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Deep Dive
Why did Bruce Vilanch decide to write a book about his worst TV shows?
He noticed that younger audiences were fascinated by the failures of shows like the Star Wars Holiday Special and the Brady Bunch Variety Hour, which they discovered on YouTube. He saw an opportunity to explain how these projects came to be and why they were so bad.
What is the title of Bruce Vilanch's new book?
The title of his book is 'It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time,' which chronicles his experiences writing some of the worst TV shows and movies in history.
How did Bruce Vilanch end up wearing red glasses?
He took the red glasses from Sally Jesse Raphael after she retired, as they were part of her iconic look. Vilanch adopted them as his own signature style.
What was the song Bruce Vilanch wrote for the Village People that was banned by the BBC?
The song was called 'Sex Over the Phone,' which became a hit in England despite being banned by the BBC. Vilanch believes it was a sex-positive message ahead of its time.
How did Bruce Vilanch first meet RuPaul?
He first met RuPaul during the filming of RuPaul's VH1 show. RuPaul recognized him from his brief appearance in Diana Ross's movie 'Mahogany,' which impressed Vilanch with his attention to detail.
What is the premise of Bruce Vilanch's new musical with Dolly Parton?
The musical, titled 'Here You Come Again,' is about a 40-year-old gay comic who, after the club he works at closes due to COVID, isolates in his parents' attic in Texas. There, he develops an imaginary relationship with Dolly Parton, who helps him find his way.
What was the most chaotic award show Bruce Vilanch has worked on?
Vilanch considers the Grammys to be the most chaotic due to the nature of working with musicians and the high-energy performances that often accompany the show.
How many Emmy Awards has Bruce Vilanch won for writing Oscar shows?
He has won two Emmy Awards for writing the Oscars, which confused his mother, who didn't understand why the Oscars would win Emmys.
What was the controversy surrounding Vanessa Williams when she was Miss America?
Vanessa Williams faced a scandal when nude photos of her were published, which led to her resignation as Miss America. The Miss America organization, which was very conservative at the time, couldn't handle the controversy, despite her being the first Black Miss America.
What was the experience like for Bruce Vilanch working on the Brady Bunch Variety Hour?
Working on the Brady Bunch Variety Hour was a chaotic experience, with the cast struggling to adapt to a variety show format. The show featured big production numbers, including a water ballet, and the cast members, particularly Robert Reed, found it difficult to adjust to the new format.
- Bruce Vilanch's red glasses originated from Sally Jessie Raphael.
- The challenges faced by beautiful women in comedy are discussed.
- Several successful comedic actresses are mentioned as examples.