Welcome everyone to another edition of Amy and TJ.

Welcome everyone to another edition of Amy and TJ.

We are very.

We are very.

Excited about today's podcast. When our producer has asked us if we would like to interview this particular person, this actor, we both had an immediate and excited yes, of course, but for very different reasons. I was very excited to talk to mister Tim Matheson because I am a huge Virgin Ripper fan. I have talked about it plenty of times here on this podcast, and so I was like, Doc, of course, do I want to talk to Vernon? I'm so excited? And TJ said, Wooo, I'm excited.

Excited about today's podcast. When our producer has asked us if we would like to interview this particular person, this actor, we both had an immediate and excited yes, of course, but for very different reasons. I was very excited to talk to mister Tim Matheson because I am a huge Virgin Ripper fan. I have talked about it plenty of times here on this podcast, and so I was like, Doc, of course, do I want to talk to Vernon? I'm so excited? And TJ said, Wooo, I'm excited.

So you mean honor from Adam and my animal Howell's guy, that's.

So you mean honor from Adam and my animal Howell's guy, that's.

What you're talking about, so too, that's amazing. No, So, Tim Matheson, we are so excited to have you here on the podcast today because not only are you an incredible actor, director, comedian, you're also an author. You have a pretty new book that's been released, and you have just seemingly done it all. But we are all excited, for our various reasons to get to hear all about your seven decades in Hollywood, which is just such an impressive thing for anyone to have lasted in any industry, let alone in Hollywood. So thank you for being here with us, Tim, and tell us how you're doing.

What you're talking about, so too, that's amazing. No, So, Tim Matheson, we are so excited to have you here on the podcast today because not only are you an incredible actor, director, comedian, you're also an author. You have a pretty new book that's been released, and you have just seemingly done it all. But we are all excited, for our various reasons to get to hear all about your seven decades in Hollywood, which is just such an impressive thing for anyone to have lasted in any industry, let alone in Hollywood. So thank you for being here with us, Tim, and tell us how you're doing.

Hi, Amy II, TJ. Thanks thanks for having me. Yeah, I know I'm doing great, and it's actually it is only six and a half decades, but I round that up because it sounds it was a little smoother and funnier. But you know, it's amazing to me that I've been doing and what I've been doing that I love so much. Since I'm twelve years old and basically I started in Burbank where all the studios were located. I'm still working in Burbank. So I'm like a small town kid made good.

Hi, Amy II, TJ. Thanks thanks for having me. Yeah, I know I'm doing great, and it's actually it is only six and a half decades, but I round that up because it sounds it was a little smoother and funnier. But you know, it's amazing to me that I've been doing and what I've been doing that I love so much. Since I'm twelve years old and basically I started in Burbank where all the studios were located. I'm still working in Burbank. So I'm like a small town kid made good.

You know, if you will, what was your golden decade? You said six and a half, But what point in your career would you look at and say, this gap of time is when I was really nailing it, really hit my stride. Maybe it could be right now, how are we know?

You know, if you will, what was your golden decade? You said six and a half, But what point in your career would you look at and say, this gap of time is when I was really nailing it, really hit my stride. Maybe it could be right now, how are we know?

Well, I must say I'm extremely grateful and happy to have matured to the golden age of seventy seven and still being active in a top show at Netflix and with a wonderful character and a great cast. And we're going into our seventh season starting in about a month and on Virgin River. But each each period, and I noticed about like every five to seven years, I turned a corner or a page and entered a new phase of my career, either age wise or character wise or something changed. And they've all been very rewarding in many ways, and uh and and tricky and treacherous and insightful. So uh, you know, I think perhaps one of my happiest periods was working on The West Wing with Aaron Sorkin and then amazing cast on that show. And it was at a sort of a slow point in my career where I was kind of getting a little older. I wasn't playing the younger leading man parts, and you know, I have the three kids and my my ex wife then you know, my wife and I had I had to work. So this wonderful show came along at that point and revitalized my career. And that's the great thing about our business is you'll do one thing and out of nowhere, it'll just you know, recharge everybody to go, oh oh him, oh my, gosh, oh will you let's get him? He's oh my? Because that other people turn a page in our business too, So you know, it comes and goes.

Well, I must say I'm extremely grateful and happy to have matured to the golden age of seventy seven and still being active in a top show at Netflix and with a wonderful character and a great cast. And we're going into our seventh season starting in about a month and on Virgin River. But each each period, and I noticed about like every five to seven years, I turned a corner or a page and entered a new phase of my career, either age wise or character wise or something changed. And they've all been very rewarding in many ways, and uh and and tricky and treacherous and insightful. So uh, you know, I think perhaps one of my happiest periods was working on The West Wing with Aaron Sorkin and then amazing cast on that show. And it was at a sort of a slow point in my career where I was kind of getting a little older. I wasn't playing the younger leading man parts, and you know, I have the three kids and my my ex wife then you know, my wife and I had I had to work. So this wonderful show came along at that point and revitalized my career. And that's the great thing about our business is you'll do one thing and out of nowhere, it'll just you know, recharge everybody to go, oh oh him, oh my, gosh, oh will you let's get him? He's oh my? Because that other people turn a page in our business too, So you know, it comes and goes.

You know, Tim, I'm I was just so inspired listening to you. I just turned fifty two, and there are so many people listening who feel like once you get to a certain age, it's over. Or you can't keep still climbing that mountain. You've gotta you gotta recognize that it's time to slow down and go down into the valley. But obviously those ups and downs happened throughout someone's career. But to have been not just a working actor for nearly seven decades, but to be a successful working actor for all of those years. And I mean, honestly, I feel like you're in your prime now just because the show TJ has laughed, But I have connected with so many other people are democratic, you know, right like you like Virgin River too. You have you have kept me well on the treadmill, so you know, it's been so cold here in New York and in so many places in the country these days, and I go on the treadmill to or do my runs and Virgin River. I'm done now. I can't wait for season seven. I know you guys have just announced to a few of the things we can expect, or at least some of the cast members who are coming back. But it's just such a warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you watch Virgin River. Do you sit down and watch it? What do you think about the show, because it is kind of a departure from some of the other works you have left for us to enjoy.

You know, Tim, I'm I was just so inspired listening to you. I just turned fifty two, and there are so many people listening who feel like once you get to a certain age, it's over. Or you can't keep still climbing that mountain. You've gotta you gotta recognize that it's time to slow down and go down into the valley. But obviously those ups and downs happened throughout someone's career. But to have been not just a working actor for nearly seven decades, but to be a successful working actor for all of those years. And I mean, honestly, I feel like you're in your prime now just because the show TJ has laughed, But I have connected with so many other people are democratic, you know, right like you like Virgin River too. You have you have kept me well on the treadmill, so you know, it's been so cold here in New York and in so many places in the country these days, and I go on the treadmill to or do my runs and Virgin River. I'm done now. I can't wait for season seven. I know you guys have just announced to a few of the things we can expect, or at least some of the cast members who are coming back. But it's just such a warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you watch Virgin River. Do you sit down and watch it? What do you think about the show, because it is kind of a departure from some of the other works you have left for us to enjoy.

