Michele Lee

Michele Lee

Author: Ian Fermaglich January 10, 2026 Duration: 46:19

Michele Lee joined me to discuss her podcast Knot Done Yet and her co-hosts Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark; her father being a makeup artist in the arts; watching early TV including Ed Sullivan & Sid Caesar; being on stage since age 17; having two careers pre (Herbie the Love Bug) and post Knots Landing; being on Broadway in Vintage 60; her dad said not to audition for How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, she did and got the part; starring in The Comic with Dick Van Dyke and going to his 100th birthday party; Dick not understanding hate and still performing; a person's legacy; guesting on Laugh In, Love, American Style, The Love Boat, Hollywood Squares, Tattletales, and Alias Smith & Jones; loving Barry and being friends with Henry Winkler; Juie Harris; Knots Landing not intended to be a soap; her podcast not being political; realizing we're trying to form a More Perfect Union; Night of 100 Stars; seeing Hal Linden & Barbara Eden in Love Letters in their 90's; All Star Party for Joan Rivers; turning down Sinatra and their long friendship afterword


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
Podcast Episodes
Norman Stiles (head writer, Sesame Street / Fernwood Tonight) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:12
Norman Stiles and I discuss watching Howdy Doody and having a friend on Mr. Wizard; being a welfare worker and writing jokes for Allen & Rossi; writing for the Merv Griffin Show; getting into the Childrens Television Wor…
Adam I. Lapidus (Simpsons, Smart Guy, Suite Life, Jessie) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:12
Adam Lapidus joins me to talk about using his initial; being 6' 9"; Conan O'Brien; NYC real estate; his father being childhood friends with Dave Davis and then reconnecting; meeting James L. Brooks and being asked to be…
Joel Madison (Roseanne, Jackie Thomas Show, creator Malcolm & Eddie) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:07
Jay Madison joined me to discuss growing up in Madison, Wisconsin; watching superhero shows an d old movies; Al in the Family; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Fernwood 2Night; WC Fields; starting stand up in San Diego and…
Jerry Rannow (Room 222, Welcome Back Kotter, Head of the Class) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:11
Jerry Rannow discusses his love of old-time comedy and book about Mabel Normand; his comedy writer detective series; his first book on how to write for TV; growing up in Wisconsin in the 50's; meeting the head of Love Am…
Ray Stewart (Mr. Driscoll on Barney Miller, AES Hudson Street) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:07
Ray Stewart joined me to discuss his love of movies, especially the Road Pictures; seeing a real life movie star in person; acting as far back in first grade; his mother who wanted to be an actress but directed all the t…
George Beckerman (Head of the Class, Jackie Thomas Show, Molloy) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:54
George Beckerman joined me to talk about early TV, his first writing job, 1983's NBC Yummy Awards; Paul Winchell and Pinky Lee; growing up in Forest Hills; going to high school with Jerry Springer; going into the textile…