Movies

When Richard Kind isn’t sidekicking on ‘Everybody’s Live,’ he’s at these L.A. spots

BBG News

Richard Kind is visibly uneasy.

The 68-year-old actor and humorist has built a versatile career, appearing in almost 300 roles across various productions. His performances in supporting roles have been skillfully crafted to leave lasting impressions, making him a familiar yet memorable figure on screen. From his role as the quirky Paul Lassiter in “Spin City,” to his portrayal of Larry’s offbeat cousin Andy in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” an eccentric neighbor with vision problems in “Only Murders in the Building,” the husband of a mob boss who loves Stephen Sondheim in “Poker Face” and many more, he consistently delivers captivating performances.

Currently, John Mulaney’s talk show reign on Netflix is flourishing, and his sidekick, Kind, has gained additional popularity. Kind serves as a quirky counterpart to Ed McMahon, consistently egging on and laughing at Mulaney and the rest of the crew’s antics. This relationship started with the unconventional project, “Everybody’s in L.A.”, last year, and has continued this year with “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney”, a casual, sometimes absurd talk show that thrives on its laid-back vibe – where else can you find a host hosting an entire show blindfolded?

The 12-week series ended on Wednesday, offering the quirky and puzzling humor typical of Mulaney, as he took on three teenage boys who were 14 years old.

This explains why Kind appears to be going through a gentle mid-morning decline when we encounter each other a fortnight before the fight.

He needs to be working out, mutters Kind, clearly distressed as he shakes his head and nibbles on a handful of bananas and peanut butter. “I’m absolutely terrified about that fight,” he says, expressing his anxiety. “Indeed, I’m quite anxious. I can’t help but worry.

His mind keeps coming back to the idea: “It feels genuine because I was raised watching Andy Kaufman’s wrestling acts with women,” he admits, recalling the famous stunt performed by the late comedian during his live shows and a 1979 episode of “Saturday Night Live.” “Adolescence brings a level of strength that pre-adolescence lacks. And since the original concept was ‘100 men versus a gorilla’… well, pre-adolescent strength against John is one thing, but teenagers? I’m not sure. I’m not ready for this. If they ask me to referee, I think I might pass out.

Unwinding, it’s apparent that Kind, who kick-started his comedic journey with offbeat humor as part of Chicago’s Second City, thrives on the surprising humor offered by “Everybody’s Live”. He found himself embroiled in a skit due to a fictional brain injury, leading him to portray KISS frontman Gene Simmons, complete with a wild, black wig and sunglasses, often flashing the iconic rock ‘n’ roll devil-horns sign. Another episode saw him mocking former NFL coach Bill Belichick’s viral CBS Sunday Morning interview, donning a worn pullover sweatshirt in imitation. He claims there’s minimal preparation required. To underscore this, he readily pulls out his phone to reveal the Tuesday morning text detailing the next day’s episode, marking his first glimpse into what lay ahead.

I tease John by saying I enjoy this program, but not during Wednesdays from 7 to 8 PM, as that’s when it transitions into actuality,” he notes.

Television

John Mulaney’s newest Netflix venture is a live late-night show, running for just six nights, that highlights unique aspects of Los Angeles, including its people, locations, and items of interest.

He’s juggling his time between the two coasts due to a returning role in the next season of “Only Murders in the Building,” which films in New York, starting from March. However, he confesses that he harbors a complex romantic feeling towards Los Angeles: “As a New Yorker, it’s like the rivalry between the Lakers and Knicks – there’s an inherent dislike. Yet, there are aspects of LA that I appreciate, particularly my friends and the work opportunities. Unfortunately, the work opportunities in LA have dwindled.

Of course! Despite his frequent work schedule at Sunset Gower Studios, we were curious to discover the iconic L.A. places that the actor often visits when he’s not working on “Everybody’s Live” and holds dear or finds significant.

However, to converse with Kind, you should be ready for the discussion to take its own course. He’s got a wealth of tales to share.

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1. Scene featuring Natasha Lyonne and Richard Kind on Season 2 of “Poker Face” on Peacock .

2. Image showing Steve Martin, Eugene Levy, and Richard Kind in “Only Murders in the Building.” (Courtesy: Patrick Harbron/Disney)

In the same vein as his initial trip to Los Angeles as a teenager during a cross-country camping trip with companions – he borrowed a stranger’s surfboard in Malibu just to claim that he had surfed there – or the period when he resided in Hancock Park coinciding with “Spin City’s” broadcast, he was confronted by an armed robber outside his residence. He recounts, “I got out of a car, and a man approached me, asking if I had a cigarette. I turned around foolishly, laughed and replied that I had quit smoking for over a year.” The man then produced a gun. “I lowered my head and simply extended everything, stating, ‘It’s yours. Take whatever you want.'” And he did.

He claims that the development of his Los Angeles life story can be traced back to two individuals – Norman Lear and George Clooney, as well as two failed television shows.

At Second City, Kind was sent to L.A. for a sitcom pilot called “P.O.P.” in 1984, produced by Norman Lear. This series revolved around a con artist (Charles Durning) who lived with his estranged wife (Bea Arthur) and two grown sons. Kind remembers having a lengthy conversation with Lear about radio personality Don Imus and the limits of pushing boundaries. Since he was part of Second City and constantly in touch with the audience’s preferences, Kind was consulted by Lear for his insights. Unfortunately, the pilot didn’t succeed, but Kind managed to keep in touch with Lear and his family over the subsequent years.

