. And Sean Clements. We host the podcast Hollywood Handbook on the Big Money Players Network. Our show is extremely accessible to first-time listeners. Each week, we talk to someone in show business, aka The Biz, and try to help them with their careers and see what they have to offer us. Everyone has a good time, and no one gets mad at their publicists for letting them do our show. We've had a lot of great guests like Sarah Sherman, not that great.

Actually, can you help me shape this? How about we flip it on his head, right? How about we flip this script? What is the surprise woman? who actually you think is the straight man is actually the one who's acting weird. Adam Scott, this entire time you've been expecting Adam Sandler to come to visit the show. I would never expect, I would never set expectations for something like that to happen. If the universe allows for something like that to happen, I'm open to it.

I'm always going to accept. You know, Danny McBride, fine. Yeah, it's all this fragile masculinity exuding. I could smell it walking down the hallway, to be honest with you. I was like, I was like, is that weed? Nope, it's fragile masculinity. Ben Stiller, no. Because a lot of times, out of context, people don't get it,

or even know what a circle is. You know what I mean? They're like, oh, what's a state. Everyone's so dumb except for you. And fake. Right, fake and also not interested or just like, oh, I've got my life, I don't care about your life. care about your life. And a lot of other big shots that wouldn't be where they are without us.

Oh, and by the way, Will Ferrell told us personally he loves the show and he wants to be a guest on every episode, but he's just so busy. Listen to Hollywood Handbook on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinheiro. and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first. I'm on a mission to reclaim the word solita, trading the pity for possibility.

Every time I tried to be alone, I kept meeting people and they were like, you smiled at us. Not a lot of people smile around here. It's when you're alone that you're most receptive to the world as it is and not the lies you're sold about it. It can be a time where you push your limits, change your mind, or wake up to a new version of yourself. So whether you're a solo travel veteran or you're too nervous to book your first trip, I hope you listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Munga Shat Together, and I'm back with a new season of the podcast, Skyline Drive. This time I'm diving into a rabbit hole of peptides, organoids, blood boys, blue zones, and brain replacement to try to understand what this longevity obsession is all about. and what it really means to live forever, for all of us.

I learned about some rad science. I can make a brain for you, and then we can test what draw is the best for your brain, as opposed to his brain. Here are some hard truths. I would expect Indians to age faster, but I did not expect it to be almost a four-to-five-year acceleration. And get myself into a world of trouble.

I'd say probably start bone smashing. That doesn't work. Make it look more defined. They say it works. I don't know. Listen to Skyline Drive, How to Live Forever on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

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See you between the pages. The thing about Michael is that, you know, he came from regular kind of, you know, sitcom world, Murphy Brown. So like very elevated sitcom, but still sitcom world. But he had this ability to take our show and make it so much, like broader in what it could handle, as you're saying. Like, it didn't have to stay surfacy. And HBO just allowed us to do that, which was so...

I mean, that was kind of a miracle. Right? Absolutely. Like, we were in the right place at the right time. And because it was so important to have a kind of idea that New York was continuing and that we were fine, it was, it took on greater importance it felt like to be soldiering on. But I think then also because Sarah got pregnant, which,

also felt very important in our lives, right? She really wanted to get pregnant, and it had been something that Cynthia and Sarah had been discussing for quite some time. And I believe in this episode, Cynthia's also pregnant, though I need to check with her, because it's so confusing because she's already had Brady on the show, right? And she's supposed to be nursing,

but it's confusing because I'm pretty sure, but I don't think people knew that at the time, but whatever. I think what happened, and I was not thinking this way myself in life, like, I think we were all just, like, doing our best to keep all the balls in the air. You know what I mean? Like it was so intense.

But for them, what I think happened, not unlike COVID. Like, I don't know if you have friends who had like COVID babies. Like people had COVID babies, you know, because like we were cooped up. But also I think it was, it felt, you know, life threatening in a way. You know, it was, I guess. It felt existential, certainly. Yes. Yes.

