Alt Tv Rewind

Maybeso320May 25, 1997↩ Ggooofy

It went great!! Following is the transcript!

OnlineHost: Your emcees for tonight are Katie (1) and Jim (4).

OnlineHost : After seven years as Kramer on Castle Rock-NBC's number one hit comedy, "Seinfeld," Michael Richards has emerged as one of the most recognizable figures on television. Just as Kramer is completely devoted to Jerry, so too is the American audience devoted to Richards' unrivaled comedic performance each week. Welcome to AOL!

AOLiveMC1: Welcome to AOL Live, Mr. Richards! It's such a treat to have you here with us!

MRichrds: Hello, everyone! And let us begin, my friends!

AOLiveMC1: Certainly! We have tons of questions and even more people out there tonight! Our first question of the evening comes from SeinFan7:

Question: What is your favorite part of working on the show "Seinfeld?"

MRichrds: My favorite part, just before I go on camera, and we get to let it loose. For 3 days, we rehearse so hard, as quickly as possible. Line changes, adjusting to new situations as the script goes through its revision, and I like it when we're about to just let it go. Cameras on, click! We come on. Up until that point, it's very tedious work. But when we let loose for the camera, that's when the fun begins.

AOLiveMC1: JE22E asks a very good question:

Question: I watch you every day and I just wanted to know if you have any children because you seem to be so young at heart.

MRichrds: Hmm. Well, get a load of this: I have a 21-year-old daughter, and she's an aspiring actress.

AOLiveMC1: Jim007Bond asks:

Question: Did you draw on any of those memorable off-the-wall characters you used to play on "Fridays" for your characterization of Kramer?

MRichrds: Yeah, Jim, I do. Take note: when I used to be on the show "Fridays," there was a character I did on that show called Dick, and he was a fellow who just really couldn't get the girl. But he had certain moves, a style of comedy about him, that I can bring on when I play Kramer. There's a bit of Dick in the Kramer character. But with Kramer, that's his sense of humor that he plays out. On the "Fridays" show, Dick was a total character. That's the way the character was, and all along the way I find certain things. I'm probably certainly a compilation of all the characters I've played! There's something in them all that I can feel when I play the Kramer character.

MRichrds: But I must tell you, Kramer is a unique character in that he has a way about him that many of the characters I've played in the past don't possess. That's why it's so fun to play Kramer. It's all quite new to me, to tell you the truth. Each week when I play that character, I discover something new about him. Sometimes, I think that Kramer plays me rather than Michael Richards playing Kramer. It's a wonderful feeling. It's a delight to know that we're going to go for it with another year, our 9th season ahead. Thanks, Jim.

AOLiveMC1: From H0wzer:

Question: When does your new movie come out?

MRichrds: May 30th. I just went to the premiere 2 nights ago. I finished "The Tonight Show," and then after I did that, I went to the premiere. I was delighted that so many people here in Hollywood -- it was an industry showing -- were so responsive to the picture. You never know how these things will come out once they edit them. Of course, when you're in the midst of making a picture, there's not an audience around to give you a real reaction to a scene as to whether or not it's truly funny. But I'm very pleased and I'm looking forward to the movie opening up May 30th. It's really my first picture where I'm in just about every scene. So I hope you'll stay in your seat! Take care.

AOLiveMC1: Don3378 wonders:

Question: What is your most memorable acting experience?

MRichrds: I want you to all know that this is a little strange for me. I don't get to hear your voices! Somebody is telling me what your questions are. So I hope I'm clear enough. Don, it would probably be the first school production I was in. There I am in the 8th grade, playing the school villain, a character that's responsible for motivating all the kids to leave messes around the campus. And I wore a cape, and I slicked my hair back. I had this weird walk, and I deepened my voice, and when I was in the 8th grade, I could really sound like I was a 50-year-old man. Or maybe I just thought so. Sometimes I look at those productions, and there you are with white flour in your hair and pencil lines drawn on your face.

MRichrds: But I thought I was some rasty, old man that was corrupting all the kids on campus. But I thought it was fun because the kids were laughing at all the things I was doing. And the whole school just loved the show, and I think I became the most popular fellow on campus from that day on. I also knew that this was the sort of thing I wanted to do. It was so much fun to be on that stage entertaining people. Villains are fun. Thanks for the question.