Well, I'm not one of those who sits and watches the show. I mean I certainly did watch this. I watch every episode once, and when I was directing the first two years, I directed four episodes and have since backed away from that because it was just it was such a workload that it took away from the acting. And they're directing, so now I can just focus on the acting. But I will watch each episode once. But and I try and keep my distance so I don't get, you know, involved with ego and oh my, you know, vanity and things like that. I just watch it as a director, going, oh, you know, he meaning me, he could have done this that way, he could he should have done that. Oh he did that nicely. So I try and keep myself objective about it. And but I I I thoroughly enjoy the show. I think Alexander Breckenridge and Martin Henderson who are our central characters and the Ellen Jack, you know, is their romance that drives the show. And is are there wonderful actors and just great to work with and and and they're the anchor and the heart of our show. So and I so enjoy them and I enjoy working with them. And yeah, it's it's a great it's a great thing for me. And and it allows me the luxury of you know, we work four to five months on our show and then I have like five or six seven months of the rest of the year where I can pursue other projects and you know, produce and and and do other things like that. So and write a book, you know. And so it's it's a it's a win win for me.

Well, I'm not one of those who sits and watches the show. I mean I certainly did watch this. I watch every episode once, and when I was directing the first two years, I directed four episodes and have since backed away from that because it was just it was such a workload that it took away from the acting. And they're directing, so now I can just focus on the acting. But I will watch each episode once. But and I try and keep my distance so I don't get, you know, involved with ego and oh my, you know, vanity and things like that. I just watch it as a director, going, oh, you know, he meaning me, he could have done this that way, he could he should have done that. Oh he did that nicely. So I try and keep myself objective about it. And but I I I thoroughly enjoy the show. I think Alexander Breckenridge and Martin Henderson who are our central characters and the Ellen Jack, you know, is their romance that drives the show. And is are there wonderful actors and just great to work with and and and they're the anchor and the heart of our show. So and I so enjoy them and I enjoy working with them. And yeah, it's it's a great it's a great thing for me. And and it allows me the luxury of you know, we work four to five months on our show and then I have like five or six seven months of the rest of the year where I can pursue other projects and you know, produce and and and do other things like that. So and write a book, you know. And so it's it's a it's a win win for me.

Yeah, it sounds awesome. And it's funny you mentioned And of course I was explaining some of the show to TJ Melan Jack, but I actually describe you as the heart of the show. I just said that this morning. What do you think of Doc and the character? Is he fun to play? Is it hard to play someone?

Yeah, it sounds awesome. And it's funny you mentioned And of course I was explaining some of the show to TJ Melan Jack, but I actually describe you as the heart of the show. I just said that this morning. What do you think of Doc and the character? Is he fun to play? Is it hard to play someone?

I mean, you're.

I mean, you're.

Grumpy and you're a little rough around the edges. I'm talking about your character, of course, but you're you're kind of a good guy. Isn't that a hard character to play? Like a good wholesome guy. I've always heard from actors that that's the toughest role.

Grumpy and you're a little rough around the edges. I'm talking about your character, of course, but you're you're kind of a good guy. Isn't that a hard character to play? Like a good wholesome guy. I've always heard from actors that that's the toughest role.

Well, it is, and I think, you know, the one of the things about him is Doc Vernon Mullins is he's a man of the people and he wanted to come to Virgin River to get away from Seattle where he was ahead of a hospital or or the you know, the division of the hospital, and to get back together, to get back with the patients and be one on one with patients, you know, I mean, I think in modern medicine, medicine has become this sort of commercial industrial thing where you've spend as little time with the patient as you can. You have a nurse practitioner who assists the doctor. Then you have a PA who assists the nurse practitioner. So if you ever see the doctor as rare and here's a man who is treating patients who are his friends and family because they live in a small town, you obviously run into him at dinner and a breakfast in the coffee shop and while you're walking down the street, and he knows if not everyone each most everyone. He treats, so he has a special responsibility to them. And I think it requires a certain kind of honesty and trust that he needs to establish. And and and that's rare, you know, I think, And and I've done a lot of research about doctors and small town doctors and doctors in remote areas, and you know, and and we've done it once or twice on our show where you have to treat animals too. You know, a patiental call up to say, my horse is down, I need your help. I can't get the vet. What doc, can you come out here and you know and deliver You'll deliver a foal or you'll you'll have a horse with a twisted and testine. So one of the things about you know, my thing is is I I love to do research, So I I do as much research constantly as I can.

Well, it is, and I think, you know, the one of the things about him is Doc Vernon Mullins is he's a man of the people and he wanted to come to Virgin River to get away from Seattle where he was ahead of a hospital or or the you know, the division of the hospital, and to get back together, to get back with the patients and be one on one with patients, you know, I mean, I think in modern medicine, medicine has become this sort of commercial industrial thing where you've spend as little time with the patient as you can. You have a nurse practitioner who assists the doctor. Then you have a PA who assists the nurse practitioner. So if you ever see the doctor as rare and here's a man who is treating patients who are his friends and family because they live in a small town, you obviously run into him at dinner and a breakfast in the coffee shop and while you're walking down the street, and he knows if not everyone each most everyone. He treats, so he has a special responsibility to them. And I think it requires a certain kind of honesty and trust that he needs to establish. And and and that's rare, you know, I think, And and I've done a lot of research about doctors and small town doctors and doctors in remote areas, and you know, and and we've done it once or twice on our show where you have to treat animals too. You know, a patiental call up to say, my horse is down, I need your help. I can't get the vet. What doc, can you come out here and you know and deliver You'll deliver a foal or you'll you'll have a horse with a twisted and testine. So one of the things about you know, my thing is is I I love to do research, So I I do as much research constantly as I can.

What kind of reactions are you getting walking down the street these days on social media whatever, Because every woman that is anywhere in my orbit you mentioned Virgin River and they just go nuts, Well it's great.

What kind of reactions are you getting walking down the street these days on social media whatever, Because every woman that is anywhere in my orbit you mentioned Virgin River and they just go nuts, Well it's great.

And that's that's pretty that's pretty actually accurate TJ. But I mean, and it's a demographic thing too. And many of the men who watch it and say yeah, my wife grab me or my girlfriend grabb me, and we went and I sat down. I really liked it, and because I think it's it's in a world of tumult and sort of chaos that we kind of live in now, with COVID and politics and so many things that are up in the air and the Internet and people on Twitter and saying and doing crazy things. It's nice to find a peaceful place to go on TV and and just be at ease and at peace with yourself and the people in the show. I think, you know, somebody was we were talking recently about why was it so revolutionary when they made The Godfather and and Chinatown, And you know, back in the sixties and seventies that the young filmmakers were rebelling against a very sort of status quo and and and a very boring kind of complacency that with politics and was life in America. But now to rebel is to do something that is not outrageous, it is not crazy and violent, and this is a show that kind of does that. You know, It's just it's people getting along with people, and you have problems, and you'd learn how to work out for those problems.

And that's that's pretty that's pretty actually accurate TJ. But I mean, and it's a demographic thing too. And many of the men who watch it and say yeah, my wife grab me or my girlfriend grabb me, and we went and I sat down. I really liked it, and because I think it's it's in a world of tumult and sort of chaos that we kind of live in now, with COVID and politics and so many things that are up in the air and the Internet and people on Twitter and saying and doing crazy things. It's nice to find a peaceful place to go on TV and and just be at ease and at peace with yourself and the people in the show. I think, you know, somebody was we were talking recently about why was it so revolutionary when they made The Godfather and and Chinatown, And you know, back in the sixties and seventies that the young filmmakers were rebelling against a very sort of status quo and and and a very boring kind of complacency that with politics and was life in America. But now to rebel is to do something that is not outrageous, it is not crazy and violent, and this is a show that kind of does that. You know, It's just it's people getting along with people, and you have problems, and you'd learn how to work out for those problems.