Absolutely existential. Yes. And I feel like because 9-11 was, was that way as well very much. If you were in Manhattan, I think both Cynthia and Sarah were like, what are we waiting for? Like, yes, we're on this huge. huge hit show. But at the same time, you know, we need to have babies. We want to have babies.

Like this is, we can't have our whole lives be about the show, right? And Cynthia already had a baby. But then she had another and Sarah had her first, which was amazing. But then we had to take the break, which was so hard. But also, this is what's important in life, you know? Like, you can't not live your life. It's a very hard thing that women go through, you know, trying to juggle it, you know? Well, I think that, yeah, no, I absolutely agree with that.

I mean, obviously, I didn't quit the business, but I certainly wandered away. Yeah. But I've seen so many talented women, like, have to suffer through that and, like, deal with the, how do I move to the expansion that I want? But then also have to think about the sidelong thing of, like, how long will that last? And, you know, like, I got to grab all the apples while I can kind of thing. Absolutely. It's impossible. I do feel it's a little bit, like, obviously the show has tried to change that for women.

first of all in dialogue. So these women kind of talking the way that maybe only gay men talked then. And then the show going on and showing these women in a more mature phase of life, I think, you know, same thing for queer people. Like it was the first, I was so honored to be on the show, even though the blowdrop. I was so honored to be on the show and not be the butt of a joke and to be the punchline as a queer person because that's obviously what ended up happening through all of, you know, history of television.

Yeah. They were always like, oh, don't be like this guy. or this one's a mess or a fool or a, he always says the silly unimportant things. And it was just kind of nice that they were honoring. And also it was like, you know, Michael had found love as well. So I think he was in an optimist face.

Definitely. He wanted that to show. And I was like, oh, I'm so glad that he's written that for these characters, particularly because all of the women were still like, oh, we've got to find somebody, you know.

Definitely. It was so nice for Stanford to find such a catch. It was amazing. And then what I love in this episode, which I like a lot of, of season five, I'm like, whoa, what is happening? Like, I don't remember the storylines at all. I remember filming, right?

I remember things behind the scenes, but I don't remember the storylines. And so to see this entire episode, this one that we were going to talk about, critical condition, it's called Carrie's a mess. It's so interesting. And when I had, I had some of our writers on who aren't credited here, but they talked about how they had really in the writer's room been focusing on, well, we need to have Carrie be single for a while. and really try to deal with herself,

which is harder than it seems. It's quite the struggle and super fascinating. And I love because Stanford has been so much her sidekick in a different way than we are the whole time, right? And also, like, struggling in kind of the adorable way that Willie did, like, where he would, you know, self-deprecating jokes in the beginning, but also, like, you really were on his side, you know, so much, right? Like, he's kind of like the unsung hero in so many ways.

So it was so amazing to have you just show up like and be like his. You're like a you're like a trophy boyfriend, but also you're sweet. You don't know what I'm saying? Like you have the sweet. And also you're honest. Like the fact that you're just like, oh yeah, it's not very modern. You're just like, oh, God, he's cute and sweet, but also honest. Like it's so fascinating.

And that's also the, I think the joy of Michael's writing is he can do so much like so quickly. Yeah, but he did it so little. I mean, really like he, I remember him saying, me because I remember being like, oh, I'm on the show, but I just say one thing, you know, like, and he said to me, it's harder to do what you're doing and stand in a scene and not have anything to say. Oh, listen. In one scene, like, I had to laugh at Willie's joke that he makes at that wedding dance. And like, Michael was like, brilliant. That was it. He's like, that's really hard. It's really hard. It's so true. I felt this. But I did really learn those, that, that,

that it is hard to stand in a scene and be present when it's not about you and you're like, the camera's in there. Yes. You know, it was tough, but I was like, okay, I can do this. I got it. Now, when? So you come on and do they say to you like, oh, you're going to stay, your Willie's boyfriend, your Stanford's boyfriend?

Like, how did they communicate to you? It was told to me that I would be in two episodes. Okay. And then it turned into like multiple seasons. And it just kept, like it just kept giving. I don't know. It was like Christmas. Oh, that's so nice.

