Good Hang with Amy Poehler - Da'Vine Joy Randolph

Episode Date: May 12, 2026

Da'Vine Joy Randolph has some copper cookware she wants to recommend. Amy hangs with the Oscar-winning actress and talks about what kitchenware is currently on her wish list, how Miss Piggy shaped her, and being up on a ladder with Al Pacino. Host: Amy Poehler Guests: David Freyne and Da'Vine Joy Randolph Executive producers: Bill Simmons, Amy Poehler, and Jenna Weiss-Berman For Paper Kite Productions: Executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman, coordinator Sam Green, and supervising producer Joel Lovell For The Ringer: Supervising producers Juliet Litman, Sean Fennessey, and Mallory Rubin; video producers Jack Wilson and Aleya Zenieris; audio producer Kaya McMullen; social producer Bridget Geerlings; video editor Drew van Steenbergen; and booker Kat Spillane Original music: Amy Miles Hilton. For the Stay. https://www.hilton.com/ This episode is brought to you by Subaru. Love goes the extra mile in a long-range Subaru Hybrid…with up to 597 miles per tank in the Crosstrek Hybrid and up to 581 in the Forester Hybrid. Visit subaru.com/hybrid to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Everyone, welcome to another episode of Good Hang. We are going to talk today to Daveyne, Joy Randolph, and I am really, really excited. I'm such a fan of her work, and we are going to get into it today. We're going to talk about opera. We're going to talk about musical theater. We're going to talk about how to do a good Boston accent, and we're going to hear how Al Pacino made her cry in a good way. So it's a great convo, and I can't wait to get started.

But before we do, we always talk to somebody who knows our guest and has, a question to ask our guests. And joining me today is the director of the film Eternity, a film that Dave Mine is in. And I believe he is calling from another country. He's zooming from another country, another time zone. So let's see, it's David Frane joining us. David, can you hear us? This episode is presented by Hilton. Guys, you know what vacation perfectionism is? It's the pressure to get your family's summer vacation booked and make it perfect and memorable. Stressful, right? Don't worry, because the team at Hilton takes care of what matters so you can exhale and disconnect. They've got over 9,000 hotels around the world, including amazing resorts

and all-inclusive options. So you'll definitely find this day that you're looking for. When you want your summer vacation to feel like a vacation, it matters where you stay. Book now at Hilton.com. Hilton for this day. Hello? Hi, how are you? Hi, so nice to meet you. So good to meet you. We're talking to Devine today.

And, you know, it's fun because Davey and I have to say is one of, I really don't know very much about her. We've never met. And we have friends in common and people in common, but I've only kind of watched her as a fan and watched her stuff. So I'm interested to get to know her today and to talk about her today. But before we do that,

I just wanted to say, congratulations on your film. And it's, you know, I'm always looking for comedy in theaters and in film. It's been, to be very honest, like not always the easiest genre of the last decade

to get good things out in the world. And comedy is like music. It's so subjective. It's people have big, strong opinions about it. Where did you, where were your comedic, influences. Like when you started writing and directing, who were you looking to at the time? I grew up loving like Billy Wilder was my idol, so in. And then like, I mean, 30 Rock and Parks and Rec and those

just great iconic kind of TV comedies were where you get such a high joke rate per minute, which I think we don't get very often. So I always looked at that. I think with eternity, we wanted to make sure it was like laid down with jokes, just like jokes. after joke after joke because I kind of I miss really hard comedy and I think that like segueing to Devine and my incredible cast

that just goes that you can write as good a script as you want but that's the delivery that's the actors and and you know some of the best dramatic actors in the world cannot land a joke and I think that holy grail

well they better not I mean God is fair you can't do it all before we get to Dave I have one last question and I feel we can always if it's too personal of course we can lose it But you shared a really personal and intense story about your health journey after writing this film that feels like it is completely attached to and tied to the bigger idea that you're writing about.

Yeah. So in the summer, like a bit six months ago, I had really bad headaches, which I had during the production as well. Like I would work really hard and then collapse on the weekends. But I got, they found an apple-sized tumor in my head that had kind of. kind of broken through my brain and surrounded my optic nerves and crotted arteries. And like it was it was a really surreal, devastating thing to go through. And at the start, they didn't know if it was going to be kind of operable or or malignant. And my immediate thought were like, I'm not going to get to see eternity released, which is such a vague thing to say. But, you know, after so many years.

but, you know, I had incredible care and doctors and incredible family and my partner, and it's, you know, slowly it's gotten better and I've had a great, great outcome from a surgery. And I will say having gone through that in the last few months after making a film set in the afterlife, I felt quite contented. Like I felt I was looking at debt with a lot more curiosity than, fear, I think had, you know, I think I would have been much more afraid had it happened before the film. And I think just the experience of making the film was so fun and joyous. And I think the

the things we spoke about with, with Devine and the cast and my passion just, like, as well, like, even just not just the work you want to do, but the people you want to spend your time with and the people you want to work with. And working with good people, kind people, people that share your kind of passions, I think that that becomes much more important because you don't really have time for our souls. No, I also don't have time for assholes either. Yeah, yeah, assholes are our souls. They're the worst. So, tell me about working with Daveyme. How does she like to work? Because we're talking to her today and she's quite studied. I mean, she has done a ton of, she's like a student in voice and acting. She really knows her stuff. Yeah, she's, she's, she's, she's, she's, she's, she's,

extraordinary. I think what really strikes, like me, firstly I was, we were desperate to work with her and I really wanted her for the role. And then she won her Oscar and I was really bummed because I thought now I won't get to work with her. But thankfully, she still wanted to do the film.

But yeah, she's had the most incredibly varied career, from opera to theatre to then finding acting. And it does feel like she can do anything. I mean, I I knew, even though the holdover is such a dramatic role, we knew she'd be really funny,

but like she might be the most naturally gifted comedian I've ever worked with. She's extraordinary, and it does feel effortless to her. Like, it doesn't feel like she has, like, annoyingly she seems to not have any of the anguish and anxiety that most comedians I know have. Like, she just is brilliant,

and I think she maybe can't kind of slightly know she's brilliant. Yes. Yeah, she's, she's extraordinary. And she has, she comes to set and comes to everything with such a weird level of calm. She's completely unflappable, which I, like, she could come, like, the set could be on fire. And she'll just be like, okay, hey Dave, what's going on? Are we going to evacuate or are we going to shoot? Like, she's just extraordinary.

Oh, I want to talk to her about that. That's really interesting. Like nothing seems to either, either she hides it very well or nothing. or, which I find fascinating because I'm phased by most things. Yeah, she's, she is like she can kind of, she's one of those people that I would put no limits on. I think she can do, I think she can do anything as a performer, as an actor, as a comedian. Yeah, it's kind of almost infuriating how good she is.

To be that good of an actor and to also be funny is, it's not nice. It's not nice for the rest of everybody, you know? It's not fair. So I would love to ask you, as I have Devine here today, is there a question you think I should ask her, big or small, specific or, you know, existential, something that a story that you think she might want to tell or something that you have yet to know about her that you'd like to have answered? I mean, I really want to know two things. is one is where did the calm she has come from?