Yes, yes, you know what I just thought of what I would equate Virgin River two. For me, it's comfort food. It's like, you know, it's just this warm, amazing meal and it can be a little spicy sometimes, but you know what you're getting and you know in the end you're gonna feel better after you ate it, like chicken soup or something. But I just I was doing some research on you. I did not realize that you started your career on the show I grew up loving and watching on reruns. But leave it to Beaver and talk about comfort food, talk about that safe, warm, familial space. I feel like you began there, and now look at you on Virgin River. It's almost like bookends of then a lot of wild, amazing pieces of art in between that were funny and pushing the envelope with West Wing, but it's kind of full circle. Would you say, oh, yeah.

Yes, yes, you know what I just thought of what I would equate Virgin River two. For me, it's comfort food. It's like, you know, it's just this warm, amazing meal and it can be a little spicy sometimes, but you know what you're getting and you know in the end you're gonna feel better after you ate it, like chicken soup or something. But I just I was doing some research on you. I did not realize that you started your career on the show I grew up loving and watching on reruns. But leave it to Beaver and talk about comfort food, talk about that safe, warm, familial space. I feel like you began there, and now look at you on Virgin River. It's almost like bookends of then a lot of wild, amazing pieces of art in between that were funny and pushing the envelope with West Wing, but it's kind of full circle. Would you say, oh, yeah.

I think it's it is an old fashioned kind of show, and I think that's a very sort of it's a much needed kind of show nowadays. And what I've heard is so funny is that all of the other streaming channels we want our Virgin River. We want to you know, we want to show like Virgin River, and it's like, you know, what is that on in relation to that? I mean, it's it's about people, eccentric people who have come to this little town to get away from troubles in their life, or a conflict in their life, or you know, a fork in the road in their life and have come here to try and recover and or to be alone. And if they find a like group of people around them that they sort of bond with and can help them with their problems, you know. And I think that's as a doctor, that's sort of why he's there, because he's giving more than just like, oh, you have tons of lightis go see the guy with here and he'll take care of it her. You know. It's more than that, And I love that aspect of it.

I think it's it is an old fashioned kind of show, and I think that's a very sort of it's a much needed kind of show nowadays. And what I've heard is so funny is that all of the other streaming channels we want our Virgin River. We want to you know, we want to show like Virgin River, and it's like, you know, what is that on in relation to that? I mean, it's it's about people, eccentric people who have come to this little town to get away from troubles in their life, or a conflict in their life, or you know, a fork in the road in their life and have come here to try and recover and or to be alone. And if they find a like group of people around them that they sort of bond with and can help them with their problems, you know. And I think that's as a doctor, that's sort of why he's there, because he's giving more than just like, oh, you have tons of lightis go see the guy with here and he'll take care of it her. You know. It's more than that, And I love that aspect of it.

Well you have again, I was saying, just the reaction that women have to the show. I don't know if you heard a few minutes ago, there was a ding. We're actually on my laptop doing this this zoom. That ding was a text message that I got from a lady by the name of Kelly Bensimone. If you don't know, she's of Real Housewives fame. We told her a little while ago we were interviewing you. She has called twice and sent three text messages and that was one of them because she's so excited. Ah, she just that reaction. I mean, do you get some wild stuff just walking down the street, Oh.

Well you have again, I was saying, just the reaction that women have to the show. I don't know if you heard a few minutes ago, there was a ding. We're actually on my laptop doing this this zoom. That ding was a text message that I got from a lady by the name of Kelly Bensimone. If you don't know, she's of Real Housewives fame. We told her a little while ago we were interviewing you. She has called twice and sent three text messages and that was one of them because she's so excited. Ah, she just that reaction. I mean, do you get some wild stuff just walking down the street, Oh.

You know people? Yes, I mean, and and they're always very gracious, you know, it'll be just one of those just somebody will just stick their head up to me and say, you know, I don't want to bother you, but I love your show. I just love your show and I love what you do and and thank you so much. I mean, it's just it's so endearing and it's grateful and it's it's it's I feel like a you know, a country Western star, you know, I feel like and I wish I was, because it's that kind of response to something that you do. It's heartfelt and it's you know, and I mean, certainly Animal House in the West Wing, but Animal House, I get a certain kind of reaction, as you know, and it's raucous and it's fun, and it's it's it's a whole other kind of thing. So I've been fortunate in my career have played many different characters and many different genres of film, and it's you know, and this one is very special in its own way.

You know people? Yes, I mean, and and they're always very gracious, you know, it'll be just one of those just somebody will just stick their head up to me and say, you know, I don't want to bother you, but I love your show. I just love your show and I love what you do and and thank you so much. I mean, it's just it's so endearing and it's grateful and it's it's it's I feel like a you know, a country Western star, you know, I feel like and I wish I was, because it's that kind of response to something that you do. It's heartfelt and it's you know, and I mean, certainly Animal House in the West Wing, but Animal House, I get a certain kind of reaction, as you know, and it's raucous and it's fun, and it's it's it's a whole other kind of thing. So I've been fortunate in my career have played many different characters and many different genres of film, and it's you know, and this one is very special in its own way.

It's so funny because I don't know that I've ever watched Animal House, and it's one of TJ's favorite movies. He said we should buy it. He never likes to rent or buy any movies because he says, we pay for way too many streaming services, so why would we do that? But he actually does greenlit purchasing Animal House because I said, I have to watch it now. But I think I'm going to be a little freaked out just because I so know you and love you as Doc. It's going to be so strange to see you. It's like a party animal and a frat.

It's so funny because I don't know that I've ever watched Animal House, and it's one of TJ's favorite movies. He said we should buy it. He never likes to rent or buy any movies because he says, we pay for way too many streaming services, so why would we do that? But he actually does greenlit purchasing Animal House because I said, I have to watch it now. But I think I'm going to be a little freaked out just because I so know you and love you as Doc. It's going to be so strange to see you. It's like a party animal and a frat.

Doc grew up a lot since Animal House, so yeah.

Doc grew up a lot since Animal House, so yeah.

I mean, listen, we all go through phases, and you know, Amy, I think that I think you're enjoy Animal House because it's sort of an early version of Doc. I mean, he's a real nice guy and he has to be a ladies man, and that was the trouble that got it, you know, that he got into that cost him of his marriage to Hope, you know, initially was to be you know, he strayed from their their vows and that's sort of a little bit of otter.

I mean, listen, we all go through phases, and you know, Amy, I think that I think you're enjoy Animal House because it's sort of an early version of Doc. I mean, he's a real nice guy and he has to be a ladies man, and that was the trouble that got it, you know, that he got into that cost him of his marriage to Hope, you know, initially was to be you know, he strayed from their their vows and that's sort of a little bit of otter.

I think, you know, that's you know, that's a good way to look at it. I'm curious, just because we've laughed just a few of our friends, have you heard from celebrities or people who you would be surprised are huge Virgin River fans? I'm curious, do you do you hear back at all from people who are watching and who is watching Virgin River specifically?

I think, you know, that's you know, that's a good way to look at it. I'm curious, just because we've laughed just a few of our friends, have you heard from celebrities or people who you would be surprised are huge Virgin River fans? I'm curious, do you do you hear back at all from people who are watching and who is watching Virgin River specifically?