Still another present. And were you, was it scheduling difficulties? Were you also doing plays? So, like, was there difficulty? No, I think it all worked out really well. I mean, the thing is, is like, as an actor, like, I always did really big things that ended up in lots of, you know, publications and stuff. It looked like I was busy all the time.

I was sitting around a lot. That's perfect. That's beautiful. I love it. I love it. I took advantage of all the nap time I had and stuff and obviously auditions, but I hate auditions. So do I. Yeah, they're awful.

Awful. But I didn't have anything to worry about. And then like I think right after Sex and the City, I got a Paula Vogel play that Mark, uh, Mark Broca directed down at the Vineyard Theater. Oh. And Cynthia came and saw it. Amazing. So it was like that kind of stuff.

And then I did like something in, uh, in the Hamptons and Sarah and Michael came to see that. So, you know, it just, it just ended up that there was like a gap in my, in what was perfect. Perfect. It worked out perfectly. Which was great because I could just sort of like go into the TV fantasy, you know. Love it. And what, one thing that I think.

someone brought up the episode where you first came on, you know, I have Instagram for the podcast and people ask questions. They were like, what happens with the relationship? Like, did we ever explain what happens? Like, or you guys just... This is another story. Okay. So I was supposed to be in the film. The film, the film was supposed to start with Willys and my wedding. Oh, no. You're supposed to think it was big and Sarah. And then, and at that point, I was, was in London. I was doing an opera at like the, I don't know, somewhere, I don't know, but I was doing like a big thing in London. And I got a call. I think it was Melfie. And he was like, look, we got a call from the studio and they don't want, and this is going to be the name of my biography. They don't want

tertiary characters. Oh. Ouch. And I was like, oh. So I think in the film, there's like, I'm on the guest list. I'm on Carrie's guest list. It shows in the scene. Apparently, I've heard this. I haven't seen it myself. So it never got really resolved, but there's lore. Wow. Okay, let's just slow down for a second. So we're talking about the first film. Yeah. And you and Stanford are supposed to be getting married and it's like a fake out. You're going and you're yeah, it's a big fake out. Okay. Like, oh, they're finally getting married. And it's actually Stanford and Marcus. Oh my God. Yeah. So of course that was disappointing that that didn't happen. But, uh, Heartbreaking. I'm so sorry. Why did those new lion executives say that? Darn it.

But I have to say, you know, like it seems very obvious to me that Stanford would have ended up with Antony. You think so? Because I thought you made more sense. I'm going to be in so much trouble for assignment. I watched all the episodes. Yeah. I started with the one you asked me to. I watched all the episodes. Yeah. And I watched their back and forth. And I just thought as an audience member, I was like, they're going to end up together. Wow. That was my feeling. And that's after having watched it. And Ben, the boy. Wow, wow, wow, that's really interesting. I mean, maybe I'll feel that way too, but like for me, I remember when we did the second movie and we did their wedding, which really, I think, was like Michael needed to get some wedding yawes out because it was like so over the top. We filmed that wedding for so unbelievably long.

We got in so much trouble. Liza Minnelli was there. There were swans, you know, it was like, we couldn't drag Michael out. How many times do you get to say that in your life? I know, totally. Liza Minnelli and swans. I know. You never get to.

But the reason I remember this was wanted is because everyone was afraid they were going to, like, hurt people. Because they had to just swim like that little, like, you know, lazy river that they made for them inside the soundstage. It was so crazy. That thing. Like, how did they let us do any of this? How? But we over did ourselves. And they tried to cut time off the end of our shoot.

And Michael Patrick was like, you can't cut time. These scenes are important. And they said, no one will notice. These were the New Line executives, right? Not the HBO executives. And they said to Michael Patrick King. no one will notice. Oh, that was not a pretty conversation.

We all could hear the conversation. That's how loud it was. He had to say, like, our fans notice everything, which 30 years later, I think we can be pretty sure of at this point. Oh, yeah. Yes. But I do, it's interesting to me because when I think of Anthony and Stanford, I feel like it's a little hard to be objective, of course,

because Willie is so different from Stanford, right? And Mario is kind of different from Anthony, but not as different as Willie is from Stanford. But Stanford's so sweet. Like there's such a sweetness about him, which is what's so wonderful about your character. Like the sweetness, you're like, oh, look, he got a sweet guy.

