Mark Lonow Thinks You're A Horrible Wedding Singer

Classic Conversations

From theater to improv to eventually co-owning the legendary Improv Mark Lonow has had an amazing career full of incredible stories.

My guest, Mark Lonow and I discuss:

• Starring in the 70's disco classic, Thank God It's Friday with The Commodores, Donna Summer, and Lionel Richie.
• Working with Debrah Winger (Thank God It's Friday) while she was also waitressing for Mark at the legendary Improv.
• Mark's improv troupe, Off The Wall (which he started with his wife, JoAnne Astrow and Henry Winkler)
• Landing acting roles 24 hours after arriving in Hollywood that included Husbands, Wives and Lovers (written by Joan Rivers), Archie's Place, First & Ten, Moonlighting, and Fantasy Island
• Playing a club owner on Quantum Leap with comedian Bob Saget
• Almost being a regular on the Harvey Korman Show
• Landing his role in The Wedding Singer (getting a call from Adam Sandler)
• Helping (surrogate son) Michael Rapaport into the world of comedy
• Becoming Budd Friendman's partner in the Improv /brief history of the Improv
• Rodney Dangerfield and Milton Berle (great stories)
• Helping to lead the strike at The Comedy Store (we discuss Steve Lubetkin, who leaped to his death, if you need help please call 988. You are not alone, help is out there)
• and much more!

Note: Mark's partner Budd Friedman passed away after this interview was recorded. That is why there is no mention of it during the interview.

You're going to love my conversation with Mark Lonow

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Short history: The Improv comedy club was founded by Budd Friedman in 1963 in New York City. Friedman, a former talent agent, started the club as a place for comedians to perform and hone their skills. The Improv quickly became known as the birthplace of modern stand-up comedy and has been a key influence on the development of the art form. Friedman ran the club for many years and was instrumental in helping to launch the careers of many famous comedians, including Richard Pryor, Andy Kaufman, and Robin Williams. Today, The Improv has locations in several cities across the United States and continues to be a popular destination for comedy fans and aspiring comedians.

Hashtag Fun: Jeff dives into recent trends and reads some of his favorite tweets from trending hashtags. The hashtag featured in this episode is #WeddingSongOrBand from @MusicalHashtags. Tweets featured on the show are retweeted at @JeffDwoskinShow

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