Well, you know Reba McIntyre, who's who's a friend of mine and I did a movie with her. She's just a wonderful woman. She she loves the show, and and many in her circle respond to a lot of people who are fond of country music, you know, tend to gravitate towards the show. I'm trying to think Aaron Sorkin mentioned it that he he and he enjoyed the show, and but you know, and a lot of people in the business. Off the top of my head, I'm trying to remember, so, yeah, a lot of different people. But it's it's it's sort of uniformly women, and it's just there's a there's a certain level of and and in many ways, you know, I like and it's it's like Mayberry, you know, it's it's it. Maybe it's a little bit more contemporary, but it's sort of like this small town people go along and you know, and and it's kind of amusing and it's kind of fun, and yet there's a there's drama and like in real life, and but people work their way through it.

Well, you know Reba McIntyre, who's who's a friend of mine and I did a movie with her. She's just a wonderful woman. She she loves the show, and and many in her circle respond to a lot of people who are fond of country music, you know, tend to gravitate towards the show. I'm trying to think Aaron Sorkin mentioned it that he he and he enjoyed the show, and but you know, and a lot of people in the business. Off the top of my head, I'm trying to remember, so, yeah, a lot of different people. But it's it's it's sort of uniformly women, and it's just there's a there's a certain level of and and in many ways, you know, I like and it's it's like Mayberry, you know, it's it's it. Maybe it's a little bit more contemporary, but it's sort of like this small town people go along and you know, and and it's kind of amusing and it's kind of fun, and yet there's a there's drama and like in real life, and but people work their way through it.

Yeah, it's so funny. I'm so the demo. I like country music too. So I'm a woman in my early fifties. Wow, I just walked right into being completely basic.

Yeah, it's so funny. I'm so the demo. I like country music too. So I'm a woman in my early fifties. Wow, I just walked right into being completely basic.

So a black man in his forties isn't necessarily the lame.

So a black man in his forties isn't necessarily the lame.

But but Tim, but Tim TJ knew that I was obsessed with this, and I was. I was running to it on the treadmill. He hates the treadmill, so he thought he would run to it. You had one episode that you listened to.

But but Tim, but Tim TJ knew that I was obsessed with this, and I was. I was running to it on the treadmill. He hates the treadmill, so he thought he would run to it. You had one episode that you listened to.

While running, Tim, I've never seen the show, but I've listened to the show while I was running. And I had no idea. The guy I liked was Doc because you had a couple of lines something. I say this all the time, Christ on a cracker, Christ on sale, and your character has some line, I said, who's this guy? I had no idea it was you, because I never saw it, only listened to it.

While running, Tim, I've never seen the show, but I've listened to the show while I was running. And I had no idea. The guy I liked was Doc because you had a couple of lines something. I say this all the time, Christ on a cracker, Christ on sale, and your character has some line, I said, who's this guy? I had no idea it was you, because I never saw it, only listened to it.

Well, I must compliment both of you because what keeps you guys so young is that you've run and you're active, so I must applaud that. And you both look fantastic.

Well, I must compliment both of you because what keeps you guys so young is that you've run and you're active, so I must applaud that. And you both look fantastic.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, thank you.

Yes, And you've helped me tremendously running during the very very cold months, so we appreciate that. I want to talk a little bit about your book. You initially started out, from what I read, you were trying to write a book about kind of the making of Animal House, and it turned into something much bigger than that. How did that all come about?

Yes, And you've helped me tremendously running during the very very cold months, so we appreciate that. I want to talk a little bit about your book. You initially started out, from what I read, you were trying to write a book about kind of the making of Animal House, and it turned into something much bigger than that. How did that all come about?

Well, you know, I was going to call it the making of Animal House or some quote that my character Otter had, and it ended up being called Dan Blad to meet you. My seven decades in the Hollywood trenches. But what I love the making of books, The making of Casablanca, the making of the Wizard of Oz. A woman named al Jean Harmitz wrote this book, The Making of the Wizard of Oz, and she went through all the archives at MGM and pulled all the files from every department, makeup, air, wardrobe, costumes, camera, all these different special effects casting and put together day by Day, how the film was made, you know, and all the troubles they went through and everything, And I wanted to do that with Animal House because I felt that it was it was a seminal event in comedy in American cinema because it was a year after Saturday and Night Live started, and Saturday Night Live was a revolutionary event in American comedy because it was a it was a comedy for young people by young people. Before that, it was just a bunch of let's just I don't want to be dismissive, but it was older Hollywood writers trying to excuse stuff to younger audiences. But it was Doris Day and Rock Hudson and it was like Bob Hopajek at least like a movie I did. And they were either they were tame kind of comedies because it was written by older people. Animal House was a group of young people from the National Lampoon who wrote this script. It started out as Charlie Manson in high school. That's how crazy they were. Wow, And the studio just went no, no, no, no, no too soon and not an R rated film. You can't do it in high school, you have to do in college. So it evolved and one of the forces behind it was Ivan Rightman. And Ivan was the producer and wanted to direct this movie, but the studio would not led him. And after John Landis came on and directed and who was brilliant, the credit went to the director and the writers and nobody even thinked Ivan, and Ivan was like, well, what about me directing another picture? And they said, well, if you ever find something you want to do, bring it to us. But everybody else got a deal. So Ivan and Harold raymis wrote a picture called Meatballs and for Billy Murray. Bill Murray and Ivan went off and couldn't even come to the premiere of Animal House because he was shooting or he's waiting on the set to see if Bill Murray was actually going to show up, which he did and made Billy a star and made Ivan a star director. And so everybody's dream came true with Animal House, some a little quicker than others. You know. It put me in a category of younger leading men in Hollywood who could do comedy and got me away from the kind of boring parts I was playing on TV. And so it it was a dream come true. But that's where it started, and then I produce. The publisher said, oh, no, we want to know about Lucille Ball. And you worked with Jackie Gleason, and you worked with Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell. Tell us about those things. So I started filling in the you know, the stories, and they said, oh, this is great, we want this too. And I didn't just want to do sort of a lineal kind of you know, and then I did this, and then I did that, And so I was trying to recount what I learned from each of these people. You know, especially a lot of young people today don't know who Lucille Ball was, and you know, so I wanted to recount how hard she worked and how diligent she was, and you know, which she came from vaudeville, and with the lessons that I learned from her, and how gracious she wasn't mentoring me and toughening me up. I mean, I was a very sensitive, shy, seventeen eighteen year old kid on yours mind and hours the movie I did with her and Henry Fonda and Lucy loved my sensitivity and my vulnerability. But basically she was trying to teach me, you know, like there's a tough business kid. You better man up and and and you know, you put on your shoulder pads because because you're going to get hit, you're going to get knocked down. How are you going to get back up? That's what you got to figure out.