This is so perfect. He doesn't have to, like, be tougher or whatever, like put on a tough facade. Whereas with Anthony, there is, like, that repartee that's kind of like edgy and whatever, which is more like Willie was. in life, right? Like, really, like, acerbic and, you know, witty, but, like, cutting wit, you know, like he would, like, get to the root of whatever. He was very sharp and very funny. Right.

Like, I mean, his friends were like all the comedians. And, like, so obviously he was like, you know, he just like, absolutely. So fast. So fast and like, do, do, you know. One time I was on a plane, I was going to this benefit in Vegas with one of my friends for Ben Affleck's Congo, he has a whole charity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. So they say, oh, you're going to fly on like the MGM plane or some plane like from Vegas. I don't know, some private plane. So I get on the plane. There's Willie, because Willie is a very good gambler.

Yeah. Which makes perfect sense, right? Yeah, yeah. And so Willie and I, I was like, oh, my God. So we had the crazy weekend. We stayed in like these huge suites with pool tables and whatnot. And then I think Willie won, but he didn't win the whole thing. And this other guy won this, like, huge.

stack of money and then we were flying back and we we took really silly pictures of him like like licking the money like he's so funny i mean obviously talk about him as though he's here and of course we wish that he was yeah it's hard it's really heartbreaking it's hard it's so hard yeah so hard um okay so the fans want to know what happens so we can't really tell them other than that it's new lines executives fault yeah i mean that's the the real story was just the tertiary character thing which you know, is going to stay with me until the day I die. It's a great story. It's like a knife. It's a knife to the heart, though.

It's a knife to the heart because it would have been so, so sweet to see you guys getting married. I have a question for you, though, because this might apply to you, which is that when the show was actually airing, people kept saying to me and getting messages to me saying, he would never end up with someone like you. And the truth in real life was that I was dating a bald Jewish guy. And like you sort of, I wondered if you've had the same sort of questions from people because it's a bit of a similar situation. Yeah. I mean, I think at first, I was the brown-eyed one. Totally, totally.

I think at first when, because obviously it had Kyle, you know, who looks like us, we could all play siblings somewhere. And, you know, I think, but also I feel like because the Trey relationship with Charlotte was so kind of torturous for so long, I think the fans were like, Like, oh, God, yeah, she's got to get out of that. Relief. You don't know what I mean? Yeah. I think there was some relief. And I just, because Evan comes in these episodes that you also show up in, and he is such a breath of fresh air. You know, it's like quite powerful.

I had forgotten. It's really interesting. Like, he really came in so strong and present, you know, because he also doesn't have a lot to do in the beginning. Kind of, you know, similar to you. Like, and it is really hard. I felt this way the first season. Like Charlotte took some time.

for them to kind of figure out what they wanted me to do, and it took some time for Michael to figure out what he wanted me to do. And I'd have to be in those scenes. You're like super present. You have to be extra present when you don't have lines, you know? And it is hard. And I think it's hard partly because you have no idea, like it's all in the editor's hand, you know?

Like you could be a big part of the scene or a really small part of the scene depending on how they want to cut it together. Yeah. It's wacky. I'm just finding that being so weird because you have an idea of what's happening in the scene as you're doing it. And then I would watch it and be like, oh, the balance of that is completely different than I would have thought it was going to be. And I remember finding that quite a charming thing because it's like you can only know when you're the person inside the TV set that that's actually what's happening. And it's so different to the page that how it ends up in real life.

I remember really loving that. It's true. I had no idea that was going to happen. And reactions of things where I was like, I'm not going to be in that part of that scene. And then all of a sudden, like, a reaction that I did or something was like a big part of what happened. Definitely. Definitely. And I think for me, I always felt like that was really affirming, right?

