Michelle Hurd: My Mother Taught Us to Lead With Love and Not With Fear transcript

That's a good you have a you have really good material >> sometimes. I I thought of some really good stories that I know you don't know and I I'll drop them on you sometime during this podcast. You know, another thing I was thinking this is very much like theater in a way in that for the audience and for the people watching us >> because you know when you do theater uh you know you rehearse and rehearsals are always exciting.

Uh, it's a really great period of of create creativity and you're finding things and it's really exciting and it's all gearing up to opening night and then you do opening night and it's like amazing and it's been an incredible experience and then the next day you got to come back and do it. You got to do it eight times that week and then eight times if it's a hit, eight times the next week and months and months and months. goes on and on and on.

And uh sometimes what happens is you get a a you know, you start to cave a little bit and start to lose interest in what you're doing because you're saying the same thing every night. >> Uh and then something happens later on where all of a sudden you start to find new things and it becomes exciting again and it's like your creative juices start to work again. And I'm thinking, you know, the people who are watching this show at some point are going to get really sick of us. >> Oh, I think it may have happened already. >> It might have.

Might be this moment. Uh but if you stick with us, >> you'll come back around. >> You come back around. There's going to be a point. >> It's like a joke. >> Exactly. >> It's like a runner in the way we dropped with the one we just did. Yeah. >> We brought that up six or seven times >> at least. >> And you used to say this, the first time it's going to be funny. That's what that tells you it's good. Maybe the maybe three.

Yeah. And then it's not funny for a while. >> No, it's not funny for a while. >> Sometime around 10, it gets really funny. >> Very, very good point. >> Yeah. So, hang in there with us. Drop in other days. >> Where the [music] whiskey flows and the laughings. Pull up a seat. Join the game of Brad and Johnny. [music] [singing] Michelle Herd IS IN THE HOUSE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. >> YEAH. >> OH, YES. OH, sit up straight. >> You know the name that you dropped with me that most impressed me? >> What?

Who? >> Alvin Haley. >> Don't say it. Oh, we're on. Oh, >> it's happening. It's happening right now. >> YOU GOT THIS. I DID. I ALREADY SAID the [ __ ] guest. It's Michelle. >> I wasn't listening. >> Oh my god. Michelle, should I say it? >> Michelle. Hi. Hi. How are we? >> I haven't seen you. Oh my god. What about Alvin Haley? Yeah. [laughter] You know what? Uh is he here? >> Alvin, get over here. >> That would be if he's here.

What's happening? That would be something. What has happened? >> That is an interesting uh [clears throat] >> aspect of your career. You you you were Alvin. >> No, my sister. My sister same as me. You know, just a couple steps to the side. because I had in my in my >> life one of my favorite pictures which I took from college to my apartments in New York >> was a picture of Judith Jameson that was just >> absolutely >> magnificico.

I was a So that thing when you mentioned anything that related to >> Well, my sister was original Judith Gon. Uh >> yes, she was she was she Yes. >> You know, that's so ironic because in college I had a picture of Michelle's sister [laughter] uh when she was with the >> That's right. But we don't talk about that. >> Yeah. It's >> Yeah. Um actually Divining, you know that piece? Yeah. >> Yeah. Was choreographed on my sister. >> No way. >> Mhm.

Let's give your sister some. >> I know, right? Um, yes. Adrienne Herd, or as she's known because she teaches Horton. Um, she's a master Horton teacher at Alias. Missurd. Miss. I have a friend who's studying at the Al. Oh, do you? Yeah. Young friend. I wonder if she's taking classes. >> Probably has. Wow. I got great used to teach the Horton method up at at Steps. Remember Steps? Absolutely. It's still there. >> That was my old uh girlfriend. >> Dr.

See the Horton method as well. [laughter] >> That I Nice. That was good. Yeah, >> you're on fire today. [laughter] >> You are on fire. >> You know, just for like three minutes and then it's you get it. >> I I got it. I got it. Michelle, yes. Given that this is the the the name of the show is of course called Dropping Names, and we just dropped a big name, but give us one just hits the sweet spot for you where you were like, "Oh my god, I can't believe I'm either working with or in this room with or sleeping with uh [laughter] well, I did meet my husband.

Garrett, that's a good name. Garrett Dillan." And I met him on in a play, >> circle in a square. Is that where you guys were? >> Yep. Uh it was did a little research on that [laughter] one. >> 900 Oniian, the play that we met in. >> Oh. >> Um, and it was kind of interesting because when I met him, I I thought he didn't like me and it was only because he was too shy and he couldn't talk to me and which is always so interesting how, you know, you perceive it. >> He does like you. >> I know.

And we and I was self-conscious. So, I didn't No, cuz you know how we're sort of, you know, we have our own sort of self um, you know, how we feel about ourselves. I wasn't confident at that. You know, how I felt. >> How was your self-confidence? Oh, >> pretty good. I've always thought your self-confidence was astounding. >> I think um well, >> as long as I've known you, >> I think it wasn't. I I'm confident in myself, in what I do.

I just um I never thought I had that kind of a um confidence with >> in the male female situation. I was just confident in myself. >> Are we going to take that as as a as the name of one? No. Your husband >> because I was coming to Garrett anyway. >> Yeah, we're gonna get there. We're looking for somebody else. Somebody you didn't marry. I mean, the elephant in the room is Patrick Stewart for me because that's a I mean, I'm, you know, that's a huge one.

That is a huge one. And >> don't call me elephant. [laughter] >> He would show a package. >> That was [laughter] a gold. It's always gold. >> Well, sometimes it's good and sometimes it's crap as [laughter] he would say. Uh, >> it's crap, Johnny. >> Patrick Stewart for you was a biggie, right? I mean, a really biggie cuz Star Trek was a big thing in my household because, you know, back in the day. >> Yeah. >> There wasn't a lot of um representation on television and I'm biracial.

You know, I grew up in a household of with a black father and a white mother and um back in the day when that wasn't really very popular and having >> um mixed children uh was um actually frowned upon and people sort of, you know, would my mother would walk down the street with these three, >> you know, beige children and people would say, "Oh, those are you uh babysitting kids?" Yeah. You know, >> um it was there was a lot of challenges that we had to deal with.

And my father, you know, basically would uh sit us down and watch Star Trek because he knew that I look up to her, you know, cuz she represent and and you know, it's important to say that she wasn't just a black woman on television, >> right? >> She was a strong woman who had purpose and >> the ship didn't run without her, [laughter] >> moved the story. Yeah. And I I I always say that I don't know if it I know that it was um something that imprinted in the three girls cuz there's three of us.

Um and it and just seeing her with strength and poise and grace and and sexuality and beauty um gave us this sort of permission to be kind of bold and brave and >> um present and take space take space in this world. And whether we realized it or not, just watching that cuz you know when you're young, when you're really young, those kind of moments imprint and make a a a real statement in your life and how you present yourself in the world.

