Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade RE-RELEASE - Al Franken
Nov 29, 2025
Al Franken, a former SNL star turned U.S. Senator, shares hilarious and insightful anecdotes from his comedy career. He recalls crafting iconic sketches like the bleeding Julia Child bit and working with legends like John Belushi. The conversation dives into the challenges of edgy humor, political satire, and the thrill of live performances. Franken reminisces about collaboration in the writers' room and reflects on how the transition from comedy to politics shaped his voice. This episode is packed with laughter and a glimpse into the world of comedic genius.
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Take Improv To Build Sketch Tools
- Take improv classes early to develop spontaneous scene tools like object-based choices and timing.
- Al advises improv for any aspiring comedian to build skills you can't get from stand-up alone.
Handling John Belushi's Decline
- Al described confronting John Belushi when Belushi was drug-addled, calmly reading lines to him to get a usable performance.
- He never saw physical violence from Belushi, just an intimidating bearing and poor treatment of women writers.
Hey Jude, Tears, And Two Pair Of Jeans
- Paul McCartney played "Hey Jude" in rehearsal and moved Al Franken to tears, while Al later shoplifted two pairs of Gap jeans off the set.
- The Gap set even had security guarding clothes during the music rehearsal.