Well, you know, I was going to call it the making of Animal House or some quote that my character Otter had, and it ended up being called Dan Blad to meet you. My seven decades in the Hollywood trenches. But what I love the making of books, The making of Casablanca, the making of the Wizard of Oz. A woman named al Jean Harmitz wrote this book, The Making of the Wizard of Oz, and she went through all the archives at MGM and pulled all the files from every department, makeup, air, wardrobe, costumes, camera, all these different special effects casting and put together day by Day, how the film was made, you know, and all the troubles they went through and everything, And I wanted to do that with Animal House because I felt that it was it was a seminal event in comedy in American cinema because it was a year after Saturday and Night Live started, and Saturday Night Live was a revolutionary event in American comedy because it was a it was a comedy for young people by young people. Before that, it was just a bunch of let's just I don't want to be dismissive, but it was older Hollywood writers trying to excuse stuff to younger audiences. But it was Doris Day and Rock Hudson and it was like Bob Hopajek at least like a movie I did. And they were either they were tame kind of comedies because it was written by older people. Animal House was a group of young people from the National Lampoon who wrote this script. It started out as Charlie Manson in high school. That's how crazy they were. Wow, And the studio just went no, no, no, no, no too soon and not an R rated film. You can't do it in high school, you have to do in college. So it evolved and one of the forces behind it was Ivan Rightman. And Ivan was the producer and wanted to direct this movie, but the studio would not led him. And after John Landis came on and directed and who was brilliant, the credit went to the director and the writers and nobody even thinked Ivan, and Ivan was like, well, what about me directing another picture? And they said, well, if you ever find something you want to do, bring it to us. But everybody else got a deal. So Ivan and Harold raymis wrote a picture called Meatballs and for Billy Murray. Bill Murray and Ivan went off and couldn't even come to the premiere of Animal House because he was shooting or he's waiting on the set to see if Bill Murray was actually going to show up, which he did and made Billy a star and made Ivan a star director. And so everybody's dream came true with Animal House, some a little quicker than others. You know. It put me in a category of younger leading men in Hollywood who could do comedy and got me away from the kind of boring parts I was playing on TV. And so it it was a dream come true. But that's where it started, and then I produce. The publisher said, oh, no, we want to know about Lucille Ball. And you worked with Jackie Gleason, and you worked with Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell. Tell us about those things. So I started filling in the you know, the stories, and they said, oh, this is great, we want this too. And I didn't just want to do sort of a lineal kind of you know, and then I did this, and then I did that, And so I was trying to recount what I learned from each of these people. You know, especially a lot of young people today don't know who Lucille Ball was, and you know, so I wanted to recount how hard she worked and how diligent she was, and you know, which she came from vaudeville, and with the lessons that I learned from her, and how gracious she wasn't mentoring me and toughening me up. I mean, I was a very sensitive, shy, seventeen eighteen year old kid on yours mind and hours the movie I did with her and Henry Fonda and Lucy loved my sensitivity and my vulnerability. But basically she was trying to teach me, you know, like there's a tough business kid. You better man up and and and you know, you put on your shoulder pads because because you're going to get hit, you're going to get knocked down. How are you going to get back up? That's what you got to figure out.

Did you figure that out at some point? How far along how much along the way? Did you take a big enough hit that you thought it might knock you out of Hollywood?

Did you figure that out at some point? How far along how much along the way? Did you take a big enough hit that you thought it might knock you out of Hollywood?

That's a great question, TJ. I mean you get hit every week, I mean slowly. It's like auditioning just beats you to death, you know, and you know you do six seven auditions a week. But if you what I learned from that, I learned in a little step. So it was like I wasn't happy with this audition. I didn't get it. I blame myself and just say, next time, I'm going to learn the lines. I'm not going to stand there with the pages in my hand, because how can you act with pages in your hand. I'm gonna give him my best shot, walk out the door, head held high, and then if I don't get it, I don't get it. You know. That's that's the name of that tune. But I think you know if I look back, there were moments, and there was a moment I turned down. The things you turned down are always you know, kind of memorable and and somewhat disappointing. But I turned down Moonlighting because I was exhausted after doing a television series and I wanted two weeks off and I couldn't get two weeks off and do Moonlighting. I said, listen, I just need a break. And you know, I think it was a big lesson to me is that And and Bruce Willis is incredible and you know, yeah, and he's more blue collar than me, and he's the perfect guy for that part. And it all works out for you know, in the but it also allowed me, because I didn't do that, I was to get into directing. So you know, it's and I learned, I think slowly over the years that one door closes, another opens, and you know, that's sort of the way it goes. But yeah, there have been a lot of shows that you know, I didn't get and and I think one of the big ones was was Indiana Jones. I mean I tested for Indiana Jones and rad you do have to look, yeah, and everybody into Hollywood tested for it. But and and George Lucas invited me into his office the day after I tested. He said, you know we're not We're going in a different direction. You're just too young. You're too young. You did the best test, but you're too young. And I was great, you know, great to hear from him. I wanted to play that part, but I knew I was too young, but I just I gave him my best shot, and so I walked away with, Okay, that's it.

That's a great question, TJ. I mean you get hit every week, I mean slowly. It's like auditioning just beats you to death, you know, and you know you do six seven auditions a week. But if you what I learned from that, I learned in a little step. So it was like I wasn't happy with this audition. I didn't get it. I blame myself and just say, next time, I'm going to learn the lines. I'm not going to stand there with the pages in my hand, because how can you act with pages in your hand. I'm gonna give him my best shot, walk out the door, head held high, and then if I don't get it, I don't get it. You know. That's that's the name of that tune. But I think you know if I look back, there were moments, and there was a moment I turned down. The things you turned down are always you know, kind of memorable and and somewhat disappointing. But I turned down Moonlighting because I was exhausted after doing a television series and I wanted two weeks off and I couldn't get two weeks off and do Moonlighting. I said, listen, I just need a break. And you know, I think it was a big lesson to me is that And and Bruce Willis is incredible and you know, yeah, and he's more blue collar than me, and he's the perfect guy for that part. And it all works out for you know, in the but it also allowed me, because I didn't do that, I was to get into directing. So you know, it's and I learned, I think slowly over the years that one door closes, another opens, and you know, that's sort of the way it goes. But yeah, there have been a lot of shows that you know, I didn't get and and I think one of the big ones was was Indiana Jones. I mean I tested for Indiana Jones and rad you do have to look, yeah, and everybody into Hollywood tested for it. But and and George Lucas invited me into his office the day after I tested. He said, you know we're not We're going in a different direction. You're just too young. You're too young. You did the best test, but you're too young. And I was great, you know, great to hear from him. I wanted to play that part, but I knew I was too young, but I just I gave him my best shot, and so I walked away with, Okay, that's it.

Too young in terms of age, look or experience. How old were you at the time I was.

Too young in terms of age, look or experience. How old were you at the time I was.

Let me think I was probably thirty one, thirty two, but you know, Harrison was thirty five or six, and he looked he looked forty. He looks thirty five, you know what I mean. And I looked twenty five. I mean I was twenty nine when I did Animal House, playing twenty wow.

Let me think I was probably thirty one, thirty two, but you know, Harrison was thirty five or six, and he looked he looked forty. He looks thirty five, you know what I mean. And I looked twenty five. I mean I was twenty nine when I did Animal House, playing twenty wow.

So I mean that's why you look the way you look now.

So I mean that's why you look the way you look now.

It looks like I did not know you were twenty nine. Whoa, I didn't know that. Yeah. So I mean I was one of those kids when I I mean, when I was in high school, I looked like I was twelve, and you know, I had the prettiest girl in school that I kept hitting on and trying to, you know, chat up and make jokes with was Janelle Penny And she said, you know, you're so funny and you're so sweet. I'd go out with you if you were six feet tall. Oh.