Because you, sometimes when you think you're not a big part of the scene, you're like really free. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, because the camera's not like in your face or whatever. And then you're like, oh, that is good when I'm relaxed. I should be, I should work towards that, right? Behind every night spent making the kids lunches, there's a lot of suspense. Will they finally eat the veggies?

Will the pesto survive the first bite? Will the lunchbox come home empty, half full, or come home at all? And will you finish episode 8 before you're done slicing the cucumbers? Get Bell Pure Fiber Internet with Craved Netflix and Disney Plus from $94 a month. Price guaranteed for two years on internet with a two-year term and auto pay credit. Visit bell.com for details and to check availability. Bell, Connection is everything. Hey, this is Hayes-Davimport.

And Sean Clements. We host the podcast Hollywood Handbook on the Big Money Players Network. Our show is extremely accessible to first-time listeners. Each week, we talk to someone in show business, aka the biz, and try to help them with their careers and see what they have to offer us. Everyone has a good time, and no one gets mad at their publicists for letting them do our show. We've had a lot of great guests like Sarah Sherman, not that great.

Actually, can you help me shape this? How about we flip it on his head, right? How about we flip this script? What is the surprise woman? who actually you think is the straight man is actually the one who's acting weird. Adam Scott, this entire time

you've been expecting Adam Sandler to come to visit the show. I would never expect, I would never set expectations for something like that to happen. If the universe allows for something like that to happen, I'm open to it. I'm always going to accept. You know, Danny McBride, fine.

Yeah. It's all this fragile masculinity exuding. I could smell it walking down the hallway, to be honest with you. I was like, is that weed? Nope, it's fragile masculinity. Ben Stiller, no. Because a lot of times, out of context, people don't get it or even know what a circle is. You know what I mean?

They're like, oh, what's a state. Everyone's so dumb. And fake. Right, fake and also not interested. Or just like, oh, I've got my life. I don't care about your life. and a lot of other big shots that wouldn't be where they are without us. Oh, and by the way, Will Ferrell told us personally he loves the show and he wants to be a guest on every episode,

but he's just so busy. Listen to Hollywood Handbook on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinero, and I travel by. myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first. I'm on a mission to reclaim the word solita, trading the pity for possibility.

Every time I tried to be alone, I kept meeting people and they were like, you smiled at us, not a lot of people smile around here. It's when you're alone that you're most receptive to the world as it is and not the lies you're sold about it. It can be a time where you push your limits, change your mind, or wake up to a new version of yourself. So whether you're a solo travel veteran or you're too nervous to book your first trip, I hope you listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Mangashitigula and I'm back with a new season of the podcast Skyline Drive. This time I'm diving into a rabbit hole of peptides, organoids, blood boys, blue zones and

brain replacement to try to understand what this longevity obsession is all about. And what it means to live forever, for all of us. I learned about some rad science. I can make a brain for you, and then we can test what draw is the best for your brain, as opposed to his brain. Here are some hard truths. I would expect Indians to age faster,

but I did not expect it to be almost a four to five-year acceleration. And get myself into a world of trouble. I'd say probably start bone smashing. That doesn't work. To make it look more defined. They say it works. I don't know. Listen to Skyline Drive,

How to Live Forever on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If your bookshelf and your for-you page are equally important to your personality, welcome home. This is Prose Society. The weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for thought daughters, pop culture obsessives, and anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island, to deserve the same level of discourse. I'm Eli Rallo, and every week we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and the conversations everyone can't stop having.

I'm going to have to look up this story. I'm obsessed. From bestselling authors and your favorite book talk creators to the latest pop culture moments, nothing is off the table. It's like if you can hide some real messages inside compelling characters, then that is a Trojan horse. Whether you're looking for literary deep dives, smart pop culture, conversations or a community of readers who love to think a little too much, you're in the right place.

Listen to pro society on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See you between the pages. Also, I want to say here that we had two amazing editors, Wendy Stanzler and Michael Barronbaum. Michael ended up doing the movies, I believe, and just like that, like we love him. And Wendy was amazing. So part of the success and joy when we watch it, we talk about the writing, is also the editing, you know, because it can make or break, especially in comedy. Editing and comedy are like, you know, the editors have to be, like, have that great sense of humor in the comic because they know when to make the strike happen.