And I really do I I think uh she made a a real big difference. Yeah. Big difference. >> You know, uh it is it is a fact even though this is not a Star Trek show. >> Yeah. Uh it is a Star Trek is a good thing and always has been and it's a it you know it's >> Whoopy's story is not dissimilar. >> Yeah. >> And and she gives Michelle incredible >> credit. I mean I don't know if it's apocryphal or if it's a true story that Michelle was going to leave the show. >> Yep. >> And Martin Luther King said you have an important responsibility >> which is what you just so eloquently expressed was what he was talking about.

I mean, it's it's so bizarre because after like when I started >> Wait a minute. Martin Luther King, >> first of all, Dr. King, Martin [laughter] Luther King, let's just that's that's a definitely that gets a double bell. Um, but even when I started doing commercials when I got out of college and I started doing commercials, >> I didn't realize that impact because I had, you know, my curly hair and uh there weren't a lot of people of women of color with curly hair on >> commercials.

Yes. because we all for some reason uh they like strictly >> they like the process. Yeah. Jesus. >> Yeah. I mean, I I did a TV series once where the first day I had my curly hair. >> Mhm. >> And uh and this was an offer, so they knew that they were getting Michelle Herd, which looks like this, >> right? >> And the I don't know, like the next day I got a call um from producers and you know, you get that call, you're like, "Oh boy, I guess I should pack up." And uh >> we're going to go in a different direction, >> you know.

Exactly. [laughter] And uh they said um you know, "Oh, Michelle, you know, we love you and we love your hair." And I knew I was like right there, right? But >> and my character was, you know, um the event planner to the stars. I had my own company or something. And [snorts] they said, "We've done some research," >> which I I I wish I had said, "What's Can I see that research?" >> Yeah. They said, "We've done some research and we found out that if you're a woman of color and you own your own business, you would only be taken seriously if you have straightened hair." >> Oh my god.

[laughter] >> And you know, I have no problem talking, but that moment >> You were speechless. >> Took my breath away. >> That breath away. >> Yeah. >> Because really all I The first said to your face. >> Well, it was on the phone, but yes, basically. >> But the first thing I thought of is that >> I'm a person. I'm Michelle Herd. I'm a person. >> Yeah. >> And this is how my hair comes out of my head. >> Yeah. >> So, does that mean >> that I'm not ever taken seriously? >> You're not taken seriously.

And what about how fabulous it looks? >> You know, people pay money for this. You know, >> I wish I had your hair, >> you know. >> I wish I had anyone's hair. [laughter] It's over. >> And again, you wonder it does beg the question, how exactly did you research that? I mean, >> this is what I want to know. >> What was the question you asked of whom to get to that conclusion? Everybody's saying >> every everybody [laughter] right all the people are saying >> all the people are saying >> and I think it's even deeper than that.

I mean it's that that is the thing is that probably the room that they asked that in there might have been one woman of color or two who felt the Sure. Or the need to say >> straight hair. [laughter] >> Yeah. You know. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I spent so much time and money getting my hair straightened. >> Exactly. Exactly. So you know >> how unfortunate. >> Yeah. But that's why I'm such a, you know, I I like wearing my hair curly.

And that's why I really wanted Rafie >> to have a huge unruly, you know, mane of curls because I wanted to say in 2400 in space, we still have curls. >> Yeah. And I remember season one with Rafie and uh >> and Bard out in front of the trailer having a picnic or what was it? Those early scenes were Yes. It was such great chemistry between the two characters. >> Yeah, absolutely. You know, well, we'll get to >> I would I had one more thing on the hair.

Okay. >> Yes, please. >> Season three of Bard. >> Yeah. >> You and the mighty Michael Dorne who's coming to see us later today. >> Oh, is he doing um Rafie and Warf had a great Did you ever watch the showard? >> No. Yeah. Great stuff. Especially [clears throat] this uh this arc, [laughter] the Rafy Warf was great because he had now become a pacifist and he was still had great power, but he >> this is Michael Dor playing that part. >> And Rafie was struggling with um drugs and alcohol or drugs or whatever her her thing was. >> Heard about that. >> And and uh she was late.

She was in bed. She was meant to be strung out and meant to look shitty. And I I had makeup come in and look I said I said, "You know the story? She's supposed to be [ __ ] burned out here. She's supposed to be >> [laughter] >> She hasn't slept. She's high. She Yeah. Okay. And then I looked at Dor. I said, "What am I going to do?" [laughter] He said, "You can't do anything, Frank. She is too fine." [laughter] I said, "No, we got to do something with her hair." And I said, "Can you put some oil or grease in her hair and make put some bags on her?" [laughter] Remember this? >> I do remember this. >> It turns out that Dory was right.

She was too fine to [laughter] look shitty. >> So kind. So you kept moment never forget. >> You kept it like just like the way it was. >> No, we did as we did what we could. >> But the fine was coming through. [laughter] >> So sweet. You to say that. >> Well, I we'll get to uh a little more on uh Star Trek Bard because uh I got to go to the back though. Don't you want to go back? >> I want to go back even further than before you were born. >> Um >> even before I was born for the beginning of time. >> In the beginning.

I'd like to ask about your parents. >> Yes, please. >> Who particularly uh they met doing a Broadway show. Is that correct? >> They met doing a a play, not a Broadway show. Yeah. What was the play? >> The A Detective Story. >> Oh, I know that. Detective Story. Oh, that's a good play. >> Yeah, I know. >> Lee Grant Oscar. Oh, uh, >> uh, Kurt Douglas in the movie, of course. Uh, thank God you're on fire this morning. Did I mention?

Uh, you know, you got to >> I love it. Well, you know, when you say my father, I can say Cvetes, John C. What I wanted to ask about >> Gina Roland one of my favorite >> Peter Faulk. >> Your father was part of that company. >> Yes. John Cettes. He was the original cast member and Shadows which was John Cetti's very first film. My father's the one of the leads in that. >> Wow. I wonder is Seymour in that Seymour Cassell? >> Uh yes. >> Seymour's in most of Cetti's movies and he's fantastic.

He did an episode of our show uh uh of of Next Generation. I I I think I've told this story already. >> You have? Okay. I'm not going to tell it again, >> but give Seymour one. >> Yeah, give Seymour one. But your dad was in shadows. Wow. Working with Cvetes. That's pretty [clears throat] amazing. >> Amazing. I mean, it's such a >> You know, that time is a a really amazing time for my father. >> That's the 60s. >> Yeah.

Yeah. That was when he was the most um supported and creative and it was really a time where artistry was really pure and you know everybody was really kind of um into the creativity of it and being bold and and sort of uh um challenging the system. >> Yeah, exactly. Well, certainly Cabbettes was unique. His films are all unique. Oh, brilliant. >> I mean, woman under the influence. >> I was going to That's who I was doing.

