206: Michael Seth Starr KNOWS Entertainment, Wordplay, Comedy, Exploration & Rodney Dangerfield

ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones

This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one’s legacy—and giving credit where credit is due. Michael Seth Starr covered television at the New York Post as a reporter, columnist, critic, and editor for over 28 years. He has written a filmography of Peter Sellers and biographies of Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Art Carney, Joey Bishop, Bobby Darin, Raymond Burr, William Shatner, Redd Foxx, and Ringo Starr. He has made frequent appearances on television, including The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Larry King Live, Extra, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, and Tavis Smiley. He lives in New Jersey and can be found online at MichaelSethStarr.com. His latest book, NOTHIN' COMES EASY: The Life of Rodney Dangerfield, is the first biography of the "bug-eyed, sweaty, herky-jerky, tie-pulling comedian with the doleful countenance." Dangerfield's indelible beat-down image was played for laughs, but there were sad truths behind his sad-sack persona. Dangerfield and Starr have much to teach us about legacy, persistence, humor, accuracy, and, shall we say, overexposure. Podcast Highlights: • Michael shares his career path in entertainment journalism • Randy shares his respect for previous guests Suzanne Somers, Loretta Swit, Norman Lear and Cindy Williams • Michael’s most recent biography is about Rodney Dangerfield. His next biography is about Bob Newhart. • Michael shares his love for the mid-to-late 20th century era of comedy. • Randy shares his admiration for Michael’s extraordinary level of research and fact checking. • Michael discusses his commitment to telling a good story. • Michael and Randy talk about Rodney spending a lot of time in a robe with nothing underneath and the subsequent consequences. • Michael shares information about Rodney career arc, including how he achieved success later in life. • Michael discusses Rodney’s self-respect, or lack thereof. • Michael shares his goal to give all his subjects the attention they deserve. • Randy shares his admiration for Michael’s ability to capture names and moments from entertainment history that otherwise may be lost forever. • Michael shares his definition of comedy. • Michael shares what he learned from his exploration of the life and career of Rodney Dangerfield. (i.e. stick-to-itiveness) • Michael shares what he KNOWS ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a podcast featuring host Randall Kenneth Jones (bestselling author, speaker & creative communications consultant) and Susan C. Bennett (the original voice of Siri). ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. www.OnTheKnows.com Michael Seth Starr www.MichaelSethStarr.com Randall Kenneth Jones: www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: www.KevinRandallJones.com