Absolutely. And I think they obviously were terrific at it because I watched it. I remember being like, I don't remember the show being as funny as it is now. It's like extremely funny. But I had this theory that like, I think Charlotte is like. the um you're like the person that they can do penance to you know you have this face that is like even when charlotte's distressed we know she's going to be okay because even her face can't look upset for too long you know it's like we're not convinced that charlotte's going to be upset for too long

because her face won't even make the face of being upset too long it's just like there's such a beauty about it you're so sweet i do think that's editing though i think it's just it's how it comes across and then you end up being like this person that they all sort of like am i still good enough to get your love and you're like yeah it's fine and it's very sweet because the three girls are sort of gathering around the light of charlotte you know what i mean that's so sweet i don't know if that's true but that's adorable i'm gonna i'm gonna i'm gonna i'm gonna take that and keep it in my heart that you said that is so so sweet um i love that i don't know if any of that is true but i love it very much um i i do feel i do feel when i watch back

First of all, it is funnier than I remember, right? And weird moments are funny. You know, like little. It's a weird show. Yeah. It's really all over the place. And we were so kind of bold. You know what I mean?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We didn't fit in, like, into a, you know, that was the joy of HBO. They just let us be however we were going to be. You didn't have to be like a sitcom or a, you know, whatever. But I also feel sometimes with my face and my being, you know, I'm like, wow, what am I doing there? Like it's super interesting. But I just remember trying to, you know, like please Michael, you know, like we all loved Michael so much and we wanted to please Michael.

And I felt like Michael kind of, you know, shaped me and brought me along so much, right? Because they didn't know who Charlotte was. And, you know, he did. He's come on the podcast many times and he will come back. But, you know, he talks about like, oh, and then suddenly I realized, oh, yes, we can do that, you know. And because he included us so much in the process. It was just a like one in a million type, you know, experience. You know what I'm saying?

It was really, I loved being on set with you guys when I'd get to see those conversations happen particularly between the director, but when it was Michael, that there was such a, like, a deep conversation about what's happened. Like Sarah would be like, no, I made that face then, and I don't want to do that again. And, you know, all the discussions were so well thought out. And it was clear that it was like. your involvement is absolutely critical to this. So wonderful.

Do you remember there was one scene? I think it was us. It may have been the book launch party. Yes. But like Michael came over and like would say a line into your ear and like be like say it and the other actors wouldn't know it. Like that was so lively and energating. And you're just like, thank you for making this whole experience like, you know, theatrical in a way for me. Definitely.

It's just bubbling with life. And I really appreciate. his way of doing that and getting to watch you guys do your work. Do you remember the really, really long dinner party with Petrovsky? Of course, because like, do you know it's my dream in the world to meet Verishnikov? Like, come on. Totally. Totally. What would it like for you? Whenever the camera stopped, like, I would go sit next to him and he actually wanted to talk to me because I'd done Fosse and all this kind of stuff. We were like talking about like he was telling me about how, you know, he was at a certain age.

He should have been able to just, like, leap to the bathroom. But he was like, I was in so much pain at a very young age that I would have to crawl every morning to the bathroom. And it wasn't until I did my warm up that I could, like, get up and actually appear as Perishnikov because my body was in such pain. Wow. And I was like, of course. Like, that's why I didn't, you know, keep dancing after 27.

Like, I was like, what's the salary like? But, you know, I, it's not enough. It wasn't something that I was, I wasn't running to do. dance anymore and that's why but he was it was just like what a dream that is you know it was a big deal to like call my mom and tell her that i was on sex in the city or that i got a star like a starting like lead in a broadway show but to tell her that i met berishnikov was like she was you know over the moon about that do you remember him playing the piano no i am trying to remember piano being in there, but it was like, oh, no, I do.

He did, right? You mean between takes. Yeah, I think he did. I think, I was trying to remember when it was, but like he has such the melancholy brooding element that just cannot leave, at least from what I observed or whatever. And so sometimes we were just like, please, please, yes, play the piano. You know what I mean? Like, find an outlet, you know, it was like being in another world.