Yeah, >> I like open nighting. I mean, amazing. I hope people go see these, you know, films. >> Yeah, I saw her do a live Q&A in Toronto with the TIFF >> and uh she was awesome. We're talking about Gina Rollins. >> Yeah, Jean is just >> one of the greatest. She was one of the greatest and underrated actors of our gorgeous, too. >> Absolutely stunning. Stunning. My father used to tell me stories about like all those things and there's one that I always remember with him with Peter Faulk and they were um I think they were in Time Square or something and Peter Faulk was uh uh like he would do pranks all the time and he they were together and and there was people talk you know hanging around him and Peter pretended that his eye fell out >> and he was like oh my eye and he had [clears throat] a glass eye yes that's just dreadful but [laughter] my father >> only people who have one eye can do that practically talk and get away with and get away with it.

[laughter] >> Yeah. I always when somebody asks me, you know, it's always uncomfortable for an actor when somebody says to them, "So, what are you doing now?" You know? >> Yeah. >> Uh particularly an actor like me. [laughter] >> No, but I can tell you what she's doing now. Oh, >> Jesus. >> I always say, "Uh, well, I'm in the next Cabbettes film." I still I say that. You say that? >> Yeah. And people go, "Oh, cool." [laughter] >> The Village Gate. >> Yeah. >> Did your your dad had something to do with The Village Gate?

Uh well um >> or you did a show a comedy show or something or >> I did he >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You know my father jazz club. >> It's a jazz club. My father sang opera, >> right? >> But I think there were a lot of uh young comedians who were doing the gate. He had something to do with the gate. Yeah. >> Isn't that funny? >> Godfrey Cambridge and >> Well, Godfrey Cambridge was my godfather. >> Oh, yeah. >> Watermelon man. >> That's exactly right. >> Yeah.

I mean that I didn't know. >> Yeah. >> Godfrey Cambridge was wonderful. And you know my father worked with Maya Angelou as well. My he worked with Maya Angelou um something called matinea for freedom >> which is where they organized cabarets many cabarets to raise funds for >> Martin Luther King Dr. Martin Luther King >> Maya Angelou my father brought to Liam my dad was an English professor had the fair child chair. Have I told this story? >> I don't think so. and used to be able to bring writers in and Joe Heler came and and Maya Angelou came and then my mom and dad hosted the cocktail party after the event when our little half twin and it was it was the event of the year and I remember sitting on the stairs >> and my Angela came in and she was just >> she lit the room up and she it was such a great memory in our home >> when she walks in the space it's amazing amazing power >> many many years ago when remember the when color purple the first was on Broadway. >> Um I went to see it and sat down with my mother and my sisters and I was sitting there and I heard this voice and I was just like that's >> Oh, she was sitting behind you. >> No.

Yes. And I turned around. I was like, "Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god." And [snorts] you know I'm I just I was I looked at my mom and I was like [laughter] and I sort of I you know got turned around. I was just like >> I'm Michelle Herd. I'm Hugh Heerd. She went, "Oh, you >> Oh, I miss him so much." I mean, it was just and it just beautiful. >> It was a beautiful moment. It's a beautiful moment. >> Did you know Godfrey Cambridge by >> I mean, I was a you know, I was a baby.

Ironically, I'm not going to say this. >> Let me just say my my godfather was >> He was trying to find a connection. >> Tell me. My godfather was Godfrey Mendelovich, [laughter] which I don't think they knew each other, but no, >> they don't all work. No, you [laughter] got to throw them out. You know what I like? It's cutable. >> You know, but we'll never get great editor [laughter] stay in. Am I right, Eric? >> Please let it stay. >> Um, a bunch of people that I want to ask you about. >> Yeah. >> When you did this reboot of Kagny and Lacy. >> Yes. >> Reigns.

Ving Reigns. Yeah. Yeah, who's fabulous. >> He's fabulous. We I love that whole uh Rosemary Rodriguez directed it. >> Um Bridget Car uh Carpenter wrote it and um Sarah Drew uh What happened? Was it all? Yeah. Was just a pilot. >> It was Kagy Lacy pilot. Yeah, I was Lacy. >> You were Lacy. >> I was Lacy. Yeah. >> And Ving was Kagny. >> And no, it was Sarah Drew [laughter] was >> That's the thing. That's why it was a little tricky.

But I'm watch I'm re-watching er now >> because of the pit and V's on it and V's great. >> Oh, he's always good. >> I'm on the as well. >> I know. I'm coming up on your stuff. You have an arc coming up. >> You got a lot of nice credits. >> I have been I was a TV [ __ ] for a period of time, which I love. That's my I'm built for that. >> You know what she also did, >> right? >> Let's go. Do you want to go back to Another World?

Who you were you a regular on a soap? >> Yeah. Dana Kramer. >> Oh. Was this at the 30, 60, or 90minute in Another World? >> Uh 60 minute. All right. Cuz I did The doctors which was in the same channel at the same time. >> I remember my first >> I like to I'm trying to do what you do. Yeah. Well, you got to bring it back to yourself because [laughter] I like otherwise >> it sort of becomes a conversation, >> you know.

I like it. We have to do this. It is a >> but I remember my first day on that cuz I was, you know, attorney and the first day we there was the trial of Lorna um who was Alicia Copela, >> right? >> Um you remember and uh >> Oh man. It was a big, you know, it was a big thing, big trial thing. And my first day is a a courtroom scene where all the great, you know, you got all the Oh my goodness. And all of the the stars of the show are there >> and nobody says anything to you, especially back in the day.

And I'm, you know, I'm wearing a suit and back in those, you know, the ' 80s, 90s, whatever it was, you know, the suits are skirts and, you know, heels. And I remember my knees like shaking and you know I was so nervous and I I I walked onto the set and it's a courtroom set and I remember trying to take deep breaths and try to own the space and I I stood over there and I walked over to where the you know jury is and I sort of touched the you know jury box and walked over where the >> judge is going to be and I you know tried to claim the space for myself >> so I could do what I had to do because nobody helps you as soap opera you know they really don't because it's got to move fast. >> 30 pages a die.

My wife put another 22 pages of dialogue in her head last night. >> It's amazing. >> It's just astounding. >> But it's such a great training uh ground, isn't it? >> It's the best. It's the hardest job in the business for >> Absolutely. >> what you're expected to do and they get one take. >> One take >> and you're done. It's like shooting live TV. >> It really is. Gives you great uh training on cameras, camera angles, learning, memorization, making choices. >> Making choices before you get in. >> Absolutely. >> Our only responsibility, I've said this a hundred times on the show, are to show up on time. >> Yep. to know your lines. >> Know your lines >> and have some kind of plan. >> Exactly. >> We will be taken care of on all the other >> everything else you don't have to worry about.

That's your job. That is your job >> here. Here. >> And make yourself, you know, that way you can enjoy yourself. >> Yeah. Like we did on our show on Picard. I mean that was a >> Oh my gosh. >> That was a dream job. >> It really really was. >> Yeah. >> I loved our time when we had uh in third season. That was so fun. >> We had [laughter] >> Well, we left you in the in the power seat over there. What's happening with that with legacy? >> What is happening with that? >> Jerry was the captain.