AOLiveMC1: From TheKrmPUF:

Question: How much improvising do you and the other actors do on "Seinfeld?" And whose idea was it to use the phrase "giddy up?"

MRichrds: "Giddy up" was improvised. Where that stuff comes from only God knows. When we're building the show, we do find things along the way. The language does change, and we can discuss lines with the writers. Our intuition about things is fairly keen, so if it doesn't feel right for me, I know when it's right for Kramer. Certain lines sometimes I struggle with because, I said earlier to a previous question, I can't tell you how it all comes about. But there's just a magic to it, and I do find moments that are not in the script. And, I'll tell you, that is just like flying, like the way I come through the door. And it all happens for me usually when I'm on before the camera.

MRichrds: I'll let loose with all of what it has taken to get to the point where we're ready to shoot for the camera, and then I just let it all go. And I usually find something more than what I had been rehearsing.

AOLiveMC1: A light-hearted question from GarlicChe:

Question: Mr. Richards, could you tell us what your favorite food is?

MRichrds: Hmm, I love spaghetti, and I love pumpkin pie. Lots of foods. I love making smoothies in the morning. Here's a great recipe that'll get your energy up for the day: Fresh strawberries, one fresh banana, apple juice, a little soy milk, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds. Blend it up real good. Drink it slowly. And say, "Yes." There you go!

AOLiveMC1: DDementia is curious to know:

Question: Have you ever written a book or do you plan to?

MRichrds: Yes, I do. But I want to live with Hollywood a little longer. I thought about two years ago, I was thinking about putting a book together, but I have met so many people through the success of the "Seinfeld" show, I have a few more chapters to add. I don't think I'll get to a book until well into my 60's. There's just too much life to live right now. I'll pull it all together in a book when I get older. But let me ask you something: if I came out with a book right now, would you really want to read it now? And what would you want it to be about? Talk to me! Standing by.

AOLiveMC1: Now, I'm sure we are being flooded with comments!

MRichrds: I am presently writing 2 screenplays, and some of the things I'm writing about I have personally gone through. So, in a sense, I guess I am writing a book, except that I want to show you through pictures. So I hope to make it into a movie for you. I can't wait for you to see it.

AOLiveMC1: SoupNazi8 asks:

Question: Who is your inspiration?

MRichrds: I'll tell you, just recently, I was so inspired by the movie "Singing in the Rain." Sometimes it's a movie, sometimes it's a character in a movie, sometimes it's an actor and his body of work. I've always enjoyed Peter Sellars. We can go all the way back to the beginning. I love the work and the vision of Charlie Chaplin. Laurel and Hardy were good, weren't they? I'm fascinated by Jacques Tati, a French comic who didn't talk funny. He very rarely spoke in his comedies, but he "did" funny. He's a man to watch when it comes to the higher nature of physical comedy. It's fun watching Jim Carrey, isn't it? Many times I'm just in awe of the performing arts in general, and I am inspired by the final product, shows that come together.

MRichrds: And I know what all the actors went through and the writers and the crew and the director and the producers, when it all comes together, and the show is really something to watch. That, indeed, is an inspiration to me. But I can watch the worst things and still see something good in them! Sometimes, the worst movies are the funniest.

AOLiveMC1: From IAmJim:

Question: Can you tell us more about your new upcoming movie, "Trial and Error?" Any funny stories?

MRichrds: Any funny stories when I was making the movie "Trial and Error?" Let's see. This may not sound too funny, but I thought it was funny. We built a hotel facade in this small town up north near the Sierra Range here in California to represent the town in the story, which is supposed to be in Nevada. This hotel looked really great. It had a rusticity, a true Western feel to it. People all along the highway, travelers and tourists, would drive up to this hotel, that's where they wanted to stay. I think there were a few times I would walk out to the car and tell them I was the manager of the place. I'd say, "We're all filled up. Can you come back again?"

MRichrds: By then, they would recognize me from "Seinfeld," and then I'm a man standing out there with make-up on, which would seem peculiar to them, because I was wearing make-up for the character I was playing. People would go, "You're the guy!" and I would say, "I'm sick and tired of people telling me that! I told you we're vacant here! And leave me in peace!" But they would know.

AOLiveMC1: Sthomp323 asks:

Question: Of all the actors you've worked with, who has been the funniest?