Because it's so it's so admirable to me. And I don't think you can be born with that. It's something else. And the other thing is, because she's had such a varied career, is when did she know how funny she was? Like, when did she discover she was a comedian? Because it's not like she didn't do sketch comedy, really, or stand-up. Like, when did she know she had that gift?

Was that later in life that she was like, oh I'm really funny maybe I'll try that so they're the two things I'd love to know because I haven't got that out of her great questions both I love to ask this to people when I'm on Zoom with them and they have books behind them will you just randomly pick one book out from behind you and tell us what the title is yeah oh I'm going to pick this one because my uh my sister-in-law wrote it the boldness of betty oh the boldness of betty oh the boldness of betty oh the boldness of the boldness of Is this a Betty? It's an amazing series of kind of YAA books. They're beautiful. Always looking for a new book. Thank you for that wreck. Yeah. Yeah. And also I just got to check to make sure those

books are real. No, I actually can't read. Yeah. It's just the covers. It's just the covers. There's VHS's inside. Yeah. Yeah. Perfect. Thank you so much, David. Such a pleasure talking to you. Thanks for your time. Thank you so much. Have a lovely day. Bye. You too. Bye-bye.

This episode is brought to you by Subaru. For me, going the extra mile means taking the long way home. If you're going to grab snacks and the 10-minute trip turns into a two-hour journey, suddenly you're on a new street, then your ice cream is melted in the back and, you know, we've solved the meaning of life. But luckily, in my Subaru hybrid, that's right. I have one and I love it. That extra mile is built right in.

with longer range and better fuel efficiency than ever before. The Subaru Forrester Hybrid and the Subaru Cross Trek Hybrid. Great cards. I have them both. Love goes the extra mile. Visit Subaru.com slash hybrid to learn more. Devine, we're talking about sparkling water. We're talking about water and you love sparkling water. I love sparkling water.

Me too. And why can't we drink it anymore? You said we can't drink it anymore. My doctor said I'm on the verge of having a hernia. Because of so much of the like bubbles and the alkaline, it's salt and stuff in it. But you said something that you said, that's my coffee. That is my coffee in the morning. That's my cocktail. That's my cocktail.

Like a, when you open up the bottle and it's like, pz. I know. Yeah. It does something to me. And you know it's fascinating how in Europe they have percentages. a fist? Don't even give me started. Also, how do you feel about your sparkling water?

Because I get the big bottles, but then I only drink like half of it, and then it's done. It's dead. A dead sparkling water is my... So what I do is I pour it in a fancy, like, wine glass. So that's funny that you say cocktails. I immediately twist it up.

Yeah, really tight. Cover it up. Broat. Like, I was about to cut my fingers. Super tight. Put that bad boy back in the fridge. I put my seltzer waters in a wine cooler chest. I have a wine cooler chest.

This is how much I revere. Me too. I completely, completely, to me, in the same way, one would be like, oh, no, I got to make sure that there's wine in my fridge. I panic if there's not a sparkling water situation in my fridge. I know. And some brands are hard to get the boxes of. Right.

I have fought many clerks in Bristol, arms because they're like, no, no, ma'am, you can't take that whole box. And I'm like, then you shouldn't have had it out here? Also, have you ever been real boozy and ordered it from, oh, I don't know, like a delivery service? And then all of a sudden you get the heaviest box that you got to carry in your house and it's filled with sparkling water. That's success. Is if you're on postmates and you tell them to get the water for you and you want the 33.5 fluid ounces and they'll show up with a 22 or a 16. And I'm like, you should have called me.

Yeah. Because then I would have said, don't get them. Or how many of the 33 did you have for? Okay, just get those. And then go to the next Bristol Farms and get the other ones. I found out recently, you can't get light bulbs delivered anymore. Why?

They won't take the risk. Of what? They're like, it's going to show. They're like, it's going to break. And it's like, what? What do you mean? People are getting soft down here. I don't like that.

Light bulbs. It's not even on. I mean, I have to say, I do love ordering things and then, like, putting it out of my mind. And then when a package comes, I'm like, what is this? And I think I'm like, what is it? What is it? What could it be? I know.

And it's like the best Christmas ever because it's the best. It's the spatula that I wanted. Yes, exactly. Two days ago. Yeah. And it shows up and you're like, oh my gosh. I was literally in Costco yesterday. and I was going past the mixers.

Oh, yeah. Right? Like the mixers. What is that? Like tableware? I don't know what it's called. I love kitchenware, tableware. I love that.

So I went past and I was like, gosh, it's on sale. I want one. And I literally remembered because life is lifeing. No, no, no, babes. You ordered one for Black Friday already. And I literally almost cried with excitement. I couldn't believe it. I was like, I have one already.

It was crazy. That's how weird life is right now. I love kitchen gear so much. So much. It's like a treat. Sometimes I'll go past the wall of gadgets. I'm like, okay, I have a garlic press. I have a wood mallet.

Okay, I have a zester. And I'm like, what do I need for my collection? And then I'm big on aesthetics. So the mixer I got, have you seen it? It's like the limited collection from William and Sonoma. Not a sponsor. Okay. talk me through this, what you got?

Hunter Green. With a dark mahogany wood mixing bowl. Holy shit. A wooden, oh, wow. So we're talking KitchenAid. Yeah. Oh, wow. Yeah.

And I forgot. And I was going to just a stainless steel one or like the red one in Costco. Oh, wow. Oh, geez, I wish I had one. Oh, this is very, I'm very good looking. And then I remember that I have that bad boy on this way. I can't believe you forgot that you ordered this. Do you see why I almost cried in Costco?

Because I was like, you're going to get better than that. You're winning? Before we get into, we haven't started yet. But before I also, so then I'm about to really knock your socks off. I've been wanting these pots and pans. Stand by. For generations. And this is about to be.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. William and Sonoma. Now, they're crushing it at William and Sonoma. Just put in Heritage Copper. Oh, you got me right there. Pans, I don't know. You got me right there. It's this Italian company.

I think it's with an R. Copper cookware. Fuck, I love cookware. I could talk about cookware all day long. Let's see, what do we got here? Rufoni. Yes, baby. Okay, for those who don't know,

we're looking at a copper pan with a silver stainless steel inside. Yep. Historical, hammered copper, 11-piece set. Guess what? Originally $2,000. Babes, I got it. Our price, 1549.

Why would you not buy that? And the price is in red, so I got to get it. I have to get it because it's supposed to be sold out and no more. Trust and believe I got that 11 piece. Absolutely. I'm going to get it. I'm going to pass that down to my children. Like, it's so beautiful.

It's made in Italy. Like, what? Anything that's Italian, forget. If someone's like, this is an Italian knife, it's like, I got to get it. Okay. No problem. Dave, I enjoy Randolph is here. Oh, my God.

We just got right into it. We already have all our cookware for, I'm getting every. Please do. And I trust your taste. Please do. Text it to me. And I want to see like your first meal. I want to see your first meal made.

And I'm literally tearing up. Do you love to cook? I love to cook. And I talked about this on the podcast a little bit. I came late to cooking. I did not grow up cooking. And my mom always is like, I cooked. But my mom was a working mom who, are your parents' teachers?