You were right. You were you were Riker. >> That's right. >> And Ed Spelers was Marina. Yeah. >> I mean, it was set up at the end. >> Lit perfect. Absolutely perfect. And >> I saw another Ed Spelers connection. >> You did a show called You. I did. >> Was he in the same time you were? >> He wasn't. He was the season before >> and that was one of those offers. And I honestly, which is such a weird thing because it's about serial killer.

I I wanted to be one of the people who was locked in the, you know, his cage and get killed. And I wasn't. It's sort of sad, you know? >> You know what I mean? You're like, if you get a guest, you I'm getting killed, aren't I? >> No. >> Well, we didn't have any scenes. >> Did we not have any scenes? >> I don't I don't remember having a scene, >> I guess. Well, not you were in the thing when last season. >> Oh, you were in the Isn't that when we caused so much trouble for Dan? >> A little bit. >> I've been apologizing.

I see him all the time. DJ Dan Lou. >> Oh, yeah. directed. It was just a little It was a moment. It was a moment. >> Oh, that we did have a That was when I was watching the show, but you were stuck with all you had Dorne and Brent and me, right? And I wasn't stuck, you guys. >> No, you weren't stuck with us, but we were impossible. And Dan was having his wife was having a baby and he was out of town and we were just >> having a good time.

We were [laughter] behaving the way we used to behave, >> right? Like children like Well, I had so much pent up energy because I wasn't speaking and it's very hard for me to be still. That's what I was having. Were you just ahead in that or is that I think you were [laughter] standing frozen? You know, I'm going to have to watch it. I I'll was very good. >> I heard it's good. I think people like it. [laughter] >> Uh Bruce Campbell. >> Bruce Campbell. >> Ash versus Evil Dead.

You know, he I have to say that was he I love Bruce. >> He's a pro. He's the perfect example of what it is to be a profession. >> He really is. And I I want to tell this story and I it's a really good one. Well, we'll see. >> Well, well, you'll see. [laughter] >> Yes. You'll be the judge of that. I think it's okay to say. I think it is. >> Yes. Exactly. It's a story about um the importance of Well, you you'll figure it out what it is. >> Um we were shooting.

He's an executive producer of the show, right? So, you know, he's in charge. And we were filming. It was late. It was last shoot of the day. And um and it's a scene where I'm like in a jail and he's outside the jail and he's trying to get me out of it. And there's bars and there's a little padding on the bars, but he has to sort of like go like this, you know, right? And he's doing it over and over again. >> Oh, >> cameras over my shoulder.

Um, and he's I see him and I can see that it's uh, you know, it's not fun. And he says at one point um, you know, to the director, okay, >> what do you need? Yeah. I got I got a couple more. What do you need now? What do you got? I got a couple more in here. And director says, oh, lighting, whatever. Okay. All right. So, we go again and then we go again. >> And then we go again. >> Yep. >> And that's it. And you know, Bruce is like, >> "That's it." And he he gets upset and he yells and um there's a bit of a scene. >> Yeah. >> And he calls it.

He's like, "That's a wrap." You know, >> yells and maybe curses, you know, there's it's a whole situation. And he storms off set. Everybody's like, "Oh, the monitor was open." And so the people on the set and sound stage, everybody saw it. So it's all, you know, whatever. We all get out, leave, and go home. The next day, the next day, we go to the set, sound stage. >> Bruce calls everybody into the sound stage. Like production, people in the offices, catering, wardrobe, everybody into the sound stage.

He gets on top of the car, you know, that's installed dead. gets on top of the car and we're all standing there and he goes, "I want to take this moment to apologize >> to all of you." >> Wow. >> For my behavior last night >> because that is not how we treat each other. >> Oh, wow. >> We are a family here. >> And I was tired and frustrated. Yeah. And I tell you guys, >> I could feel all of us. all of us like you could feel us all kind of swell with appreciation and respect and we would do anything for him. >> Wow. >> Anything for him because that acknowledgment >> of course >> is is so powerful and so strong and so >> you know kindness and respect and and acknowledging when you're wrong >> Yeah. >> is so missing these days.

Well, well, it's invaluable. >> And it's invaluable. And that 200 people would do anything for this man. >> Yeah. And that's Bruce. >> And that's Bruce. >> He's coming on the show. >> Oh, I'm so glad. And >> I can't wait to remind him of that moment. I have a name drop that that that story reminds me of. Um a a friend of mine was uh on a picture with uh Charles Bronson was the star of the movie. Thank you. Uh, and the the ads came around to everybody connected to the film and said, "Uh, Charlie, uh, would like to speak to everybody, so if you could all gather in front of his trailer." >> And, uh, they all gathered, the whole cast and crew in front of the trailer and the door opened up and, uh, Charles Bronson stepped out and he standing in the doorway and he said, "I don't want anyone looking at me.

[laughter] I don't want anyone talking to me." And it closed the door. So just kind of the other scene. >> I [laughter] have taken that as a as a lesson. >> That's how you work. >> I try to work like that. You know, >> I think you said that to me that you remember [laughter] you didn't think you had any scenes together. >> I thought that. [laughter] >> Is that a true story? >> Yeah. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> But it's clear. >> But it's clear and and in the same way it brings everyone together in [laughter] a whole different way. >> Just a little different way.

Right. Circle. All right. >> Tell me, are we finished with Ash and the Evil Dead or we finished? >> No, I finished Ash and and I finished Office. Did we finish Office Romance? >> Uh, Office Romance. Yeah, >> I've got one. >> What about Did you work didn't work with Brad Whitford? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. Yeah, >> I'm a big fan. >> Yeah. >> What about uh Blind Spot? >> Oh, Blind Spot. Jamie Alexander. >> Jamie Alexander.

Yes. Sullivan. >> But uh you came on later in that show. They'd already been running a while. And then you came on and was Mary Elizabeth Master Antonio. Did she come on? She was after me. She was after you. So you didn't work with her. >> I didn't get to work with her. >> Oh, that's too bad. I know >> cuz you were looking for >> I love Mary Elizabeth and and she's a big wonderful actress. I I was in uh Sunday in the Park with George the Workshop with her >> and >> again with Sunday in the Park with George.

You ever see Sunday in the Park with George? >> Of course. >> He was in the Broadway production. The original >> in the Broadway with >> with Mandy and Bernardet. Yeah, >> I saw that. >> Yeah, you saw me probably. >> I saw you. Shall I recreate some of my finer moments, >> please? V. I was a [laughter] German. Okay. >> Oh, I love that. >> Anyway, >> yeah, this guy in the work, >> you know, my sister did um Annie Get Your Gun for two years with Bernardet. >> Oh, she's the best. >> Oh, she's the nicest nicest person. >> She She rocks the girl. >> The first thing she said to Adrian was, "Adrien, I've got some great curl project for you." Literally, she's she's the best. >> Oh, she is one of the greatest people actress.