Yeah, he's really intense. Really intense. But that was the nice thing about talking to him about dance because he lit up a little bit. And like that head, the heaviness went away. I'm not saying I helped Beresnikov on set, but I did. No, you did. You totally did because all of us were like, what do we talk to him about? Oh, my God.

What are we? Can someone think of something to talk to him? You know what I mean? Because, I mean, Sarah and he already were, you know, they were already synced in with each other. But the rest of us didn't, we didn't know what to do. Like it was panicking, you know, it's like the white nights and like the Muppachio or like he's been. All of it. It's like, legendary to me.

I mean, so legendary to all of us. And it's so incredible that we got him on the show. Wow. I know. I know. I think Sarah just begged him. Did that really happen? I know.

That's how I feel too. And now that we're almost to the part of watching, I'm just like, what? Like, and also I feel like I was so overwhelmed at the time that I don't even know. I don't even know. Also, like, when you have someone that legendary, it's so awkward to know, are you supposed to talk to them about all the things that means so much to you? Are you not supposed to post? Like it's so weird, you know? Well, I felt that way with all of you guys.

That's the thing. No, I genuinely did. Like, I was like, you know, you're like, you're coming on the show in such a late stage and there's so much momentum behind it. And I know that you guys have been doing this and seeing guest stars come on and leave and totally forgotten them. And I was like, how present do I, you know, how present do I need to be here? Like, do I want to like try and have like substantial conversations? But it turned out that like there was enough. in the scenes and like I got to have like a full experience anyway because obviously there's like

waiting and all that kind of stuff. Yes. They're really beautiful moments like listening to Francis Sternhagen. I was in a dressing room right behind her. And so I would listen to her practice her lines over and over and over and over. Wow. And I was like, again, what's a girl like me doing in a place like this? I just like couldn't believe that I'm seeing like it's so legendary.

Those kind of little moments. Absolutely. Like I've got a career just like I taught Gwen Verdon how to use a cell phone like. amongst all the things is like Francis Sternhagen sitting with Berznikov, like all these little things that nobody saw, they were very proud. Well, they saw me sit next to Prishnikov, but, you know, they're little private things that are like, these are like, like, Angela Lansberry gave me like a drink that she wasn't going to, like, you know,

big to me a big deal, you know, like you're like, this is crazy. She called me starshine. Oh. So sweet. And it's the thing. You take it. It's like your mantra. So you're proud of it.

Definitely. This is my thing. I love it. They are magical moments. get to be around people that, A, we have seen and admired, but also just like pranee, just a genius actress, like just genius. And the fact that we could incorporate them into the show and yourself, like people from Broadway. Like, what a fascinating mix it was, you know? Another friend of mine on the show is Lynn Cohn. Oh, Lynn. I know I met the part where she's,

like, really present. And I mean, just amazing. Isn't it? She was in, when I was telling you about the baby and Johnny, I'd worked with her in that. She was so like the grandparent in that. Oh my gosh. And I can tell you a story about Lynn Cohn reminded me so much of my high school girlfriend. When she was bored backstage, she would just get into stuff. And she like found some makeup in an old handbag that was a prop and started putting it on her face. Oh my God. So much trouble. And I used to get on the bus. She really was. Yeah. I used to get on the bus on 9th and 10th Avenue like to go somewhere and Lynn would be on the bus. We'd like just chat the whole way down. She was a stitch. She really was. She really was. She was.

She was perfect. She was so different from her character. Oh, so different. Yeah, because her character, like, at the part, the episode that we're in, she just glares at Cynthia, like, judging her, which, I mean, Miranda, sorry. But, you know, and that was what we needed, right? And, like, do you remember when she put the Mary Magdalene or whatever? Like, the Jesus, what a trip and a half.

But, like, she was so not that way, you know, and so a perfect, perfect match for Cynthia, like to be, you know, with Cynthia. and in Cynthia's Miranda's world, you know, of course, everyone's bled together in my mind now. But, like, just magical that we had her as well. Like, like the same level of the franniness. You know what I'm saying? And franny also completely opposite from bunny.