It looks like I did not know you were twenty nine. Whoa, I didn't know that. Yeah. So I mean I was one of those kids when I I mean, when I was in high school, I looked like I was twelve, and you know, I had the prettiest girl in school that I kept hitting on and trying to, you know, chat up and make jokes with was Janelle Penny And she said, you know, you're so funny and you're so sweet. I'd go out with you if you were six feet tall. Oh.

I love that you still remember her name. Don't you always remember the name of the girl you were or the you know, the person you were in love with but either rejected you or what like. You never forget their names?

I love that you still remember her name. Don't you always remember the name of the girl you were or the you know, the person you were in love with but either rejected you or what like. You never forget their names?

Oh hello, Oh yeah, I'll never forget Janelle.

Oh hello, Oh yeah, I'll never forget Janelle.

What's the what's the best advice? You talk about all the lessons you learned along the way and you write about them. Is there one piece of advice that just stuck with you that you would say was the best advice you received?

What's the what's the best advice? You talk about all the lessons you learned along the way and you write about them. Is there one piece of advice that just stuck with you that you would say was the best advice you received?

Well, I mean comically, Jackie Gleason said to me. He said, always over tip, always over tip, because first off, they're probably an actor. I mean he's thinking of New York or LA and they're always an actor and they need the help. So give me in there and give them a break. And you're lucky and you're working and give them a break. But he said, second, if you don't overtip, and they know who you are, they're gonna say you're a cheap prick, and then you know they're gonna get a bad rep. So always overtip. I thought that was funny. But the other thing I think is listen to your gut. Because I got advice from managers, agents, accountants, you know, business managers that I kind of went, oh, really, I mean they were saying like, don't buy this house, or don't do this job, or don't you know like they sold. My agents told me don't audition for the West Wing and because you two big an actor to have to audition. And it was like I just learned after a few kind of like bad advice situations from people who should know better, that follow your gut. You know, just follow your gut. It's not going to hurt anything. You know. It's there's false pride about oh I'm too big to audition. I you know, that's crazy. Just you know, if you love doing what you do, do it in an audition. Who cares, you know, or just get out there and and do you and practice your craft.

Well, I mean comically, Jackie Gleason said to me. He said, always over tip, always over tip, because first off, they're probably an actor. I mean he's thinking of New York or LA and they're always an actor and they need the help. So give me in there and give them a break. And you're lucky and you're working and give them a break. But he said, second, if you don't overtip, and they know who you are, they're gonna say you're a cheap prick, and then you know they're gonna get a bad rep. So always overtip. I thought that was funny. But the other thing I think is listen to your gut. Because I got advice from managers, agents, accountants, you know, business managers that I kind of went, oh, really, I mean they were saying like, don't buy this house, or don't do this job, or don't you know like they sold. My agents told me don't audition for the West Wing and because you two big an actor to have to audition. And it was like I just learned after a few kind of like bad advice situations from people who should know better, that follow your gut. You know, just follow your gut. It's not going to hurt anything. You know. It's there's false pride about oh I'm too big to audition. I you know, that's crazy. Just you know, if you love doing what you do, do it in an audition. Who cares, you know, or just get out there and and do you and practice your craft.

That's another one as well. West Wing. I watched that from first episode until that finale and yes, coming out as VP, that was you know what that was one of if I go there, there's some kind of mix in that character that's in between Animal House and in between Doc Mullins. There's just a sharp, clean, just the right guy. That was something about damn man, it's six sixty plus years how great of a compliment. I'm Animal House was a movie I remember as a kid, in a movie I loved. Coming up. My daughter is twelve years old and she knows who you are because she knows Freak House from Jumanji. Yes, but to think that that kind of career can take place, that my childhood and my child's childhood has been impacted by your work, man, all I can say is congratulations on that.

That's another one as well. West Wing. I watched that from first episode until that finale and yes, coming out as VP, that was you know what that was one of if I go there, there's some kind of mix in that character that's in between Animal House and in between Doc Mullins. There's just a sharp, clean, just the right guy. That was something about damn man, it's six sixty plus years how great of a compliment. I'm Animal House was a movie I remember as a kid, in a movie I loved. Coming up. My daughter is twelve years old and she knows who you are because she knows Freak House from Jumanji. Yes, but to think that that kind of career can take place, that my childhood and my child's childhood has been impacted by your work, man, all I can say is congratulations on that.

Thanks so much, Thanks so and shout out to your twelve year old daughter. She's old enough to see Animal House. Not too but many people come up to me and say, mostly boys, who say my dad showed me Animal House when I was nine or ten or twelve, and he said, don't tell mom. But it's so many and you know, it's it's not that it's an R rated film, but I think because of situational certain things, but most of them just goes right over the head of a child and then get the slapstick comedy, they get the balushi, they get you know, they get all that humor. Granted that some of it is dated if you look at it. I looked at it recently, and you know, it's sexists, certainly, and but the Lampoon, the way the Lampoon got away with it's sexism and racism. And oh and I'll tell you a funny story about the racism and animal house. The is by They say, you know, we shot in nineteen seventy seven. It came out in seventy eight, but what it was said in nineteen sixty two. So basically what the Lampoon would say is, we know this is racist and this is sexist, but we're not that way now. This was back then. See well that's the way it used to be. And then they'd make fun of it. But the the you know, we had this band called Otis Day and the Knights at the frat party, at our toga party.

Thanks so much, Thanks so and shout out to your twelve year old daughter. She's old enough to see Animal House. Not too but many people come up to me and say, mostly boys, who say my dad showed me Animal House when I was nine or ten or twelve, and he said, don't tell mom. But it's so many and you know, it's it's not that it's an R rated film, but I think because of situational certain things, but most of them just goes right over the head of a child and then get the slapstick comedy, they get the balushi, they get you know, they get all that humor. Granted that some of it is dated if you look at it. I looked at it recently, and you know, it's sexists, certainly, and but the Lampoon, the way the Lampoon got away with it's sexism and racism. And oh and I'll tell you a funny story about the racism and animal house. The is by They say, you know, we shot in nineteen seventy seven. It came out in seventy eight, but what it was said in nineteen sixty two. So basically what the Lampoon would say is, we know this is racist and this is sexist, but we're not that way now. This was back then. See well that's the way it used to be. And then they'd make fun of it. But the the you know, we had this band called Otis Day and the Knights at the frat party, at our toga party.

Playing you want to shout yes.

Playing you want to shout yes.

You know, and and Boone thought that he was so cool and he wanted you know, he thought these guys loved him because he loved their music. And so we go to this nightclub which is an all black nightclub and all these privileged young white kids walk in and think, oh my gosh, these guys. You know, he says, oh this day they love us. And we walk in and we look around and go, we're gonna die. You know, this is not we are not we don't belong here. And when the studio head saw that that scene in the movie, he said, there's going to be rioting. The black audience will riot and tear these these movies apart. The movie shows apart, theaters apart. So we got to cut this. And what they did was some of the junior executives, Richard Pryor, the great great black comedian, was under contracted Universe all at the time, and they can They asked, Richard, would you look at this and say if this is offensive? Do you find this sequence offensive? And Richard Pryor came into the head of the studio and goes, you know, white people are crazy. That's a funny scene. Lead that in the movie. That's a funny scene. You know, yes, yes, it's it's a bit racist, but that's funny, you know, because you're making fun of the white people too, so it's like it's okay, and its stayed in and it's a very funny sequence, you know so, but thank you Richard pryor God bless them, Tim.