Yeah. Uh but uh I I remember you know there was in the workshop an actor no it's still on Broadway. Oh well it was in the workshop an actor named u Kirk Nudson and he was a wonderful guy >> but he was looking at Mary Elizabeth as I was all the time and uh he [laughter] said he said uh he says you know what Mary Elizabeth's so beautiful she's ugly and I said well I'll go halfway with you [laughter] on that thing. She has a wild life.

She's >> This is a call back to the problem I had with you. >> Too beautiful. >> She's too fine. [laughter] >> Johnny, she's too fine. >> All right, let me move on to uh What about Vince? >> Oh, Vince Denrio Denafhrio. >> Oh my goodness. Daredevil. >> Dare Daredevil. >> Does Daredevil you did with him? >> Yeah, I did Daredevil. >> Okay. And it's back. >> I mean, we have um John Barrenthal. Uh Charlie um >> how's that doing?

How's the uh >> the the uh the new one? >> The new player is going very well. >> They were all great. I mean I >> What's the guy's name who's the lead on that? >> Charlie Cox. >> Oh, he's so he's so good. >> He was great on uh Boardwalk Empire. >> Yeah, Boardwalk Empire. >> Love that show. >> Well, it's it was a good show. It was visually just stunning. >> Amazing. And the actors were incredible. >> You know, the vis talk about visually stunning shows.

I'm so into C dramas and Kdramas right now, Korean dramas and Chinese. The cinematography on those shows are outstanding. If you guys have not seen it's just >> truly like like what? >> So that's the it's just >> that's the shortand is C dramas and K dramas >> like Pachinko. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Pinko is great. >> Pursuit of um Pursuit of Jade. >> Uh Guardian of the um The Lonely and the Great God. I mean there's just so many so many so many but they're just it's so beautiful.

It's so sweeping. They are so beautiful. they are so sweeping um >> because of the cinematography because they have the time >> cinematography and money and location >> money location and stories you know Korean dramas and Chinese dramas they go deep >> you know they really do they don't um there's nothing dumbed down no >> there's it's uh you know you think you're going here and it goes you know left right center um they ground stuff in psychological um trauma they are not shy about subjects that um really impact human action Um, it's really they're they're great.

They're really uh I keep thinking like why these those shows don't transfer to American stories. Uh, it's really they're very compelling storytelling. Very compelling storytelling. And you know what's interesting because you know our world is so crazy right now. There's so much stuff going on and it's really hard for me >> to um just find some calmness sometimes uh because I'm very obsessed with news and with what's going on.

I work, you know, I'm I'm on the union board. I'm secretary treasurer of SAG after. I'm in the negotiations. >> We were gonna get there. Yeah. >> I I'm one of those people because I'm daughter of civil rights activists. I It's really hard for me to stay silent when there's injustice. I fight for, you know, so much stuff. So much stuff. >> And it's why we love you. >> Yeah. >> It's funny that when I go panels for Star Trek, I I did that because this is a somebody wrote made this for me.

Um, lots of times people ask me, "What do I how do I find peace and quiet and like how do I meditate or whatever?" And I'm always like, "How do I?" And I realize that when I watch these dramas, I'm a little I'm I'm little. I'm dyslexic and I want to watch it in the Korean voices. So, I have subtitles, but they talk so fast. >> Oh my goodness. >> So, I have to pause a lot. So, it takes me a long time to watch an episode, >> but I I it takes all of my attention >> and it slows you down. >> And it slows me down. >> I don't look at because, you know, you watch TVs now or whatever or your computer.

You watch it with your phone, >> right? You're here and you're here. >> You're here and you're here. You're doing two, three times, you're not doing anything. >> Not as if you're watching the bit, but you you're you're doing so many things. >> When I watch those, nothing else is happening. I'm literally focused on that. I pause, I read, I look again, I pause, I'll go back because now I've read it, I'll go back and now I watch them >> and I can see the pictures. >> Yeah. >> And it's it's meditative for me. >> Oh, yeah.

I feel a way to really focus. >> The housewife shows. >> Yeah. [laughter] I it speaking while those are on. >> Have you heard about I mean it triggered the uh question so I thought I'd say it out about these micro dramas. >> The micro are you talking about vertical? What is that? This is Abby Abby Hec who I worked for under told me the story. >> Yeah. >> So, is that part of our union deal? Is that >> Well, we now have um brought them into we're unionizing it. >> Yeah. >> So, we're bring them into it's going to be kind of a micro uh >> And is this sort of Tik Tok inspired in terms of lens framing? >> Yeah, it was definitely Tik Tok inspired.

Um what are they? Explain that. >> Yeah. [clears throat] So, they're movies that are made um to be watched vertically. That's why they're called vertical. Uh they're um >> inside the verticals is a a school called micro dramas which is >> and and these you know they're basically they're shorts. Yeah. They're filmed like a 90-minute movie and then they're actually cut up. >> Uhhuh. >> And what how they sort of hook you is they they're few few episodes are free >> and then you have to pay >> and then there's an app that you can get >> and the episodes are a couple minutes long.

Three four minutes long. >> Yes. And they they really Yeah. And they really hook you at the uh you know there's like a real hook Nolla, yeah, that you want to watch. Um, they've been non-union for, uh, you know, they started non-union. They are still kind of non-union. Uh, so they've been paying their actors, you know, I'm a union person, so I'm going to just get on a little soap box here. I'm in. I'm in. >> Yeah. So, they pay their actors nothing really.

You know, very little money. Um, actors sign off their uh, rights in perpetuity. So, they're never going to get any money ever going to get any money from their work. They're not going to have any pension health contributions. They're basically giving their content, their person, their their artistry away for free. >> But not anymore. >> But not anymore. Because also the people who are making those verticals are making billions of dollars.

Let's all realize that they're making billions of dollars and actors are are making a couple of hundred dollars for a ridiculous amount of work. >> Right. And are there stars in those? >> Well, they haven't been. And that's why they've been getting away with it cuz those people become stars within it. They're trying to get influencers into them because that's that's where the cross that's how they cross. Yeah. That's what Albby was explaining. >> So now we're grabbing you know we're getting um the they're becoming unionized and um we're trying to uh not trying to when they do our contracts now they will be contributing to your health and pension.

So that means a lot. >> Yeah. This was a massive >> What about our residuals coming back to contribute to our health and is that a possibility? >> I would love to get into that. I'm in negotiations right now. Yes. So, um >> I was an actor for I joined SAG in 1975. >> Yeah. >> I joined in ' 69, >> right? >> And I lost my legacy my medical a couple years ago. >> I've lost mine my medical. Uh it's >> it's Well, >> we're lucky ones.

What about actors our age who who >> I mean, I'm preaching to the >> I know. It's terrible. Well, you you know, the WGA, their health insurance just completely collapsed completely. >> We were under the impression, I think, when we first joined the union. Well, at least as long as we were, you know, paid members of our union, right? >> Uh we >> and had earned a certain amount of money over the years and got results over the years. >> That was the deal that we made, right?