Like, not a bunny bone in her body. But when I watched the scene where she's so mean to me, you know, oh, it hurts. It hurts. She was so good at it, you know? Yeah, I just watched the yesterday. I think it was the one where she comes into the apartment after you think it's yours and mortifying this is chanelle i know mortifying when i watch myself with

her i think i'm i what i see acting wise is that i'm just a bit starstruck do you know what i mean like i'm not um like what like for instance i'm mad when she comes in but i feel like i should have been madder charlotte should have been madder but it's franny and i love her so much you know what i'm saying like i looked forward to any franny day she'd come in with her burkenstock you don't I mean. She'd come in. She'd be gardening in the morning and come in. Like, she was just a, just a joy. And I can somewhat see that in my face. I mean, obviously I'm nitpicking, but like, I should have been probably madder in her. But I think also Charlotte is like intimidated and still wants her love, kind of. That's what I, that's what I see. I mean, as a, yeah, when you

watch it, that's what I see that Charlotte has just got this indomitable cheer. She's like, I am cheerful. That's what I do. and so I can get through this. And so sometimes you'll kind of stumble off. It's like falling off of one high heel, but you're like get back up again. Totally true. Never totally tumbling over.

That's true. It's just something indomitable. That's why I think that the other girls are sort of like, if you can love us, then the rest of the world can love us too. It's got that. You have that balancing nature. That's nice. I think it's really lovely.

That's so nice. I did this movie one time after Sex and City. and I had this wonderful director. He was Irish. He was great. And he said to me, it was a movie about mental health issues. And like my sister had schizophrenia. And so it was about like families trying to take care of mental health things in a way that is pretty much impossible.

And he said to me, I don't want you to smile. And I was like, what? How is that possible? So he told me, I don't want you to smile because I think he felt like I smiled too much. like in general. So, and my character was not happy, right? She was very unhappy. So at one point, my kids in the movie had been away from me and that they come back. And of course I smiled and he was like, no, you smile. And I'm like, come on. I got to smile for the kids. I'll never forget it. So I was like, oh, what? What? Don't, don't smile. Oh, Lord. But it was a good note. You know

what I'm saying? It is a good note. But it can also turn into an existential crisis. Let's be honest. It really was. Like one of those things that's like going to just haunt you. It did. Is it all right? Yes. Totally. but I mean this is why we act, right? Do different things. You guys, this is so much fun that we are going to have to have a part two. So join us later in the week on RU.S. Charlotte. Hey, this is Hayes-Davenport.

And Sean Clements. We host the podcast, Hollywood Handbook. Each week, we talk to someone in show business and try to help them with their careers and see what they have to offer us. Everyone has a good time and no one gets mad at their publicists for letting them do our show. We've had a lot of great guests like Sarah Sherman,

Adam Scott, Danny McBride, Ben Stiller, and a lot of other big shots that wouldn't be where they are without us. Listen to Hollywood Handbook on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast, Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus

or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinero, and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first. I'm on a mission to reclaim the word Solita, trading the pity for possibility. Listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If your bookshelf and your for-you page are equally important to your personality, welcome home.

Pro Society is a weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island to serve the same level of discourse. Each week, we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and pop culture. with your favorite writers, book talk creators, and plenty of overthought opinions. Yeah, I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed. Listen to Pro Society on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I survived nine months in captivity, and I've spent my life exploring how other people survive what should have destroyed them. I'm Elizabeth Smart, and these are the Survivor Files. Every week, I'm with survivors who live through the unthinkable, abducted, stalked,

controlled and nearly silenced. These are stories about what it takes to make it out alive. Listen to the Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Our hometown is not a test tube. 90 miles northeast of Nashville, a battle for the future of America plays out in one small town. Developers with right-wing ties have purchased hundreds of acres of land. We need cities on a shining hill. This is Our Town, a podcast about what happens when a small town becomes the site of a social experiment and fights back.

Guess you didn't move in on a bunch of dumb hillbillies now, did you? Listen to Our Town on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.