Yeah. So are mine. Yeah, so like she cooked. But yeah, but it was like, yeah, she didn't cook. Like holidays maybe, then she showed out. Yeah, and she was busy working. But so I didn't really know how to cook. And I thought in my 40s I was like, I was not going to be able to cook.

Yeah. And I learned. And now I love it. Well, actually, this is going to dovetail into the theme that I wanted to talk to you about today. Because I'm really impressed. I think you're so talented. Thank you. And so naturally talented and so such a good actress and so funny.

Thank you. And and such a good singer. Like, you do so many things so well. Thanks. And your career is a lot of, like, I'm going to try that. A lot of, like, maybe I should try that. No, hold on what's over here. Maybe I should try that.

Still. Still. Still. Still. Cooking. Yeah. Why not? Right.

Yeah. So a lot of people know you as an actress, but I don't think as many people know that you first kind of entered the world of arts as a singer. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And that was where, that was kind of like the door you walked through. Sure, yep. I like to ask this to people who have beautiful voices.

When did you, when did you know you had a good voice? When did you hear it for the first time where someone say, you have a good voice? When was the first time I heard it? I didn't know. I thought that's what people sounded like. Right. And it wasn't until like I started getting training that I was like, oh, hell. There's people out here who can't sing.

When you say started getting trained, what does that mean? Taking voice lessons. Yeah, taking voice lessons. And so when I was younger, it was like, right, like family and friends. And I thought they're just being nice or whatever because I'm a Gemini. Like I'm a tourist Gemini. So like I'm a very focused Gemini that wants all the options. So like even as a kid, it wasn't like, and you are a singer.

Like I was the poster child for after school programs. I did it all. Yeah. And I like, I so appreciate that that my parents instilled that and was never. like stage parents are like, they were like, whatever you want, lock in, have fun. But even now, I think that's why acting is fun to me of like trying on these different people. Yeah. And not staying with one for too, too long.

But that's also my life. It's people telling me like, no, no, for real, though, you really could. Like, I thought, I've always thought like, I'm decent. And it's taken people who I've really admired to be like, no. there's something there and keep going or keep pushing in that direction. I hear what you mean. Like it takes sometimes like a mentor or someone to say you, what you have isn't the same as what everyone else has.

Keep working on it. Keep doing it. Like that encouragement can really. Like can I ask you a question? To me, when I watch you work, to me it seems as if there is a natural ease in what you do. Would you say that that's true? Thank you for saying.

saying that. I think, I would hope that it feels some version of like, that I'm not trying or striving too hard. But it did take definitely like directors and teachers and stuff to be like, no, you're funny. Keep going. Like just the keep going part. The keep going part. Yeah. And as you know, too, a lot of it is like, we know, I know people way funnier than me. I know people way better actor than me. You know, better singers. But half of the battle is just not giving up. Yep. And being ready when it presents itself.

Not getting a regular job. Not having health insurance. Not like just for a long time being like, I'm just going to try to make it. It's not easy. No, no, no, no, no. It's not easy at all. So you start, you're in Philly?

Mm-hmm. Where are you from? I'm from Boston. I felt the northeast 100%. Okay. And I got to talk to you about your Boston accent. Okay, we'll get that. there. It was so good. Oh, that means so much. Thank you.

It's a hard one. And we're tough. So is Philly. And that was what was hard for me. I know because they're touching too close. But Philly has that like, um, they, like the O's are real. Yeah, Miles Teller does that. He has a Philly accent. Yeah, hoagy. And I'm like, what? Hogi. Yeah. And you, and you, and you guys and I can't even do it. Yeah. So Philly, you go to, you start studying music. Your parents are teachers. And, and you decide to go to school for opera. So I'm very competitive. So are you?

I love competitive people. Man, we are literally the same. Women. Yeah, respect all the way. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So my dad was like, it's interesting. I always think of this, and this is so random. My parents did not, for both of their children, want to know the gender in advance.

Cool. I feel like that was so cutting edge. Yeah. And my dad really was manifesting and wishing for the first one to be a boy. So it didn't happen. But he had a heavy hand in like sports and competitive and like not backing down. And so literally I was just a competitive. And so there was this girl and like a new girl at my high school that was like,

I went to this performing art school called Interlocking. And my brain went do do do do do. And I went home that day. I will go there. I will dominate it interlocking. I will win it. I will win it. That's literally what I said to my mom. She was like, okay.

I had no idea what this thing was. And I applied. Explain what it was like that camp. Oh my God. Interlocking is one of the most magical places. I'm not even kidding. I would recommend any parent who has a child that has remote interest in any form of the arts. They do theater, music.

They have a writing department. It is just like a safe haven for young grade school artists. like budding, it taught me to respect and revere. You know what I mean? Like, in everyday life, it's not, I don't know, maybe now of these generations, it's cool to be an artist. But like me growing up, it was kind of like,

oh yeah, you do that other stuff too. Do you know what I mean? It was kind of like, have fun and then find your real job. Yes. And so that was a place that I think is so integral for high school age kids, particularly. I mean, you can literally go at four years old. but for high school kids to go to to like really start to dip their toe into finding themselves as an artist.

And it's just so such a beautiful place in my life. And so that was a moment, a very strong moment because it was classical. And I was like, oh no, where's the army? That's for me. And so it was all classical. Whoa. So you were singing classical. And can you, can you read music?

Now I can. at the time, I just had like a really good ear. You're a classically trained opera singer. And it was because of that. That's what started it. And it was teachers being like, no, you actually have a natural gift. Keep going. Had you seen any opera before that?

No. I know. I feel like opera is this thing that you only see like what as like a, it just. Like a field trip. It's a field trip. It's so funny. I love how we, when we grew up like, well, you're younger than me. but when I was growing up,

like the genres kind of crossed at times and it's where you learned about people. And I remember, I was thinking when I was doing, preparing for today, I was like, when did I first know about opera? And I think it was from the Muppets

because Beverly Sills, who was a very famous opera singer was sang opera on the Muppets. And, um, I'm also obsessed with the Muppets. So that's why my whole face just dropped when you said that. You love the Muppets.

Babes, I wanted to be on that show so bad. And they were like, we're not doing it. humans this year? I said, No humans. What are you mean?

They're like, three humans, but it's really them. I was upset. I tried. Who's your favorite Muppet? Piggy, are you kidding? Famous Piggy.

Yeah, I know. She's the rest. That lady literally, that lady. That lady owes me a lot of money. I am who I am today because of her. Oh, yes. As a child, to imagine,

as a young age, that being, like, instilled in you, like, you don't take shit from men. Yeah. You do your thing. be fabulous, you don't change who you. I was like, yep, yeah, yeah, yeah. I literally made my parents buy me a tricycle.