That was the deal that we made. >> Yeah. And then suddenly, and I think it was in the the the consolidation of SAGRA or the merge rather uh >> that it went away suddenly and and the thing that happened was it in the merge, it was the residuals went away, right? So the merger happens a you know a whole cornucopia of crazy things happening when we had the pandemic we had the strike we have all these things >> right >> with this strike with the pandemic all that stuff just absolutely drained the whole system >> and honestly had that situation not happened with having to let go of a bunch of people the health insurance would have >> still been in collapsed would have collapsed >> like the WGA. >> Is the problem not >> made worse by the fact that residuals are virtually nowhere near what we used to count on because of streaming, >> right?

Which is what we're working on. >> That's where the two things converged and made it harder to >> Yeah. And that's what we're really working on right now. Like >> I figured because it's not as easy as oh your residuals will cover your medical, >> right? >> Yeah. There's just something basically awful about >> basically awful. >> Yeah. about, you know, actors who've been part of the union for so many years and then suddenly they're they're old and the roles are drying up.

Yes. >> And that's when they most need health insurance. >> That's our point. >> And it's gone. >> That was the deal that we made when we started this. That was the deal we made. Yeah. >> Is that when I get older, the work that I have done, >> that's what I thought. Yeah. >> Will still provide for me. I mean, the only good thing about all of the, you know, stuff is that just know that, you know, everybody's pension and stuff is all good.

Right. >> We're solid. Nobody has to worry about that. >> Thank God. >> Yeah. But we're working, you know. That's what we're doing. >> We're going to drop names. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Sydney Sweeney. >> Sydney. I I love Sid. >> I was uh Anyone But you, right? >> Anyone But you the Will Gluck film. It was >> which was Much Ado. It's based on literally. And there's a lot of Easter eggs in the film. If you There's like quotes. >> Funny.

Go ahead. There we go. >> Yeah. If you watch [laughter] the filming, there's lots of little Easter eggs of quotes of Muchadoo all over. Well, I did that. I love Sid. Um, she's probably one of the most um, generous, kind, intelligent young ladies I've ever met. There was one moment I remember when Glenn Powell and I were we shot in Australia for two and a half months and Glenn and I were sitting on the uh, Glenn Powell. >> Yeah.

Yeah. Glenn Powell. He was >> um we were sitting and just kicking kicking down, you know, out um um just hanging and >> Sid came over to us >> and she said something about like uh some stocks or something had something had problem with Wall Street and she's like hey you guys you know you should do this this this and literally Glenn and I were like hold on [laughter] wait a second you know she's like she was like 25 26 she's really she's really a smart young lady >> I know she gets some bad breath sometimes But she's um she's just she's got a beautiful heart.

She's really talented. Yeah. >> And uh I I really love her. >> That's great. We just watched uh as a family the house sitter. >> Yeah. So did I. >> It's compelling, isn't it? And I can't wait for the sequel. >> Excellent. I know. Yeah. >> And there will be another. >> Yeah. And if you get a chance uh Christy the she did a movie which is a true story about >> she's really good in it. You should just check it out. She's really really good.

It is. And Glenn Palen Powell Glenn >> Powell couldn't be hotter. Such a sweetheart when Yeah. when um uh Garrett, my husband, uh came out to Australia to hang with me while we were shooting. Um I remember he came to set. we were on the beach or something and Glenn like ran over to him to welcome him to set and actually told him that he uh used uh Garrett as a an inspiration when he was in acting class and used his uh you know his work as >> you know um on raising hope and Deadwood as you know how you know being a comedian and dramatic things you know Glenn didn't have to do any of that he didn't have to say that he didn't have to welcome him these are really these are really good people stand up great to and Dermit Dermit Malari.

Let's >> Derm's in it and I love Durm. He's such a good guy. Um just great. He's he's wonderful. >> Well, just to briefly mention Garrett one more time. We should have Garrett on the show. Great actor. Yeah, he's a wonderful guy. He married Well, >> you [laughter] did. >> But uh you know, you mentioned Garrett on Deadwood, which he was fantastic on a show. My favorite show of all time was Deadwood. I mean Ian McShane.

Shane was crazy good on that show. >> Have you ever watched it with subtitles? >> No. >> It's really good. It's like watching Shakespeare. Yeah, cuz you know you you know David Shakespeare. >> It is David Milch. He's he was he's genius. Genius. And you watch it and sometimes you surmise what's happening in the scene because David wanted to create a a language of of that time because it wouldn't be contemporary. It would be something else.

Yeah. >> So, he puts in a little different kind of language and if you put it on subtitles, you're actually going to get like even more of his Yeah. the texture of it. >> But Gary played two roles on, didn't he? Yeah. I mean, >> well, yeah, he he plays the >> He's the guy who killed Wick. Robert >> Francis Oh, yes. >> Robert uh McCall, >> right? That's right. Right. >> Wow. >> That's right. >> I I just saw it in the credits and I remembered it. >> Yeah.

[laughter] Good job. Good job. And then Francis Walcott. >> Yeah, exactly. Everybody in that. I mean, Timothy Olant was great in that show. Um, John John uh uh uh that one, he was the the Jewish guy in the show. Uh John Hawks. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Great actor, too. John Hawk and Molly Parker and P Booth and >> Yep. I remember watching the second well when he came on as Francis Walcott and we were in the living room and I remember watching it and like turning to him slowly going, "What?

That's amazing. What those choices?" Yeah. No, no, he he's so good. Um >> h I got another couple of weird ones to pull. >> Oh, good. >> Did you work with on uh on the end >> the magnificent Lois Smith? >> Never in the scene with >> I don't think I did this scene with her, but I know who Yeah. No, I didn't I didn't. Oh, Loismith. >> She was on the Doctor. She >> If she's still alive, she's probably I think she is. >> She's spectacular. >> What about Marielle?

Was she in that? We go in with Marielle Andis and >> what about in um Miles to Normal? Bruce Davidson and Begley. >> Either of them. And >> well, Bruce, I mean, I didn't get to work with him. I I got to see him, but we we didn't work in a scene together. Isn't it crazy how you can do a movie? >> Who? >> Lois Smith. >> Lois. Yes. So great. >> Spectacular. >> Yeah. >> It's like it's like June Squib, you know, like >> that's what it I was just going to bring up. >> But she's been going I mean I remember Lois Smith in the movie East of Eden.

Yeah. And she's goodness grac Oh, she's works in the bar with Joe Van Fleet at >> Was she part of the Mercury Theater at one point or not? >> I think she was too young. I mean, she was too young for the Mercury Theater. I think she came in with like Kazan in the uh actor studio. >> Yeah. >> Uh but um Well, let me ask you something. Do you >> have one more? >> Oh, go ahead. >> Cedric the Entertainer. Were you in the stuff with him this year? >> The [clears throat] plus one.