You know, and and Boone thought that he was so cool and he wanted you know, he thought these guys loved him because he loved their music. And so we go to this nightclub which is an all black nightclub and all these privileged young white kids walk in and think, oh my gosh, these guys. You know, he says, oh this day they love us. And we walk in and we look around and go, we're gonna die. You know, this is not we are not we don't belong here. And when the studio head saw that that scene in the movie, he said, there's going to be rioting. The black audience will riot and tear these these movies apart. The movie shows apart, theaters apart. So we got to cut this. And what they did was some of the junior executives, Richard Pryor, the great great black comedian, was under contracted Universe all at the time, and they can They asked, Richard, would you look at this and say if this is offensive? Do you find this sequence offensive? And Richard Pryor came into the head of the studio and goes, you know, white people are crazy. That's a funny scene. Lead that in the movie. That's a funny scene. You know, yes, yes, it's it's a bit racist, but that's funny, you know, because you're making fun of the white people too, so it's like it's okay, and its stayed in and it's a very funny sequence, you know so, but thank you Richard pryor God bless them, Tim.

You still see that happening in comedy today, that that sequence you talk about. They were so afraid to offend that they didn't want to be funny, right? Is that still a balance? We're trying to find how we gotten better about it worse about it? Because I know some comedians have really taken a lot of heat for some things they've said on stage.

You still see that happening in comedy today, that that sequence you talk about. They were so afraid to offend that they didn't want to be funny, right? Is that still a balance? We're trying to find how we gotten better about it worse about it? Because I know some comedians have really taken a lot of heat for some things they've said on stage.

I think you have to be really aware of what is being said and what and be sensitive to how you know, is it a stereot typical, ethnic, or sexist or racist comment about a culture, or is it something that is that everyone will enjoy. There's I just found Iglesias. I think it's a Roberto Iglesias, Gambiel Iglesias. Do you know a guy named Fluffy Kingmedian Canadian. I was just God rest his soul. My my my wife's father in law just passed and he was He's a Jewish Mexican and his brothers were at the at the at the house. Uh you know, they sit shiva for seven days and every day people go over and visit the family and and commiserate with them about their loss. And and the two brothers were from Mexico and there and they were was and and because I loved Isaac who passed away, I was just I love these men because they were so much like Isaac. And I felt like I was with Isaac. And they said, oh, do you know Fluffy? And I said, Fluffy, I don't know what's fluffy. They pulled out their phone and they played a couple They played Fluffy talking about how do you know different Latinos from each other? Cubans are this way, you know, he said, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans and Dominicans, you know, and you can offend each of them differently if you call them the other thing. You know, if you call them Mexican Cuban, it's not gonna you know. So but he's very funny and he can because he is Latino. He can make fun of the Latino culture. I don't think I could do that. I can't speak from his point of view. So I think that, you know, I can make fun of like white people, you know, I get like, you know that way. I can read different cultures with Catholic and Jewish and whatever I can. I can have fun with that, but I think I have to stay in my lane. I can't. I wouldn't true into anyone else's culture or or because I'd be afraid that I don't know enough.

I think you have to be really aware of what is being said and what and be sensitive to how you know, is it a stereot typical, ethnic, or sexist or racist comment about a culture, or is it something that is that everyone will enjoy. There's I just found Iglesias. I think it's a Roberto Iglesias, Gambiel Iglesias. Do you know a guy named Fluffy Kingmedian Canadian. I was just God rest his soul. My my my wife's father in law just passed and he was He's a Jewish Mexican and his brothers were at the at the at the house. Uh you know, they sit shiva for seven days and every day people go over and visit the family and and commiserate with them about their loss. And and the two brothers were from Mexico and there and they were was and and because I loved Isaac who passed away, I was just I love these men because they were so much like Isaac. And I felt like I was with Isaac. And they said, oh, do you know Fluffy? And I said, Fluffy, I don't know what's fluffy. They pulled out their phone and they played a couple They played Fluffy talking about how do you know different Latinos from each other? Cubans are this way, you know, he said, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans and Dominicans, you know, and you can offend each of them differently if you call them the other thing. You know, if you call them Mexican Cuban, it's not gonna you know. So but he's very funny and he can because he is Latino. He can make fun of the Latino culture. I don't think I could do that. I can't speak from his point of view. So I think that, you know, I can make fun of like white people, you know, I get like, you know that way. I can read different cultures with Catholic and Jewish and whatever I can. I can have fun with that, but I think I have to stay in my lane. I can't. I wouldn't true into anyone else's culture or or because I'd be afraid that I don't know enough.

No, I think that's such a good point. We, you know, as an interracial couple, have this conversation all the time.

No, I think that's such a good point. We, you know, as an interracial couple, have this conversation all the time.

What can I say?

What can I say?

What can he say? What can I laugh at you? You know, it's just it's it's a it's a constant conversation, even between two people who love each other.

What can he say? What can I laugh at you? You know, it's just it's it's a it's a constant conversation, even between two people who love each other.

And Tim, I have to tell all the time, you can say that joke at home? Do not say that?

And Tim, I have to tell all the time, you can say that joke at home? Do not say that?

Right?

Right?

Nobody's fascinating.

Nobody's fascinating.

That's so I'll say him, I'll say, can I laugh at that? Like as a white person? Am I allowed to laugh at that? Like? I don't even know if I can laugh. It's it's one of those uncomfortable things, but comedy unites or it can divide.

That's so I'll say him, I'll say, can I laugh at that? Like as a white person? Am I allowed to laugh at that? Like? I don't even know if I can laugh. It's it's one of those uncomfortable things, but comedy unites or it can divide.

You're at the center and the locust of really what's happening in our country? And in terms of just that kind of you know, I don't even call it woke, you know, it's just what can be said, what's funny? I mean, you look old movies, and you see them making fun of different ethnicities. You know. There was a guy named Stepan Vetchett that was a black actor star in minor roles back in the thirties and forties, you know, and because he played a cliched version of a subservient black character. And and that's not okay, you know. And and there were other ethnicities that were made fun of, and and and with women too, and certainly gay characters were always made fun of. And but it's you know, in an animal house, I think there were a couple of there was a couple of lines right at the beginning, you know, she's the two guys, you know, Flounder and Pinto come into the party at the Delta House and say and they said, where's Otter and and they said, oh, he's upstairs with Boone and and then she looks at him and says, oh, a couple of well known homosexuals, you know. And those jokes just don't work today, you know. I mean, but so there is some stuff that crosses a line. And the Lampoon was well known for doing that. And it was a cliche joke at the time that guy has said to each other, you know, but we just can't do that anymore. I think, you know, because we've been educated, not because it is certainly as offensive, but it's offensive to a whole culture of people that have been disparaged for for a long long time and finally have found the pride of their freedom to be who they want to be.

