Budd Friedman with Emerson College

Improv Comedy Club Founder


The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About
About this interview

In his one-hour interview for the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College, Budd Friedman talks about opening his comedy club, the Improv in New York City, and discovering Andy Kaufman. He recalls several luminaires who worked at his club, including Bette Midler, Milton Berle, Eddie Murphy, Steven Wright, and Chris Rock. He discusses what it takes for young comedians to make it as a stand-up comedian, and the challenge of finding wider audiences. Friedman describes what he feels is the then-current state of comedy, and speculates where it might go in the then-future. He concludes with one of his favorite jokes. Bill Dana and Jenni Matz conducted the interview on January 25, 2006 at the Improv on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, CA.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

“To make it as a comedian, you have to practice, practice, practice. Make sure you're ready, because if you get on here and fail, it's going to take a long time to get you back on the stage. Know what you're doing and be ready.”

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Highlights
Budd Friedman on comedians like Chris Rock crafting an act
03:28
Budd Friedman on giving Andy Kaufman his start
02:12
Budd Friedman on hiring Chris Albrecht, later of HBO, to run his club in New York City
02:21
Budd Friedman on Milton Berle performing at the Improv
02:36
Budd Friedman on the healing power of laughter
03:37
Budd Friedman on how comedy has evolved over the years, exemplified by Richard Pryor versus Eddie Murphy
02:02
Full Interview

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Chapter 1

On opening the Improv in New York City; on giving Andy Kaufman his start; on hiring Chris Albrecht, later of HBO, to run his club in New York City
On the beginnings of stand-up comedy with people like Lenny Bruce; on Milton Berle performing at the Improv; on how comedy has evolved over the years, exemplified by Richard Pryor versus Eddie Murphy
On dealing with the business aspect of show business; on finding managers for comedians; on how comedians have changed since he started
On comedians honing their craft, and on how various comics got their start; on comedians like Chris Rock crafting an act; on the importance of making contacts when a comedian is trying to make it, and on Steven Wright
On the healing power of laughter; on the then-future of comedy; on what makes him laugh
On trying to bring certain comedians to a wider audience; on answering the question, "Was it worth it?"
On what successful comedians have in common; on favorite jokes
Topics

Television Industry

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Budd Friedman on dealing with the business aspect of show business
02:42
Professions

Comedian

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Budd Friedman on advice to an aspiring comedian
00:21

Performers

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Budd Friedman on advice to an aspiring comedian
00:21
People

Chris Albrecht

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Budd Friedman on hiring Chris Albrecht, later of HBO, to run his club in New York City
02:21

Milton Berle

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Budd Friedman on Milton Berle performing at the Improv
02:36

Lenny Bruce

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Budd Friedman on the beginnings of stand-up comedy with people like Lenny Bruce
02:20

Andy Kaufman

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Budd Friedman on giving Andy Kaufman his start
02:12
Budd Friedman on George Shapiro managing Andy Kauffman
01:40

Bette Midler

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Budd Friedman on Bette Midler
01:24

Eddie Murphy

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Budd Friedman on how comedy has evolved over the years, exemplified by Richard Pryor versus Eddie Murphy
02:02

Richard Pryor

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Budd Friedman on how comedy has evolved over the years, exemplified by Richard Pryor versus Eddie Murphy
02:02

Chris Rock

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Budd Friedman on comedians like Chris Rock crafting an act
03:28

George Shapiro

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Budd Friedman on George Shapiro managing Andy Kauffman
01:40

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