Oh my god. >> This is the plus one. >> I did. I love working with Cedric. It's actually quite interesting. That was a >> Say, >> he got a bell. >> He certainly does. Um, working with Cedric is like a lesson in how to work with um someone improving. >> Yeah, >> because you just you you got to listen. >> You got to be file with that. I mean, he >> there's not about you can memorize your lines. That's about it cuz he's not going to he's going to go not gonna read anything on the page. >> 100%.

He is not. But it was super fun. You know, you're just kind of the first time the first scene I guess working with him. No, I'm doing what uh what I think we're supposed to do. And he literally I was like, "Oh, >> oh, oh, oh, I see. So, we're not we're not doing lines. I see. We're just kind of doing this." And it was great. You know, you kind of he just riffs and he's really fun. He's really good. He's really just >> uh he's he's really quick.

Um and it really it brought up that kind of fun impro improvisational comedic thing that I hadn't done really for a while. And uh he's great. I'd love to work with him again. >> Yeah. Uh, and it's not to put anybody down, and that's not the object of this, but I'm curious. I was I don't Yeah. Is this gonna be about us or [laughter] be >> Well, certainly not going to be about me putting someone down. >> No, no. What I want to know >> Yeah. >> Uh, listen, I'm going back to Bquard.

Uh, >> and I came in in the first season with I was there [clears throat] the first day, the first read through with everybody. It was an exciting day. Who did you play on? I played uh Data the Android. >> Yeah. So, we did the first season and uh and then expected to come back to for the second season. I wasn't, but I did, as it turned out. Was hired to do the second season. Completely different character. >> And um a lot of the cast from the first season did not come back for the for the second season.

And yeah, >> uh that was really a a [clears throat] very curious >> situation in that I don't think anyone's ever really explained it. >> Uh but >> uh >> it had nothing to do with ability cuz there were some of the best actors ever. Allison Pills are a better actor on the earth. >> Santiago and Santiago Cabrera and go and Issa. Well, Issa is I wish she could get a job. >> Yeah, me too. >> Poor thing. >> Yeah, she was fabulous. >> Oh my right now.

Yeah, she's on Broadway. >> Playing Connie Francis. >> Yeah. >> Uh but uh and I think Issa was invited and she sort of didn't had other things to do, but uh >> it was a very peculiar thing to because it felt to me like they had cast a really great cast of actors who were nailing their roles and really great and I wanted to see where they were going to go as I'm sure a lot of the audience did and they did go someplace but it wasn't with the show.

Yeah. >> It was actually between season two and three that that happened. >> No, no, it was between one and two. Uh, no, no, you're right. Between two and three. Yeah, it was >> because I had Allison done that song on the staircase. >> Yeah. Yeah. I worked with Allison in season two and uh >> Yeah, it was >> but but it was uh it was a Yes. So, let me take that back. Between season two and three, >> a lot of the actors were let go and and then the decision was made to do the eighth season of Next Generation.

Right. Uh but um which was cool, >> which is great, >> you know, and we we all had a great time and loved it and but uh how did you feel >> uh being really the only person in that original group who was hired to do Peard and the new crew of the Peard, you know, of Pequard and >> suddenly uh they're all gone except you. >> Oh, that it's like survivors guilt. Um >> was there? Yeah, I bet it was. Yeah, we all came over to my house actually.

Yeah, >> I was not invited to that. But you know, you are the problem. [laughter] >> Um, it was, you know, that was my MLY crew. >> Yeah, they were great. >> And, you know, I love them. I I have this >> I have a bit of a habit of sort of becoming maternal when I get into a show, you know, and >> um and especially, you know, with Issa and and Evan, you know, >> they were kids. Yeah. Yeah, Evan had not really acted >> prior their first there was this both of their first TV >> um and I love them and Santi you know I love Santiago so much Alice and Pill I mean >> yeah they've all kept working >> they're all working it was a very >> it was a great little group it was a really har you know Harry's great it was a great group and um it was really and as actors um being let go is really it's really painful >> particularly when You've done a great job. >> Particularly when you've done a great job >> and everyone admits you. >> Exactly. >> It had nothing to do with anyone's >> performance.

And I have to say I t you know talking to Terry you know >> Terry Matalis. >> Terry Matales. Absolutely. >> You know he he had what he said was really and I wish that they could hear too. I'm sure they did. you know, he said, "Those actors are phenomenal, and for me to keep them on the show to have one or two lines an episode would be a tragedy to them. That would be doing them a disservice. >> I don't want to hold them and tie them down. >> So, I, you know, I want them to be able to do something else as opposed to holding them in a contract on a show because we're bringing, you know, all these iconic actors and characters back." Yeah.

And have them, you know, pop up one line. >> Right. Exactly. you know, and and so hearing that you sort of go, okay, but it's really hard as the actor because you've been let go and there's a there's this sort of weird humiliation that doesn't sound like it was handled very elegantly either. >> It No, it wasn't handled. It was not. Um, but I felt it was a very very strange feeling because I felt um I I I felt survivors guilt.

I I wasn't I was >> not ashamed but I I >> Oh, I understand. You know, because the other side is that I really, really, I was really happy that I had the job. And Terry was like, you know, what do you think about Rafie as a, you know, a born charact, you know, like a Jason Bourne. I was like, [ __ ] yeah, you know, let's do it. So, I was really excited. >> But, um, you know, I have these people in my house and we're all commiserating and y, you know, you know, >> how could this happen?

You know, but yeah. Well, I know that uh when I read the script, the first script, >> and we came in and did the reading and people were doing their roles, I I was I was just amazed. I thought, Alison, I know >> thought Alison, how did you figure out to do that with this character and and Santiago, I thought, "Oh my god, >> five different hollows that he was doing." >> See that coming? He was really fantastic. >> That was a beautiful writing, that character. >> Yeah, it really was. >> So good.

[snorts] So good. Did you? Well, who was it? Michael Shaon. >> Michael Shabban. >> Fantastic. He ran the show the first season. >> Yeah. And and he [laughter] I have a Shaon story. Have I told this on the show already? >> No, but I think we've mentioned who Shabban is. I mean, the greatest America, but he uh Aka Goldsman was the other uh showrunner or creator of what whatever. And he said to me, um, Frank, I want I was directing a couple episodes.

He said, "I want you I want you to take Michael Sha." I think I've told the story already, but I'll repeat it anyway. And you know, show them what as a showrunner you got to do. So he'd be in office. We were on Santa Clarita. And I say, "Okay, Michael, we got to go to the prop department." I told them, "Why do we got to go?" I said, "Because we got to go down. We pick what knife they're going to use or what gun they're going to use and going to see what kind of drink where they, you know, we have to pick all the I got to go do that.