So you know she has that skit where she's like with the motorcycle pack? And she's like, get around and I used to do it all the time. And I just made my mom give me a leather jack. Girl, it was a thing. That's my girl. When I told my thing that was coming back, I decided, please. And I said, mm-mm. The other place that I saw opera was Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Sure. Like I was like, oh, it's like, oh, it's like, oh. I actually think that's a bridge, like a gateway for a lot of people. Yeah, I think a lot of people were like, what is he singing? How is he singing that way? I was like, oh, no, that's what opera sounds like. So when did you see your first opera? Like, once I went to the performing art school, it was like, they completely like slapped me with the culture.

And I was like, whoa. And what was your first feeling about it? Like, what did you like about it having, like, what made you want to keep pursuing it? The power in my voice that I was like, oh, there. And also, I'm going to be really honest. They really sold me on the idea that it was a really good life. Like, you're going to live in Europe, and men are going to drool over you. And you get to wear beautiful gowns.

Throw roses at your feet. And eat pasta all day. And you work hard, but not that hard. Like, because opera singers, they don't, how many, like, even if you're the top of your game, yeah, if you have concerts, but they don't, like, we can do 17 million shows in a year. they may do like two, three opera. So I was like, this is a nice lifestyle. It is not a Broadway schedule.

No, ma'am. Are you, does opera is, do you have to kind of like pick like an athlete? Do you have to pick your role like a... The voice part kind of dictates it. So what is your voice? What are you? So I'm considered a baby dramatic soprano. What?

What? I mean like, I don't know. That's what they said. A baby dramatic? And I'm always like, well, I always have the baby part even as I get older. I don't know, maybe. But it's like, basically it's like, so Lantine Price, I don't think they would consider her a baby. But dramatic soprano basically means you have the low notes, but you can also get up to the high notes.

But instead of like traditionally a soprano, the high notes are very like soft and airy. Like, more like Ariana Grande, like really breathy and soft and just like heavenly. And like a dramatic soprano is like you can get up there, but like with some heft. Baby dramatic soprano. And did you ever do an opera on stage? I went to Temple University for the teacher. Quinta went there. We were there at the same time, Quinta Bronson.

Did you guys, were you friends? Did you know each other then? We were in passing because she was like so theater and I was still music. And they were still felt separate. Yeah. At that time, now it's like a conservatory and there's a musical theater department. And so anyways, I went to Temple and we were doing Aida. Wow.

And, you know, my middle class, parents, teachers, like, they're not dumb, but it's like if you were to watch Shakespeare for the first time, like, they all know what's going on. And so I remember my brain was just like, I want to be able, it wasn't even acted. I want to be able to portray this character and know this character very well so that it can translate for like my family and friends that come see this. I remember that very clearly. I don't even know where that came from. Yeah. And so I remember you to go across the street to the theater department, what was like communications to copy sheet music.

And I literally was copying sheet music. And it sounded like people were dying in the room next door. And it was a theater class. And so I went up to this teacher afterwards. And I was like, hey, I'm working on an opera across the street. Like, could you help me? I want to like bring this to life and it be good. Wow, wow.

Very long story short, the music department got altropist. And they were like, no, no, you can't do that. You can't cross over there. And I was like, I don't want to cross over. I don't want to be an actor. But I guess because it had happened so many times, they were very, like, territorial over it. And they flunked me out.

Exquise me? Yep. And it was my mom that I'm, like, bawling on the phone. This is, like, my junior spring. I'm out of here. I'm not to go be in Italy, like, living my best life. And my mom was like, go across the street. I'll never because she talked so.

You know how moms are when their child is, like, devastated. Yeah. And she was like, step one, go across the street, go speak to the administration. You're going to apply to the theater program because most of your credits can transfer. And I actually think you might be good at it. That's literally how she said. It was like, but she knew I needed logic first. Yeah.

Because I kept thinking, oh, my God, like, I'm about to graduate. I have it now completely find a new. Right. Your pot committed to this thing. And then. And I was like, Okay. I remember they tell me this to this day that I went to the administration office and I was like,

I have to be an actor. And they were like, what? And I was like, no. They're all crying. And they're like, you are, you are. Exactly. Real talk. You live for reality TV.

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Hulu gets real. Stream now with Hulu on Disney Plus in Canada. Terms apply. And then you got really into Shakespeare, right? You did a lot of Shakespeare? Later, yeah, later. So when I got into Yale, I faked it. I did Shakespeare, but I think I did, like, to Tanya

when she sees bottom and she's, like, in love. Son Hint the Rulah, like, you know? I don't. I have to really, meaning like... Is that more comedic? Is it more comedic? That's really interesting. What you're saying is like there's like, there's Shakespeare and then...

Yeah, like, it wasn't me reciting like Hamlet where it was like, okay, you're just standing there and delivering this speech. It was like this strong... Titania is like kind of like a Michelle Obama, like a tough girl that's like got it all together who now you see gets to be like, she's drunk the Kool-Aid and you. she's like whimsically like this ingenue in love and just being silly and in love of this like, you know, having like a kind of like teenage middle school moment of like, oh my God, this guy is so cute. Yes.

So it was that. But like I'm saying in the sense of like I wasn't doing Hamlet. Do you want to do more Shakespeare? So I went to after my first year, I was like, I don't know this because I was doing another classical art. I don't know this one. And so I went to the British Academy of Dramatic Arts at Oxford, which I thought. couldn't believe it. We literally ate lunch where Harry Potter ate lunch. Like, I remember walking in there being like, oh my God, I made it. Yeah. And so I was, it was just so cool because I learned

Shakespeare like, wow. Wow. But I love that sense of command that they have over language. I love how much you have trained. Thank you. Like you are, you really know your stuff. Thank you. I really appreciate that. It's fun. I bet. And it gives, to, to, to, your point, like, it's supposed to be a journey, like, fun. And when you get to try and fail over and over again, and then you get stronger and better, it's the best feeling. To me, it's kind of like freedom within form. Like, as long as I know the guardrails are up, I'm going to bang up against those guardrails. But, like, in order for me to really be loose and give all of myself, even with comedy, like, I just need to know the parameters. Yeah. And then I'm just going to go off.

and it allows me to, so I guess in a way the training is like the guardrails. Then when I work, I'm like, whatever. Like, have you ever watch something back of your, I don't like to? I don't love to. Don't like. ADR is one of the most traumatic.

Oh, yeah. I hate it. Also, ADR is, for people don't know. It's like the moment in the film when you have to kind of go back sometimes and re-record stuff. Which for me is my first time of seeing it ever. Yes, it's often your first time seeing it

and it hasn't been like color correct or anything. And so you're just like, I'm orange. Why do I look like that? I guess I'm 100 years old. It's just, it's seeing your face for the first time in a thing that isn't finished. Yeah. And you have to record new stuff and it's brutal. It's brutal.

I always, I used to call my mom crying after it. Mama looks ugly. She was like, go across the street. Yep. Take a breath. You are okay. You are not the character. You serve the character.

Your mom is really good and calming. Yeah. She's the one. When you were at Yale, was there anyone else? anyone else there that we would know at the time. But who else was there? When I was there, when I was a second year, Lupita was a first year.

Then after Lupita was Winston Duke. Then after that was, I could be mixing this up because I was now gone, but was then, yeah, yeah. Then after that was Mama Duke. Like, it just was do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do. Wow. Yeah. Wow.