You're at the center and the locust of really what's happening in our country? And in terms of just that kind of you know, I don't even call it woke, you know, it's just what can be said, what's funny? I mean, you look old movies, and you see them making fun of different ethnicities. You know. There was a guy named Stepan Vetchett that was a black actor star in minor roles back in the thirties and forties, you know, and because he played a cliched version of a subservient black character. And and that's not okay, you know. And and there were other ethnicities that were made fun of, and and and with women too, and certainly gay characters were always made fun of. And but it's you know, in an animal house, I think there were a couple of there was a couple of lines right at the beginning, you know, she's the two guys, you know, Flounder and Pinto come into the party at the Delta House and say and they said, where's Otter and and they said, oh, he's upstairs with Boone and and then she looks at him and says, oh, a couple of well known homosexuals, you know. And those jokes just don't work today, you know. I mean, but so there is some stuff that crosses a line. And the Lampoon was well known for doing that. And it was a cliche joke at the time that guy has said to each other, you know, but we just can't do that anymore. I think, you know, because we've been educated, not because it is certainly as offensive, but it's offensive to a whole culture of people that have been disparaged for for a long long time and finally have found the pride of their freedom to be who they want to be.

I mean, it's shocking if you go back and look at even movies in the eighties where that you know, and my daughters will watch you go, Mom, you guys watched this, and it is amazing how far we've come. But comedy has had to I mean, just march on a very very fragile line, you know, and sometimes people cross it, but.

I mean, it's shocking if you go back and look at even movies in the eighties where that you know, and my daughters will watch you go, Mom, you guys watched this, and it is amazing how far we've come. But comedy has had to I mean, just march on a very very fragile line, you know, and sometimes people cross it, but.

It's okay to you know, it's great when you see it because now we can define it and you can say, look, that's how people used to think about us. That's how people used to relate to black or Italian or Latino or you know or whatever, or homosexual or whatever. And they are making fun of us. They're not laughing with us, and they're making fun of us and that's not okay. And I think from those old, those old movies, we can see that and realize that, Okay, we've learned we've grown and you know, things have changed.

It's okay to you know, it's great when you see it because now we can define it and you can say, look, that's how people used to think about us. That's how people used to relate to black or Italian or Latino or you know or whatever, or homosexual or whatever. And they are making fun of us. They're not laughing with us, and they're making fun of us and that's not okay. And I think from those old, those old movies, we can see that and realize that, Okay, we've learned we've grown and you know, things have changed.

That's I was not expecting to have that conversation, but it's been fascinating if you we actually knew though, you have that brilliant mind and this book is so incredible, so I cannot wait to dive into it. I also cannot wait for season seven. I know you guys haven't started shooting yet, but do you have Do you get to look at the scripts ahead of time? Do you know any of the plot lines that are coming up? I know it was a cliffhanger at the end, and I won't give it away if folks haven't caught up yet finished streaming it yet.

That's I was not expecting to have that conversation, but it's been fascinating if you we actually knew though, you have that brilliant mind and this book is so incredible, so I cannot wait to dive into it. I also cannot wait for season seven. I know you guys haven't started shooting yet, but do you have Do you get to look at the scripts ahead of time? Do you know any of the plot lines that are coming up? I know it was a cliffhanger at the end, and I won't give it away if folks haven't caught up yet finished streaming it yet.

You got up to do when you're out running TJ.

You got up to do when you're out running TJ.

Is there anything you know about or can tease ahead for season seven Virgin River?

Is there anything you know about or can tease ahead for season seven Virgin River?

Well, we've seen I think the first four shows so far, and what we know is that, you know, my medical practice has been challenged by the the hospital, uh and in a neighboring town, and my my things that I did to save a man's life are being questioned. So there's a conflict in my life. And there's you know, Charmaine I think is missing and.

Well, we've seen I think the first four shows so far, and what we know is that, you know, my medical practice has been challenged by the the hospital, uh and in a neighboring town, and my my things that I did to save a man's life are being questioned. So there's a conflict in my life. And there's you know, Charmaine I think is missing and.

Miss We don't know if the babies are in the nursery.

Miss We don't know if the babies are in the nursery.

Yes, we don't, you know. And and uh, I think that Mel and Jack are hoping to adopt a baby, you know, yeah, and so I think those things are going to continue.

Yes, we don't, you know. And and uh, I think that Mel and Jack are hoping to adopt a baby, you know, yeah, and so I think those things are going to continue.

On all right, very so it's going to pick up right where you left off.

On all right, very so it's going to pick up right where you left off.

Yeah, you will tell me the four fans of the show, what is the question? You're a fan, you want to know what? Like, what is the thing that's burning everybody to know starting this up?

Yeah, you will tell me the four fans of the show, what is the question? You're a fan, you want to know what? Like, what is the thing that's burning everybody to know starting this up?

Well, this coming season, everyone wants to know what happened to Charmaine, what happened to her babies? And our Jack and Mel at risk as well, because there's some evil guy out there.

Well, this coming season, everyone wants to know what happened to Charmaine, what happened to her babies? And our Jack and Mel at risk as well, because there's some evil guy out there.

Who tim you know, the answer to any of those questions, no, if you did was even admitted.

Who tim you know, the answer to any of those questions, no, if you did was even admitted.

We only get to we get I've seen four scripts and that's the first basically two blocks that we shoot. But we get it piecemealed to us. You know, I know sort of the journey is going to be about this and about that, and my character is gonna go. But I don't know the end result. I don't know where it's going to end.

We only get to we get I've seen four scripts and that's the first basically two blocks that we shoot. But we get it piecemealed to us. You know, I know sort of the journey is going to be about this and about that, and my character is gonna go. But I don't know the end result. I don't know where it's going to end.

Or dude, his medical licensees, medical practices all hanging in the balance, which is the heart. We don't know where Charminge is, but she had The father of her babies is not a good guy, and he was upset that he didn't have access to his kids and was threatening everybody and missing. She didn't show up for Mel and Jack's wedding where she was supposed to do Mell's hair.

Or dude, his medical licensees, medical practices all hanging in the balance, which is the heart. We don't know where Charminge is, but she had The father of her babies is not a good guy, and he was upset that he didn't have access to his kids and was threatening everybody and missing. She didn't show up for Mel and Jack's wedding where she was supposed to do Mell's hair.

Watch the show. I know she.

Watch the show. I know she.

Did off or she didn't, We don't know.

Did off or she didn't, We don't know.

She just didn't show up to Mel's place to do her hair for her wedding. How long she was missing right now at the end of it was like about twenty four hours.

She just didn't show up to Mel's place to do her hair for her wedding. How long she was missing right now at the end of it was like about twenty four hours.

Oh okay, she's not answering her phone. She's not.

Oh okay, she's not answering her phone. She's not.

No, one knows, no but no. But there's like a guy after her who, yes, who has threatened her?

No, one knows, no but no. But there's like a guy after her who, yes, who has threatened her?

Uh? Where do you?

Uh? Where do you?

Where do you actually shoot this? And Virgin River? That's not a real place, is it. I need to do my research, but I just.

Where do you actually shoot this? And Virgin River? That's not a real place, is it. I need to do my research, but I just.

Know it's a place in our hearts, in our minds. It's u We shoot it in Vancouver, British Columbia. It's proposed to be in northern California, in Humboldt County or near Humboldt County. Yes, but it's and I think some of it's shot there in terms of like drone shots of that area we use. But yeah, we're we're we're in Vancouver, British Columbia, which is extremely beautiful and it's it's a sort of an extension of northern California. That's where we place it.

Know it's a place in our hearts, in our minds. It's u We shoot it in Vancouver, British Columbia. It's proposed to be in northern California, in Humboldt County or near Humboldt County. Yes, but it's and I think some of it's shot there in terms of like drone shots of that area we use. But yeah, we're we're we're in Vancouver, British Columbia, which is extremely beautiful and it's it's a sort of an extension of northern California. That's where we place it.