MRichrds: Hmm, give me a moment. Processing. Poompoompoompoom. I did a very bad English comedy with Peter Cook and Herbert Lom. Those 2 guys were very, very funny. So that covers it for me. Let's see. While I was in England. Here in the States, I really enjoy working with Garry Shandling and Robin Williams. If they're real good, I don't laugh, as much as I have to pull it together, to make sure that I am doing my job, too! Eric Idle was a pleasure to work with. I love playing around with Jay Leno. We did some comedy sketches on his show. I like Jay because he's constantly aware of how preposterous the routine we're doing is. I'd say, "Jay, I don't think this is funny!" He'd say, "No! No! Just do it! Of course it's ridiculous!" (In Leno voice).

MRichrds: I love working with Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis Dreyfuss. Paul Reiser is a wonderful wit-master. Billy Crystal can be generous and funny. I haven't had the pleasure of working with Jim Carrey yet, but that's a must. Jim and I used to do stand-up comedy here in Los Angeles at the Comedy Store and the Improvisation. And he would either follow me or I would follow him within the lineup. And we both enjoyed the way we each attacked that stage in the most experimental way possible. I love comics who want to kick away the conventional technique of making people laugh. It started to get kind of boring there with this enormous market of stand-up comics.

MRichrds: They all started to sound the same and look the same. That's when it's time to bend that microphone. Maybe lay down on your back and do lay-down comedy instead of stand-up comedy. Anything! Break on through to the other side, as Jim Morrison put it.

AOLiveMC1: WhoGivesA asks:

Question: You mention bad movies that you enjoy. Any ones in particular?

MRichrds: Oh. I don't want anybody coming me up and going, "Hey, that wasn't a bad movie! I was good in that!" Or, "It wasn't my fault! The director was drunk!" Or, "The writers promised me we were going to rewrite the script before we went to camera." Or, "I had to take that job. I was broke!" Or, dot dot dot. You know them as well as I do!

AOLiveMC1: CCKMAN wonders:

Question: Do you often feel the pressure of always having to be funny when you don't feel particularly funny?

MRichrds: Great question. Yes, we have our days. But there's just something inside that gets you past yourself. I don't know what to call it, but that's just why I'm in the kind of work I'm in. I have a disposition for it. But I've talked to professional athletes, certainly during the playoffs, who feel, "Ohhhhh boy, another game." It's tough. Get yourself up for it, and you got to play harder than you've ever played before, and you thought you gave it all you could give in the last game. Ah, life. Don't let it get you down. We love to live, don't we? Peace.

AOLiveMC1: MAAD CAT has an offbeat question:

Question: Who gave you that red suit you were wearing on "Jay Leno" the other night?

MRichrds: I love you for asking, man! I was on a photo shoot, and somebody brought that suit in for me to wear. Thought it would be cool. And I put that suit on, and I had the best shoot. I was really on. Comedy all over the place. And I said out loud, "I've got to do 'The Tonight Show' tomorrow night. This suit is coming on with me. We're going on together!" Although there was a point there where I thought I'd lost my mind. I thought, "Wait a minute! What will people think of me in a bright, red suit?" But I couldn't get the image of myself as a matador in the ring dodging bulls. I couldn't get that image out of my head, and it made me laugh to think of a premise of a guy wearing a red suit and he accidentally falls into the ring.

MRichrds: That's the stuff that comedy's made out of, isn't it? Anyway, that red suit pulled it together for me. When you're building a character sometimes you can find your character through your shoes, your clothes. With Kramer, he really started to come together when I found his hair. Isn't it amazing how these things come about? That never ceases to surprise me. A red suit. That's what got me through "The Tonight Show." I'm always nervous about going on shows like that. The question is, how much of you should be yourself and how much of you should just get out there and entertain people. There's a distinction between the actor and the show. But that red suit just cut through all the crap. It lit me up and I was on! Thanks for noticing.

AOLiveMC1: A serious question comes from PEPPEJO:

Question: Do you do any charity work?

MRichrds: When I have time, I do. I believe June 8th I'll be part of the pediatric AIDS event. That's all I've got booked right now. I've been spending so much time from an equally busy schedule, the "Seinfeld" show, promoting "Trial and Error," a motion picture that I'm in that comes out May 30th. I'm telling you, it takes a lot of time meeting the press, going on all the talk shows. I've been doing it now for the last 3 weeks. 3 weeks! Hmm, and I still have 2 1/2 weeks to go. I'm getting ready to leave for NY Sunday. I have a busy, busy schedule. I'd like to do more charity work. But putting on the show, building a production, entertaining people, in a sense that's a kind of charity, isn't it?