That's intense. And then you go and you, and you go from that to talk about training being put to the test. You have to open Ghost in the West End with about a week of rehearsal. Yeah, which made no sense. So I was, when I graduated, I got an agent and like, you know, I got to have a survival job. Yeah. So I applied everywhere in New York City.

And that little Yale degree, even though it's in theater, people were like, you're overqualified. No. And I was like, but it was theater. You know more than the director and that upsets him. Yeah. And so I couldn't get any job. And so I was like, okay, I'm going to nanny. So I nannied for this amazing family and it was amazing because I worked the system because I was broke.

And I said, listen, as a curator of arts, your children need to go to five-star hotels and experience what that is like. And I need to go with them. And I need to go with them. nice places and we need to teach them how to eat at a five, literally, and they were like, okay, and literally, can you imagine two little white

boys and me like at a table and they're like, Mr. five, hey. Just in case their friends are here watching, I've got to make this look credible. That's so smart. Oh, it was so much fun. So smart. And then you go, how do you get the job? So they were like, oh, this is an audition

for the like, understudy, understudy, it's swing. And so they were like, if you get this, you'll rarely go on. No big deal. I go in there because I'm young and I had never auditioned for anything before. Those people told me, so you're going to do the entire thing? They made me audition for 75% of that musical in the room. Like I had my sides and then they were like, here's more.

Cold read. Wow. 75% of the musical. And you nailed it. It was just a. Drillin. Yes. But one thing that was a blessing and the curse, I was on a high.

Like my body was just, I said, speaking of belting high, baby, I belted high that day. Uh-oh. And then they wrote it because there was an original musical. So they were like, oh, she wants to belt an athlete. Never be good at something you don't want to do. Pace yourself. Because eight shows a night and they were basically up there.

I was like, no, we're going to have to bring it down. So I did that audition in like August. I didn't hear anything for two days. I'm not thinking about it. It's the understudies, understudy, understudy. My team then hits me up and is like, you booked. And I'm like, oh, okay, cool. And I was bummed because I was like, I got to tell these kids.

I got to leave them. Yeah. And my team was like, are you, Chris? It was the lifestyle. I was saying goodbye to the lifestyle. So they literally, like days later, they're like, why are you not more excited? My team?

And I was like, because you. It's just whatever. Like, if everyone gets sick, then maybe I'll go on. They were like, yeah, we lied. You are playing Whoopi Goldberg's part. And I was like, come on. What? Why would you do this?

So then I'm terrified. And it was literally the, like, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. And so I had never done a job of that magnitude, but I had never done a, like, seasonal job. Yeah. And I really loved the holidays. Yeah. So I started crying and I was like, But do I get to spend this game with my parents?

And you know, ages. Are you done? You made it. You're going to Westin. You've worked with so many great people. Yeah. And you talk about them a lot. And you talk about Robin Williams.

And I... I can't believe that was my first movie. That's amazing. I cannot believe that, sadly, that was my first movie and that was his last movie. I cannot believe it. What was it like to be with him? But I'm so grateful. There's something that I notice in...

legendary comedians specifically. Robin had it. Eddie had that experience. It's different, but they have a similar trait. Eddie, it shows up in. Steve Martin for sure, Martin Short.

And there's this thing when we talk about when people tap me on my shoulder and be like, hey, and I never would think it would be those people. In my mind growing up, I thought, you know,

like they either really stay to themselves or they're distant or like their egos won't ever give you the satisfaction. And Robin was the complete opposite. And he actually talked to me more than anybody else. We just talked for we. I literally just sat there and listened to everything that that man said to me. And I will, in the moment, while he was talking to me, I was like,

this is crazy. No one's going to believe you. So don't even tell anyone. Like maybe later. You can share a great anecdote, but it was unbelievable, and he just poured into me. And it would just be like in between the takes. He was just like blah, la, la, la, la. And then, you know, immediately just going to this thing.

But yeah, if I would say career-wise, he was the first person that was like, you've got. What an an anointing from someone like that. And then you worked with Eddie, a dolomite. And same thing. Eddie really took you under his wing. He really did. He really did. And something that was interesting.

So, like, differences, Robin was so explosive. It felt like when people asked, the only thing I can think of is, like, you know how in Penn Station, the ticker thing? Yeah. It's like, his thoughts are so loud when he's not talking that even when you stand next to him, it's like, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da. And I'm just like, I feel like almost like having coffee. Like you just feel this buzz being next to him and it just was like, and with Eddie, something that I learned,

and it was interesting to work with him at that stage of his life and that point of his career, there is a stillness and a quietness when he's not working or in between scenes. And then there's the action and this whole thing comes to life. Yeah. And it was something that in the first,

again, supporting actor being like, oh, okay. this is your rhythm and this is how you work that I then like adjusted and then I was like okay so I'm not going to talk as much

your musical training comes in there because you're picking exactly what you said rhythm and breath and energy like the dynamics 100% of the day the rhythm is the biggest thing I think especially with comedy

and especially with legends at that you write you want to learn quickly not ask any questions and observe and like it feels like jump up of like I'm jumping in and I'm jumping out you know what I mean learning that kind of

kind of pacing. But it was after that he really kind of prepared me for the industry in that when we did like we had a full-blown press tour. And he was like,

whatever I'm going to, she's coming to all of it. And so like 100% it prepared me for holdovers. I think if I didn't have that, I would be like, what is this crazy machine of things? And so and a more chill way. I got to experience it. I got to see

what insane fame looks like. Yeah. Which is scary to me. Yeah. That's really intense. I'll get ready for it. Sorry, but... No, no, no. You mentioned the holdovers. I just have to

say to you, that film... Thanks. It is now forever in rotation as a Christmas film because not only is a beautifully acted and beautifully directed by Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti and Dominic, they're amazing.

The three of you together are just It's... Thank you. But it also captures this melancholy. Like you say you love the holidays and it's this holiday salty, sweet, sour sadness that happens to all of us. All of us. Even if you have a house full of people or whatever you consider like a traditional

happy Christmas. Because like the loneliness finds its way in. Every time. I know even with a full. House. The way you depicted that mother and that movie is

one of my favorite cinematic performances. I love you in that movie. Congratulations on winning the Academy Award! Thanks, maims. And so deserved. Thank you. And just, so first of all, Paul Giamatti.

Love him. Always loved him. Always loved him. And similarly, he's so good at so many things. Yeah, he is. He's really good at playing like that underdog that can't quite figure it out and just like keeps hitting their head against the, oh, he's so good. I had a fun moment when he hosted S&L when I was there and you know, you're like down under the bleachers like changing clothes really fast. And at one point I turned to him and I was like, are you having fun? And he was like, this is a nightmare. Yeah. Inside, everything is painful and he's dying inside. It was so funny. Yeah. Even while we're

filming and I'm like, wow, we're really doing it. He's like, I hate it. Not you. He hates acting. No. But do you know what I mean? That's why he's so funny. That's why he's so good at it. Because he doesn't. He'll put himself in like risky, like inside his anxiety is through the roof.

Yes. And he's like, I'm doing it. We feel it. We feel it with him. And the trio of you three like unexpected friends. Yeah. Like, you know, like a random family. Yeah.