A while later following the initial trial run, he appeared in a pilot for NBC titled “The Bennett Brothers”. This series centered around two unconventional brother duos sharing a roof. Originally, another young actor was meant to share the screen with him, but according to Kind, that actor was let go and replaced by George Clooney instead.

In a similar fashion, we quickly grew close during the filming process, which I believe can be problematic for couples working on a movie,” Kind suggests. “You’re collaborating intensely, and this can create a strong bond. However, it’s unclear whether this bond is genuine affection or simply compatibility – it could just be a shared goal to produce a quality product.

The pair had only five days to do the pilot, but their bond formed and has since remained.

We maintained our connection, and he often encouraged me to join him socializing with his friends, which I eventually did. That interaction led me to form a strong bond with him.

George functioned as my personal guide around Los Angeles, and he played a significant role in all the activities I engaged in during my stay there. We frequented the farmers market on 3rd Street regularly, and we often hit up bars together. The friends I still keep in touch with today are primarily from that group … [he pulls out his phone to show me] Look at this group chat! I’ve got 19 guys in here, including Clooney.

In time, he digs into the spots that play a role in his L.A. story.

Lakeside Golf Club

Our interview takes place at a private club located in Burbank. During his tenure on “Spin City,” which aired from 1996 to 2002, Kind became a member here.

As a passionate film enthusiast based in the bustling city of Second City, I found myself drawn towards the serene greens of golf courses during my downtime as an actor. Instead of idly waiting for casting calls or squandering my days on the links, I chose to immerse myself in the world of golf, finding solace and a unique form of relaxation in its rhythmic challenges.

In a slightly different phraseology: Ted Wass, who directed “Spin City”, was part of an exclusive group. Kind initially declined membership due to his impending parenthood. However, he later decided to join, stating, “I declared, ‘I’m going to join this club so everything becomes structured.’ I can predict the time it will take me to get from my home to the club, the duration of a golf game, and when I’ll be back home for my child.

I find myself utterly captivated by this spot, as if it’s a magnetic pull that keeps me rooted here. It’s not unusual for hours to slip away as I share tales and laughter with friends. I’d often indulge in just one glass of wine, but being out in the sun would leave me so relaxed that I’d end up dozing off on my children when I returned home. Unable to trust myself to leave this sanctuary for my family, I decided to uproot myself from my old life and relocate to New York. Now that all my kids are in college, I can visit here, enjoy a round of golf, and eagerly anticipate the comedic performances of John.

The Original Farmers Market

He’s part of a circle of entertainment personalities who regularly gather around what is known as the Mazursky table, named after the late filmmaker Paul Mazursky. This table has been a gathering spot for a small, regular group that includes actor Ronnie Schell and artist Charles Bragg since Mazursky’s time. The essence of this group still comes together today.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’d rather head to the local farmers market for a cup of joe than for a meal – unless it’s Charlie’s, where I might indulge a bit. There was this sandwich there, aptly named after Richard Kind, a classic tuna fish delight served on toasted whole wheat bread with a generous chunk of onion.

Larchmont Village

He wonders if I have a preferred sandwich in L.A., and I admit that while I’m not a connoisseur, I enjoy the selections at Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese, given its reputation. His eyes light up, and he exclaims it’s incredible, even claiming it’s the best sandwich in the country. He raves about the salami sandwich, saying it might be No. 3 or No. 4 on their menu, and shares that he’s brought some home to New York for his kids, who absolutely love them.

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This must be Larchmont

Effortless and straightforward, this community has a charming, small-town appeal reminiscent of Main Street, Anywhere, America.

Hollywood Improv

I distinctly recall attending that event as it was quite noteworthy – the night Drew Carey made his appearance on Carson’s show at The Improv. Everyone gathered to witness it, and when they turned on the TV, there he was, delivering an electrifying performance. I didn’t personally know him, but one could say that in the five minutes preceding, it was before Drew Carey gained fame, while in the next five minutes, he transformed into the well-known entertainer we all came to recognize. It was a truly special Hollywood moment, capturing the birth of a star.

Craig’s

As a devoted admirer, let me share an intriguing tidbit about some renowned American character actors who frequently get together. This exclusive group, affectionately known as the Character Actors Dining Society (CADS), consists of luminaries such as Kevin Bacon, Titus Welliver, Spencer Garrett, Laurence Fishburne, Alfred Molina, Michael McKean, Eric McCormack, Noah Wyle, and Jason Alexander, to name but a few. Craig’s, run by fellow member Craig Susser, is where they often dine, but they switch things up every now and then.

Before COVID-19, it seems Spencer, Titus, Laurence, and possibly Alfred used to dine at Musso & Frank’s and suggested they do so more frequently. Each one may have invited someone, leading to our current monthly or bi-monthly CADS meals, often held at Craig’s due to his close friendship with the group. It’s a terrific bunch of gentlemen. He then mentions he’ll check with them, taking out his phone to text the group about discussing further plans. The group has agreed to share this information, but specifics are still being worked out: “We plan on attempting to compile a book of stories, and the proceeds will go towards various charities. We’ve chosen four different charitable organizations.

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2025-05-28 21:01

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