Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane, the Tony Award-winning actor known for his unforgettable roles in The Producers and The Birdcage, joins Conan for an entertaining chat. They dive into the joys and chaos of performance, share hilarious backstage stories, and reminisce about the brilliant Tim Conway and Carol Burnett. Nathan also spills on honoring Linda Lavin in his new series and shares funny tales about his vertigo tests. The conversation weaves personal anecdotes with insights on friendship, creativity, and humor—leaving listeners both inspired and amused.

Nathan Lane, Puja Patel, Darryl "Cornbread" McCray, and Jeremy O. Harris are featured in this Thanksgiving edition.Sign up for Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Nathan Lane, Tony- and Emmy-winning actor known for his stage and screen work, discusses his role as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. He defends ballet and opera after a recent remark and reflects on why the play resonates globally. He also performs a live musical number, offering a humorous take on finding laughter in troubled times.

Nathan Lane, acclaimed stage and screen actor with multiple Tony and Emmy wins, shares career anecdotes and memories of working with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Robin Williams, and Joaquin Phoenix. He talks about choosing his stage name, creative friction on The Birdcage, collaborating with directors, and why Elaine May advised that the safest thing is to take a risk.

Nathan Lane, an acclaimed actor celebrated for his comedic brilliance, joins the conversation to share captivating stories from his illustrious career. He opens up about his collaborations with legends like Mike Nichols and Robin Williams, and reflects on the dynamics of friendship in comedy. Nathan discusses his emotional journey with his character in the upcoming Hulu series 'Mid-Century Modern', emphasizing the importance of taking risks in life and performance. The episode is a heartfelt blend of nostalgia, humor, and camaraderie.