Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter Season 3 Episode 1 Comedy Actors

In the first episode of the third season of Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter, the focus is on comedy actors. The show brings together some of the funniest actors in the industry to discuss their craft, their experiences, and the challenges of making people laugh.

The guests on this episode include Jim Carrey (Kidding), Don Cheadle (Black Monday), Ted Danson (The Good Place), Timothy Olyphant (Santa Clarita Diet), Sacha Baron Cohen (Who Is America?), and Henry Winkler (Barry). Each of these actors has made a name for themselves in comedy, and they each bring their unique perspectives and personalities to the table.

Throughout the episode, host Lacey Rose leads the conversation, asking the guests about everything from their earliest inspirations to their most memorable roles. She delves into the creative process of comedy, exploring what it takes to make people laugh and how these actors approach their craft.

One of the themes that emerges from the discussion is the idea of finding the truth in comedy. Many of the guests talk about how their funniest moments come from tapping into something real and honest about the world around them. Sacha Baron Cohen, for example, discusses how his characters often reveal hidden truths about society, even as they make people laugh. Jim Carrey also touches on this idea, explaining how comedy can be a powerful tool for shining a light on dark truths.

The guests also discuss the challenges of making comedy in today's world. Don Cheadle talks about the importance of staying relevant and finding new ways to make people laugh, especially in an era where people have so much access to entertainment. Timothy Olyphant talks about the importance of finding the right balance between humor and drama, and how too much comedy can actually detract from the emotional weight of a story.

Throughout the episode, the guests share stories from their careers, from the early days of struggling to make a name for themselves to the moments when they realized they had truly made it. Henry Winkler, for example, talks about the moment when he first heard people shouting "Heyyyyyy" at him on the street, a reference to his iconic role as The Fonz on Happy Days. Ted Danson shares stories about his long and varied career in television, including his recent turn as the lead in The Good Place.

Overall, the first episode of Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter season 3 is a fascinating and insightful look at the world of comedy acting. It brings together a group of talented and diverse actors, each with their own unique perspective on the challenges and joys of making people laugh. Whether you're a fan of these actors or just a casual viewer interested in the creative process of comedy, this episode has something for everyone.