Yeah. So good. What kind of prep did you do for that role? So it was interesting when, because I love cooking. I was like, so listen, contractually, I have to cook for real. And for many reasons,

and due to that time period, I wanted it to be clear that this was actually her job and that she was good at it versus like, I first asked Alexander, I said, is she the help

or is she a learned chef? And he was like, I actually want her to be a learned. He said, cook. And I said, we're not going to say that way. We're going to say chef. If you're saying she has an education,

and she's a chef. Right. And so once I knew that's where he was going with it, I was like, okay, so then you're going to have to establish scenes and moments where I'm dealing with the food and facilitating the kitchen to show my prowls over this area. Yeah. Right?

And so, and I remember there was like, there was, and he was so down, which was so cool for someone that acclaimed and lauded to have that much flexibility. and collaboration, which I think is another huge reason why that movie just did so well because he trusted us. And we really got to work together. And so, like, there was a moment where I was like, you know, to be honest, he had a lineup of extras for people that were going to be in my kitchen. And they were all women of color. And I was like, you're going to have to put some white ladies in there too. And he was like, really why?

And I said, because the other ones look like it's my friends that I just brought in. and then this other version makes it again look like, oh no, I'm in charge. Yeah. And these are the cooks. So I ad libbed this line in the movie where I'm like, to the white lady, too much paprika. Because at my mind, I was like, no, no, no, she can taste it and be like,

too much paprika. Because I wanted to show a lot of it had to do with a time period that I was like, if you're saying she's a chef, I don't want those lines to be blurred. But in regards to prep, the thing that Alexander was the most... Thank you for sharing that with me. I just to take a minute. I love knowing that because I couldn't capture what you're exactly what you're exactly what you're saying, which is a, there's a regalness to her. Yes.

There's a pride. Yes. Even if that lady has two cents in her pocket, which is another thing because he, understandably, he wanted her to be in hot pink rollers and that cozy warm purple moon moon. the entire most of the movie yeah because he was like it's the holidays and I was like no she has so much she's working yes she may be you know they might be in like living shared living quarters but she's working she wakes up this is her job yes and so it was something that he we had to like negotiate for him to realize yeah no this isn't just auntie with the you know I mean yeah and it's it gives such incredible um tension because

that is her space. And in the scene, when she's serving and when everyone is eating her food, that she's good at cooking and Paul's character standing up for her. Yeah, it's beautiful. That's one of my favorite moments. Same.

Yeah. And it's just a look. She just looks at the kid. Yes. But you know the volume in which Paul yelled, she heard it. Yes. You know what I mean?

Like she wasn't there for it, but she heard that he had his back. And so the main prep was Alexander was very keen on smoking. It was almost like an audition question. Do you smoke? And I was like, no, I don't. And he was like,

and I was like, you can send a pack on over and we can figure it out. Part of the prep was learning how to smoke, making it look realistic. It was great that I was in Boston. There's so many smokers in Boston. But I would just watch. Like, there is a science.

You can tell the level of addiction or how many years it, I'm not going to say addiction. It is an addiction. Yeah, let's say it. How long you've been in the game. Oh, tell me what you noticed about how people's... The more that it feels like it is literally another finger, they've been doing it for a while.

Right. Right? Or this is like, that person is usually like older men that like it's hang. How? I don't even know it's like that one beat of saliva. You're so right because a person that has their like one cigarette a week. It's tight. It's tight.

And they're like enjoying every man. I'm thinking about like the girls outside the club. Sure. Like bombing it from someone else. Yes. And but someone who's like, oh, there's a hundred more where that came from. It'll fall out. They like, pick it up, whatever.

I'm going to light another one right away. Yeah. And so part of my process was like, so interesting. What's her level of addiction and in certain times and what she's going through, I wanted the smoking to signify what like psychologically was going on for her. And then the. The biggest, the two difficult things, most difficult things about filming and smoking, timing of knowing when to, like, how to pace of between the talking and when to pull.

Right. Yeah. And blowing that smoke. So it's not in your face for the camera unless there's some moments where you wanted to get in or not, like, directing that smoke was tricky. Ooh, I can't. I'm, I'm going to be rewatching this movie again. That was the hardest part.

It took me a walk. We would literally, we could have a beautifully acted scene. And I was going to be like, that smoke went in Paul's face, Paul's face, do it again. And then the last thing was the dialect, which he was like, it's fine. Let's talk about it. He said it was fine. He was like, you're from Philadelphia.

It's cool. And I was like. Alexander. Respectfully. How dare you? No, sir. And he was adamant about it. And you worked, I can tell, because it was so good.

Yeah, I went with Nicole Kimman's dialect coach. Who's the best in. down to earth, but yeah, I said, no, no, no, no, no. So what did you have to learn about? But it was more so for me. Like we said, I'm from Philadelphia. It's so close, but yet it's not the same thing. And also it was technically, it's a period piece.

And so the biggest reason why I wanted to do the dialect, not only because that is what is the world, I needed something to differentiate and to separate from me. Yeah. And so I needed that dialect. The smoking, yeah, clothes helps. The hair helped a lot. But the dialect was the thing that really allowed me to lock in.

Were there words that helped you lock in? What was his name? Have a. Mr. Hunnam. Mr. Hunnam, I heard you. It's that first scene. Mr. Hunnam. When they meet.

And she's like, Mr. Hunnam, I'm paraphrasing. She's like, Mr. Hunnam, I heard you had babysitting duty. How did you manage that? And that was like my key phrase. Yes. that I would get right in. Babysitting. Yeah.

Babesitting. How'd you manage that? What was helpful was the crew was all Boston. Oh, yeah. So I would literally. And they're like, yeah, no shame. I was like, did I say that right? They're like, you didn't get it.

Because Boston and me, you know, our ears are attuned. To me, it's like the Australian accent. For sure. For sure. When it's wrong, it is rough. Yeah. And so what I basically said to myself is I worked on it and prepped it a lot. And I told myself, you're going to have the first day of filming.

If you get a lot of feedback on this dialect, either being distracting or too much or not right, we're going to leave it alone. Yeah, smart. And... Smart. Yeah, it worked. And I was like, okay.

But in between still, I literally, in between takes, the gaffer, I'm like, is it smart, smart, smart? Smart, yeah. And they were like, smart, smart. And I'm like, okay, smart, smart, smart. Speaking of films, we're talking about eternity, the rom-com that you're in with the hilarious John Early, who we love. I think he was one of the last people that they cast. And I knew from the script that I would have quite a bit of stuff with this character.

And I kept saying, who I kind of didn't want to sign on the dotted line until I knew who that person was. And it just didn't work out that way. And I never forget we were in like, what do they call it? Camera testing. We were camera testing. and I was ear hustling and I heard them say and I go, ah! Yes!

And they were like, what is wrong? And I'm like, oh, my job just got way better. So funny. Really easy. You guys are great together. He has the stuff that's up there in that brain. Mm-hmm. And it's so much.