Come on. It'll it'll be great." So he comes down and this is the meeting. We go back up to the office and then it's 2 o'clock. Okay, we got to go to the costume department. Wait, why? I said, because we got to pick if the dress is going to be green or we got they like the blue dress and we got to pick out some of the jewelry that goes with it. The props will be there for the >> I got to go to that, too. I said, yeah, that's part of the job. >> Yes, you do. >> To cut to season 3, he was back and writing novels. >> Like, [laughter] this is I'm not interested in this, >> but Cavalere and Clay, which he won the Puliter Prize for, was done as an opera at the Met this year. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I didn't know that. >> Yeah. >> Oh, did you see it?

I didn't see it, but I'm a massive fan of his as a writer and as a human being. What a great human being. >> Love him. Love him. >> Absolutely. And he was wise in asking all of the actors, "What do you have any things in your life that you do, the specialties and all that?" Unfortunately, one of them wound up to be Santiago played soccer, [laughter] >> right? >> And that became the >> end of the first season was the soccer ball.

Right. But um uh yeah uh just uh something just too bad because that was a great crew of actors who could have gone on to do great episodes of of a show. >> I Well, I wanted to see that story at the end of season. I wanted to see that story at the end of season one when we were all on that bridge. I wanted to see that journey that that I wanted to see what those >> That's when when Jerry showed up. >> Well, the Yes. that >> when she appeared on the bridge and we beamed her into the bridge >> that group. >> What an addition.

What a great that's you know how are they going to explore the galaxy and then again you know season three like that at that those three people on the bridge want to see that one >> cover this more uh when we have because Terry's going to come in >> he's in tomorrow we're going to talk to him about I'm sure we'll go over some of this again and he'll say how it was uh >> he'll tell us the inside [laughter] script how it was his fault >> well not to belabor it but >> Peard started We were told our cast that it was in fact Bard. >> Yes.

Patrick invited everyone to dinner historically. >> Right. Right. >> And I was in Maine and he told me on the phone >> I was there. >> Yeah. >> At that table. And uh we're going to do another series. I'm going to do a series and none of you will be in [laughter] it. And uh thought, okay, >> good. Congratulations. Thanks for asking us. No, but it was he just wanted us to know before uh it became public. It was, you know, it was it was very kind of him to do that. >> And then Brent came and he paid for dinner >> and did uh >> Right.

Then all >> and then all of a sudden we went to visit and it was Marina and my house, >> right? >> Rikers and Marina's house and that had a little >> Yeah. >> And then someone >> I had lunch with Patrick and and Terry and Terry pitched this idea. What if >> and that was the >> and and how great it was that it happened. >> Yeah. No, >> it was necessary. Really? Everybody wanted that, you know. >> Can I say one other thing that my father did? >> As much as you like.

Yeah. >> My father was on Broadway in Little Foxes with Elizabeth Taylor. >> I saw it. >> Oh, I saw it. Right. >> That's right. >> And Elizabeth Taylor. >> Elizabeth Taylor. You know, I have I I've told my two Elizabeth Taylor stories, haven't I? That where I met Elizabeth. God, I get >> How many times can I tell those stories? >> Did you meet Elizabeth Taylor? >> I want to hear more about your father on Broadway with Elizabeth Taylor. >> Oh, it was amazing.

And Elizabeth Taylor was one of the >> Were you born? >> Uh uh yeah, >> this was like uh I I went to see it. >> Yeah, I think I was Yeah, but you're old. >> Oh, that's right. >> I was in high school or college or something. Yeah. >> Yeah. She was great. She I mean I remember when they went to London because they they went to London. I have a picture of my father with um Princess Dye know, right? Um and they Elizabeth went that she's sitting in first class and she was like I I want to be with my cast.

She went back to the sit with the rest of them. She you know she's she was a really beautiful woman. >> Oh she really was a very very kind and and uh amazing woman. I I mean not personally I didn't know that personally but uh everything I've read about her and learned about her. >> And [snorts] then one other thing about my father >> um when my father was 18 years old I because I love my parents. My when my father was 18 years old, he fought in World War II. >> Huh. >> And he was part of a black battalion cuz that's what they did back then. >> Yes. >> Um and he was at the end of the war, you remember the uh Nazis were trying to get rid of all their um evidence and all that stuff. >> And my father was one of the liberators of Dham. >> Oh my god.

Wow. >> Mhm. And when he went through the gates of Dham, he there was, you know, bonfires of bodies, you know, >> and he said that they went through, you know, the the um camps and it was silent and still >> and as they're clearing it to make sure there's no Nazis around, no soldiers, he said all of a sudden you could see this movement and there was like ar hands starting to come out and >> arms and his prisoners who were hiding started come out and they said black angels. >> Black angels. >> Wow. >> Because they knew because of the color of these people's skin >> that they were not Nazis. >> They were saviors >> then.

Which is kind of amazing. It is. It really, >> you know, like this in America was demonized. This over there was black angel. And then 10 years later >> in New York City, my dad's on the bus. And you know, New Yorkers, we like you, you see someone, you you feel someone looking at you and you're like, "All right, let me move on." Or whatever. My dad feeling someone look at him and he's just like, "I'm gonna get off this bus." >> So he gets up to get off the bus, a hand comes out, grabs him, and he says, "Do you think I would forget the face of the angel that saved?" >> Wow.

My god. >> I just got chills the second chills. Beautiful. >> You know what? Beautiful. >> That's a movie. >> I mean, come on. You know, you know what the title is? >> Black Angels, >> of course. Uh, >> that's a beautiful story. >> Isn't it beautiful? >> It's a beautiful story. >> Just And I mean, I want to keep it there, but the thing that's so frustrating is that you come back to here, like when he came back here >> at 19, >> he still couldn't get a cab, you know. >> But >> yeah, >> the world's a screwy place. >> World's crazy.

Yeah, it is. >> Uh, and just briefly, >> yeah, >> your mom >> My mom who's a phenomenal singer, >> she shrink. Uh my mom's a psychologist and she's as I you know she's from Ger she's German Irish grew up in Blackwell Oklahoma but I say she's like the blackest white woman I know [laughter] but she's you know she fights the fight. She's um she's the one who has >> guided us in um in in speaking up and um you know and being able to get in touch with our feelings and emotions and know that it's okay to to to go through all of those things.

Yeah. And um be empathetic and be kind and um and get mad when you have to get mad. >> Um but love and you know lead with love and not with fear and um you know >> Oh you come by this honestly clearly [clears throat] >> you really do. >> Oh thanks so much Michelle. We're so glad to have you and glad to know you. >> You guys know I love you so much. Love you so much. >> Love you too. I >> think that I think that's the best thing.

You know, you said to me when I um first episode, I think first episode uh shooting Star Trek, you said, Michelle, you know, when you do this, this is unlike any show you've ever done. When this show end drops, you will have 10 million new fans, new family members. And you're right, and that has been the, you know, an amazing gift. But the biggest gift has been my new family, which is you guys. >> Well, and you as a member of it has been a gift to us as well. >> So grateful.

So grateful >> Michelle her. >> Oh, you crushed it. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Thank you. [music]