Dirk Benedict (The A-Team)

Dirk Benedict (The A-Team)

Author: Ian Fermaglich February 14, 2026 Duration: 1:31:47

Dirk Benedict joined me to discuss Montana v. Montauk; not having a TV in Montana until 1956 and not watching one until college; lived out in ranch houses; now only watches old movies and English football; Steven Spielberg could not believe the number of movies he hadn't seen; movies are just pictures, not like early dialogue based films; having same acting teacher as Sir Anthony Hopkins; Whitman College; not having a plan; not having a phone in Montana during Battlestar Galactica, agent had to call a bar six miles away to get him; Kate Jackson; wanting to make the film version of A River Runs Through It; house-sitting for Anthony Hopkins in 1971; Aaron Spelling offered him guest spots on Charlies Angels; Diana Rigg wanted all male heterosexual Broadway cast; met friend Keith Michelle, who taught him about macrobiotics; playing Gloria Swanson's blind son in Butterflies are Free; living with her and having dinner with Greta Garbo; learning dirt on Joe Kennedy; befriending Maya Angelou on a set in Sweden; co-starring with Strother Martin in SSSSSST; getting job because of death of Brandon deWilde and producer Richard Zanuck seeing him in a Hawaii 5-O; Jim MacArthur; wore most makeup ever up to that point in SSSSSST; Robert Blake hangs out with him and Strother; Strother and him listen to Mozart; befriending George Roy Hill; playing George's piano; palm reader accurately predicts his life; befriending Fred Astaire; co-starring with Twiggy in W; Chopper One; dating Lucie Arnaz while costarring in Lil Abner; being a conservative in liberal Hollywood; never wanting to be an actor; being dared to try out for school play and getting the lead; stage acting is sex and camera acting in masturbation; his Kamikaze Cowboy Kitchen; his twin granddaughters; living in Europe for 4 years; his macrobiotic book saved lives but were burned on orders from AMA; Marie Osmond's parents put a stop to a potential romance because he wasn't Mormon; diet drugs; impotence; was considered funny after he got out of his house; Markie Post; cast of A-Team were considered misogynists but every female guest stars loved them; NBC hated A-Team; dedicating his book to people who died of cancer; being fat is worse than smoking; people who think others who are successful are just lucky; trying to help Gilda Radner & Jill Ireland beat cancer; no for sugar takes 8 years; Merv Griffin loved him for his honesty


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when someone who's been on both sides of the microphone gets to ask the questions. Ian Talks Comedy is exactly that: a series of relaxed, insightful dialogues hosted by Ian Fermaglich, who brings his own perspective as a former stand-up comedian and a current New York City teacher into every chat. Instead of standard interviews, these feel more like catching up backstage with a friend who happens to have incredible stories. Each episode features Ian in conversation with some of the most skilled and interesting voices from across the comedy world. You'll hear about the craft behind the laughs, the unexpected lessons from life on stage, and the personal journeys that shape a comedic voice. The tone is warm, curious, and devoid of pretension, focusing on the human experience within the performing arts. For anyone who appreciates the artistry behind a great joke or the real-life observations that fuel humor, this podcast offers a genuine and engaging listen. It’s about the process, the missteps, and the moments of connection that make comedy such a vital part of our culture.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Ian Talks Comedy
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