You obviously know what I mean. And you know what I was a little worried. about because he's so, so good that I was like, oh, he's going to be doing the button thing. You know the button thing when you're around funny ha-haz? And it's like, the scene is done. And now every funny person in that room is like, da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da- and then that person goes back. And I'm like, wow.

Oh, my God, I've never heard it said like that. That's, I'm really, I'm really sweating because I feel. But it's infectious. It is. You're so right, though. There's an instinct for comedy people to be like, And one more thing. Button.

Button. Now person A's got to do second button. I feel seen. I feel seen. And then it goes and it just go. And my always, I'm like, very present. But, and that's usually when the camera cuts to me. Oh, that's so real.

And you're right. And then once someone does a button, someone's like, I got to button that button. And it never ends. And I just sit there. But yeah, he didn't have any of that. Yeah. But so. I don't think he ever repeated a joke.

I'm just so, so impressed by him. What is your relationship to rom-coms? Are you a rom-com person? Do you like rom-coms? I was when I was in high school. What did you like? What did you like? Let me tell you something.

I'll lose a guy in 10 days. Oh, yeah. It's perfect. And if you tell me different, I'll fight you. That. I like who you whispered that. My best. Because it's so hard.

It's so emotional. baby that scene when they're out in Staten Island and Long Island? Playing that card game? I'm bawling. You really make me want to watch that again. It's so good. And I like it too because it's like

it's a relatable New York couple. You know some of those New York rom-coms you're like, well, I'm never going to be in that penthouse. Oh, yeah, the apartment. Or the boss. I love how it was like, they were regular New Yorkers. And that like Staten Island, I forget what you're in it, Staten Island, Long Island family,

was a really good touch. My best friend's wedding. Yes. It's so good. I think it's the ones that are really relatable. I know. And they just dig in in some, like, they're like rainy day, delicious treats.

Yeah. And, okay, so we have this thing where we talk to people who know our guest. We talk well behind their back. We get a question for them. So we talked to the director of fraternity, David Frayn. And we got to talk about how incredible it was working with you. And he was explaining, which I'm now getting to. see in real time the feeling of there was like there's a calmness to you when you work and a

confidence that is he says like it just as a director just makes you feel like everything is going to work out like everything you know oh that's wonderful and he he had two questions for you one was where do you think you find the calm or as he said the cam yeah the car because he had a great tax and how did you find the calm yeah but um the um so that was his first question is like, is that true? Are you feeling like when you step and work, there's a calmness to you? Do people project that on you? Is that real? What do you think it's, how do I say? It's a little projected. It's all of it, right? So number one, yes. It's part of that like preparing to then like have so much fun like, right? Like within the boundaries. Like I know I did the work.

Yeah. But then I'm very open to what is a direction? What are you giving me? What is it going to be in this? I know her. And you could tell me we're going to go on Mars. Great. We're going on Mars. What's that going to be? So there's that. There's also too. I'm very well aware of like, it's interesting how leads speak of like their role of leadership and da-da-da-da. I am aware that part of my role is to not say anything out loud, but to reassure. And to like nurture a little, but like create a foundation.

That's really interesting. Yeah. Not to name drop, but I will. I've been name dropping a lot today. Gwyneth Paltrow was in this seat. And she said something that I thought was really interesting, which is, you know, we were talking in terms of the codependency and trying to figure out.

And when you're in a supporting role in any aspect of life, you have to balance what you talked about, which is knowing what is needed for the room. And she used the term thermometer. Like, is it 100%? Same with every scene. That's a giving support of a collaborative person and then also taking care of yourself.

That's right. It's a hard balance. And I think I've gotten really good at that. And I think that's also why I've been able to work with the type of people I've gotten to work with because I think it's that mixed in with they then fill a reassurance to then be their best selves. Yeah.

Right. And so then I'll have like, it's so cute. And I can't believe I'm even saying this. Steve Martin will literally be like, because I normally, when I film for only murders, they're so kind. And with my schedule, they allow me to, like, shoot out. So I'm doing, like, in two weeks, like five episodes. And so we get, like, this kind of, like, intense two weeks with one another.

And then I'll be, like, gone for a year. And then we'll catch up for, like, press and then do it the next year. And he always is like, God, I forgot about it. But this feels good. I'm feeling good. And that to me is the greatest, greatest. greatest compliment that I can think of. And so I think it is a bit of that.

And then I think also there is like, I do still suffer with imposter syndrome in this format. Like when we have to talk about it, but I don't when we're doing it. If that makes sense. That does. But it's a quiet, maybe it's the mean about that calmness, reassuredness.

It's a quiet confidence. Yeah. But also at the same time, there's a lot of adrenaline and excitement buzzing through me. And do you ever find sometimes when you perform this kind of like, sometimes I'll have this moment of like zoom in, zoom out? Yeah. Where I'm like kind of up overhead. Oh, yeah, disassociating. Yeah.

It's great. I highly recommend it. I love it. You're like, I'm on the ceiling, babe. Nothing can touch me. Nope. I'm not here. And we're doing it.

I wasn't even there. Yeah. Yeah. And I have that sometimes a lot when I'm performing. And it's a, what you're saying is like a technique to get past exactly what you said, the fear and adrenaline. And I don't know if you're like this, but I can get nervous after I do something. Yeah. I get through it.

And then like an hour later, I'm like, uh-huh. Yeah, did we do it? Did we do it? And it all starts to shake out because, yeah, I wasn't really there. Yeah. I want to finish with a very quick speed round. If you can give me a sentence or two about this, about some of these people or things. Sure, sure, sure.

And number one is Zoe Crapets. the best, and I knew she was extremely talented when I first met her. She was an executive producer. I think that was her first executive producer role. And she went above and beyond. And so when she began starting to direct, I was like, duh, we saw that. I remember one time she literally, and it was so cool because we were the same age with like the youngest people unsaid.

And she was literally like, it was a coffee cup. We were doing a scene in a bodega. And it was a coffee cup. and she was like, that's not what real coffee cups look like in New York. Like, why is it? I think it was like red and you know, supposed to be blue with the blue and the white. And they were like, oh, Zoh, because we're young and she's a woman. So they're like, no, no, no, Zoe, it's fine.

And she's like, no, no, get it right and we'll wait. And a very polite but professional and stern way. And I was like, she's got it. Okay, speed round. Yeah, I'm talking. Monologue. Al Pacino. Yeah.

So Al Pacino, I was talking, you're getting good ones. And you're like speed around. Al Pacino on Broadway, stressed out, voice tired, eating soup in like this little French bistro. He randomly is there. He goes to checkout and he backs back and like comes and sits down at my table. And we have this like beautiful heartfelt thing. And I share with a stranger like it's really hard. I can't talk.

Like, you know what I mean? I have no life, the amount that is required for this. And he gave me the most beautiful advice ever. And he used this metaphor of a ladder and said, like, as you continue to go up a ladder, you have to let go of more and more weight. And kind of was like, it's not what you're feeling is natural. Another moment of someone being like, you've got it. Keep going.

And it was like, I'll see you at the top of the ladder. Cut to, we do Dolomite. Netflix decides they're now going to start doing magazines, like their own magazines. We get to the shoot, and there's a ladder there. And I'm like, oh, my God, oh, my God. Because I knew he was going to be in this shoot because it was like the Irishman. And I was like, yo, if they put me on this ladder, I'm going to lose it.

