Key Takeaways

  • Will Forte’s career trajectory, from early odd jobs to SNL and his current Netflix show ‘The Four Seasons,’ highlights his unique comedic voice and work ethic.
  • Forte’s comedic influences include Steve Martin, Peter Sellers, and SNL itself, shaping his distinctive style.
  • The podcast delves into Forte’s memorable SNL audition, particularly his ‘gold man’ character, and his journey to securing a spot on the show.
  • Forte’s personal life, including his family and his daughters, provides a heartwarming contrast to his comedic persona, with anecdotes about his fatherhood and his daughters’ funny moments.
  • The conversation touches on the evolution of comedy and the importance of learning from past mistakes, referencing the show ‘The Four Seasons’ and Forte’s own experiences.

Segments

Working with Tina Fey and Forte’s Work Ethic (~00:05:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Tina Fey praises Will Forte’s ease of collaboration and his exceptional work ethic, noting his dedication to achieving 20,000 steps daily.
  • Summary: Tina Fey joins the podcast to discuss her experience working with Will Forte on “The Four Seasons.” She emphasizes their comfortable dynamic, stemming from their SNL days, and highlights Forte’s incredible dedication and hard work, even to the point of extreme daily step counts.
Forte’s Diverse Past Jobs and Comedy Influences (~00:15:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Forte’s varied past jobs and his influences, such as Steve Martin and Peter Sellers, have shaped his unique comedic perspective.
  • Summary: The hosts explore Forte’s history of unconventional jobs and ponder what he might have become if not for comedy. They also discuss his key comedic influences, including Steve Martin, Peter Sellers, and SNL itself.
Memorable SNL Audition and Characters (~00:25:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Forte’s SNL audition was legendary, featuring characters like the ‘gold man’ (later referred to as silver), which showcased his unique and daring comedic style.
  • Summary: The conversation revisits Will Forte’s SNL audition, focusing on his performance of the ‘gold man’ character, a singing, frozen statue. Despite the audacious nature of the sketch, it was a key factor in him getting hired.
Career Path and SNL Tenure (~00:40:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Forte’s journey to SNL involved turning down a secure job at ‘70 Show’ and a period of uncertainty about his contract, ultimately leading to a more relaxed approach to his craft.
  • Summary: Forte recounts his decision to audition for SNL while under contract for ‘70 Show’ and the subsequent anxiety of not knowing if he would be picked up for another season. He discusses how this experience, and feedback from Lorne Michaels, helped him gain confidence and ownership over his work.
Forte’s Family Life and Daughter’s Antics (~01:05:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Forte’s daughters are a source of great joy and humor, with a particular anecdote about his youngest daughter’s reaction to ice cream and brain freeze.
  • Summary: The podcast shifts to Forte’s personal life, focusing on his two daughters. A heartwarming and funny story is shared about his daughter’s experience with ice cream and shivering, highlighting the simple joys and humor found in everyday family moments.
Favorite Sketches and ‘Jar of Beer’ (~01:20:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The sketch ‘Jar of Beer’ (also known as ‘Glass Jar’) is a fan favorite, showcasing Forte’s ability to create absurd and memorable comedic scenarios.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss Will Forte’s most beloved sketches, with a special focus on ‘Jar of Beer,’ a surreal song-based sketch featuring toddlers, spaceships, and model tea cars. Forte explains the origin of the sketch and its evolution from existing songs to original music.
Reflections on Comedy and ‘The Four Seasons’ (~01:30:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Forte reflects on his experience working on ‘The Four Seasons’ with Tina Fey, appreciating the collaborative environment and the quality of the writing.
  • Summary: Forte expresses his gratitude for working with Tina Fey on ‘The Four Seasons,’ calling it a professional thrill and a special personal experience. He praises the writing and the collaborative atmosphere, emphasizing the bond formed with Fey and her family.
Closing Remarks and Media Recommendations (~01:40:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode concludes with recommendations for the documentary ‘King of Kong’ and Forte’s show ‘The Four Seasons,’ encouraging listeners to check them out.
  • Summary: The podcast wraps up with a mention of the documentary ‘King of Kong’ as a recommendation related to Forte’s Donkey Kong score. The hosts also encourage listeners to watch ‘The Four Seasons’ and tune into future episodes of ‘Good Hang.’