And they're like placing everyone. So they place Al. He's next to the ladder. And I said, please, please, please. Because he's still got to put, like, Laura Dern and Scarlet Jo. since I was like, yo, I want their letter. And they put me in the ladder. I'm bawling the entire photo shoot.

And I'm like, looking down at him and I'm like, how do you remember the letter? Did you ask him? Did he? No. No, no. No. He's old.

But I'm like, it's the letter. And he's like, all right, honey. Like, whatever. But in my mind, I was like, full circle. I'm on the ladder. I'm looking at you. And you said it was going to happen. Oh, my God.

The perfect story. And then Stephen Stondheim. I miss him. I know. that sounds so crazy. It doesn't. But it's like he was like the modern. He, okay,

sometimes that musical theater stuff is a lot for me. Like I was never kidding. I was like, but because I came into a late and I just like, well, I'm a vocalist and this is theater. And I had to like find my way into musicals, which is funny that my first gig was a musical.

But I just vibes with him so much because it felt like strong story, really good acting. And we just so happened to sing beautiful, beautiful songs. To me, it's like the purest, for me and my taste, one of the purest ways of expressing musical

theater. And in college, we did Into the Woods and I played The Witch. And I was like, okay, I think I like this stuff. Can you sing a little bit of it? Girl, I sound so crazy. You don't. You sound so crude. This is... Wait, but what's the song when she's like?

Sing a little, Stephen. Anything from Stephen Sondheim. What is the one that the witch? When we didn't get it on my lap, top. But what the I'm going to look up the lyrics. This is crazy. I sing for no one. And I'm going to order that William Sinoba. Please do it. Please do it. Please order it immediately.

I'm not kidding you. I've thought about it the entire time. You guys, you didn't see it, but it has a wooden bowl. With a hunter green. And the copper. Okay. What are we looking up? Where are the clowns? Send in the clouds. Tinks, babe.

Oh! Only for you, literally. Thank you. Thank you. For years. Oh. No, years. Okay.

I appreciate you. I appreciate you. And the world like needs to hear your voice. Oh, I know. I got to work through the stuff. And so that's why I'm going to figure out, I think honestly, I talk about this a little bit. But I think honestly, because the classical thing, like I feel like there's a lot of people that can like sing like pop and R&B. But I do feel like that's like one of my special.

a little trick, like you said how singing is a trick, but like classical. I think I want to do a biopic on Leontyne Price. And just like, okay, we're doing it. Oh yeah. Break the band-aid off. Everybody listening. Everybody listening. Let's make that happen.

Yeah. God, that would be amazing. I think that'd be fun. And then my last question is, because you're so funny, times and times are stressful. We ask a lot of our guests what they listen to read, go-to to laugh. What is, like, is there anything? right now that you're watching, consuming, like a dumb video, a TV show.

You know who really makes me... I did a podcast with Royal Court. Oh, Brittany. To the point where I had to tell my publicist like, go back and take some things like, because I just felt so comfortable and we were just cracking. I saw you on that and you guys were hilarious. We were cracking up and I was like, oh, she's got it.

So I think, what her podcast is giving people right now is really, really nice. I watch a lot of old stuff. I don't, are you like that? Do you sometimes, sometimes I'm like, I don't want to be tainted or like, I don't watch a lot of comedy.

In fact, I mean, one of the reasons why the kind of intention behind this podcast is to me, the way for my own mental health was like feeling like chatting and laughing with people. Connection was getting me up out of things. but the actual like watching comedy at home and like sometimes it feels like if it's good

I'm like damn I can't watch because I'm judging it I can't watch contemporary stuff because I'm like my friend's in that her hair looks crazy you know what did they do so I like to watch older things and so I mean you can't be the 90s comedy which I feel like is a lot of stuff that you've done

but like a 90s comedy is just so good like what would you put on like to like run as you were like Are you talking friends? Are you talking? I love rush hour. Yes. That's one of the best buddy duels that you would never think of. And it is oh so good.

Let's watch a rush hour scene before you go. What scene? Um. They don't give a damn like you. I don't like you. I'm here for the girl. The girl don't like you. Nobody likes you.

You came all well-being for nothing. And isn't it funny how people get So, like, you touch the radio. This is not even your car. Don't touch the radio. I mean, I love when people are, give it to somebody straight and they're like, I don't like you. It really makes me laugh. I just don't enjoy you.

Nobody gets to say that in real life. No. You never get to say. Comedy lets you say stuff you could never say. Yeah, just deadpan. I just like, I don't like you. She doesn't like you. Just not into you.

Sorry. Well, Devine, I love you. I think we should be friends. Yes. Please. And I think we should buy various things together. I'm going to give you my number.

I want you to text me when you get the mixer. Great. I think you should get a pot. Just get one of the pots. I got to get all the pots. Okay, good. That's what I was hoping for.

I mean. And then like when you cook something in there, text it to me. Oh, I would text it to you too. Yes. I mean, what are we, why are we working so hard

if we can't buy ourselves discounted copper pots? Black Friday said we deserve it. In this economy. You saw what the price used to be? Why would you? But is that red ink that you speak about? It's that urgency of.

There's only five left. It's such a lie. It gets me. Five left. There's 50,000 in inventory in the back. Yeah, but I'm going to get it and I'm going to go pick it up. Do you have pasta thingies? Pasta thingy?

What was saying? Like, so when you get that, you can then also, I think it's like 99-99, get the attachment heads to then make fresh pasta. What? A pasta-making machine or the thing? So you get the kitchen made. Thank you for coming. We're going to get off.

And this podcast and we're going to go shopping. Kitchen made, you just take the head off and then attach the pasta different things on. So you could do the one where it's like, so your lasagna, then taste that off. Macaroni. And then you got endless possibilities. I've never made pasta and I've always wanted to. I'm going to do it. I would do it with you.

Yeah, I would love to. Let's do it. Let's hire a guy. Just to supervise. Thank you so much, Dave, I enjoy Randolph. You were so fun and I love talking to you. And I'm so blown away by your talent and your training. And so thanks for joining me on the pod.

And speaking of talent and training, I just want to use this polar plunge because we were talking a little bit about Shakespeare. And there's a person that I discovered in my phone where I discover everything, read everything and learn everything, a performer named Michelle Terry. And she is, I believe she ran the Shakespeare Globe Theater or a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and then Royal National Theater.

She performed at all those places. She's really good. She's a really good actress. She is a person who continually amazing. amazes me and translates Shakespeare to me in a way that feels like no one has for me. So, I don't know, if you're on your phone right now and you want to type her name in, and you're going to see videos of her playing Hamlet and Richard III. Incredible. Okay? So if you never liked Shakespeare before, Michelle Terry is going to get you there. So that's my plunge.

Thank you for listening and see you next time. Bye. been listening to Good Hang. The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman, and me, Amy Poehler. The show is produced by The Ringer and Piperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Katz-Villane, Kaya McMullen, and Alea Zanaris. For Paperkite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.