MRichrds: People can sit back and lighten up. So that's my work for now. And promoting the projects so that people know what's going on. Hope you see the picture. Later.

AOLiveMC1: From Scott6780:

Question: Besides "Seinfeld," what is your favorite TV show?

MRichrds: I'll tell you, I really like Garry Shandling's show. But don't tell him that I told you that because then he'll say, "You see? It is the best television show on TV." We always kid him and tell him his show's funny, but our show's a lot funnier, Garry! Anyway, that's in the area of comedy, isn't it? You'd probably like to know what dramatic show I enjoy watching. I haven't had a chance to really stay with any of those shows long enough to see how consistently good they are. But just off the top of my head, I have to tell you that I do indeed enjoy Garry Shandling's show, so much so that's one of the reasons why I was keen on having Rip Torn co-star with Jeff Daniels and I in our movie, "Trial and Error." He can be a very funny guy. Thanks for the question.

AOLiveMC1: RANbeme12 asks:

Question: Did you come up with "The Dance" that Elaine performs in my favorite episode?

MRichrds: No, she did, and she was very self-conscious about it. She thought it was so goofy, too goofy, that it wasn't funny. But it was funny, wasn't it? Sometimes, it's up to you to let us know. I think she did those dancing scenes without an audience, you see. We pre-shot those scenes, so she didn't really get to feel a real reaction from an audience to know if that dance was indeed funny or not. So it was just going "Haha! Just do that! That's it!" I saw that episode just recently, and I think she did a great job. Any day now, she's going to have her baby, did you know that?

AOLiveMC1: Kramer if it's a boy, right? Cosmo, even. DemiLynne is testing your memory:

Question: Did you appear as a king on an episode of "Fairy Tale Theatre" back in your pre-Kramer day?

MRichrds: Oh, I did indeed! We shot that so fast, I'm embarrassed to say I was on that program. Did you think it was funny? It was "The Frog Prince." I think we shot that whole thing in a few hours! But sometimes, television can drive you ahead that fast! That was a long, long time ago. I feel like an ancient king. Spare me!

AOLiveMC1: A frequently-asked question comes from AL445:

Question: How do we get an autographed photo of you?

MRichrds: Okay, I'm going to put it out. So all my neighbors come to me and go, "We keep getting mail for you!" You'll never get an autographed picture out to yourself that way. Here it is: MuchAndHouse, 8075 West 3rd Street, Ste. 500, Los Angeles, CA. 90048. I'll try to get those pictures out to you as soon as possible. It's really hard on me. I have pictures now that have been there for months. I don't say this out of conceit, but I get thousands of requests. It's hard to stay up with them all. For those of you who are waiting for pictures, please bear with me. I will get to all of them. Again, it just takes time. Sorry. Peace.

AOLiveMC1: Schroed7 asks:

Question: Did you like working with Weird Al in "UHF?"

MRichrds: I did, and I left him out earlier when someone said, "Who are some of the wacky, funny people you worked with?" That guy is completely off his nut, but I love him because he let me develop a character for his movie "UHF," Stanley Spedowski. He never said one thing to me. I just showed up on set with my head shaved and these goofy plastic teeth and played the part, made up the lines, came up with business, and just would come to him and let him know what I wanted to shoot for the next scene. And he'd just look at me and say, "Let's do it!" So when I say he's a wacky nut, I don't mean that as a criticism. I mean, he's a loose cannon! And he really let me play my character to the fullest. I love Weird Al Yankovich for that.

AOLiveMC1: From Cozmo4483:

Question: What do you do in the off-season of "Seinfeld?" By the way, I love you, man!

MRichrds: Well, Cozmo4483 is cool! You sound like a major organization! Now, don't get into trouble for it. I tell you, I have to take a walk in the mountains, along the sea, sometimes in another country. Just take a walk, settle down, relax. Nine months of "Seinfeld" is a real grind. It's a lot of hard work. I think most of you know when you look at the show, you can see that there's a lot of show there. Two or three storylines converging. Up to 30 different setups. So when I go through the whole routine, after nine months, I like to settle down somewhere and just take it easy. Do nothing.

MRichrds: Someone asked me earlier about doing charity events. I didn't say that another reason why I can't do them isn't because I don't have the time, but I'm too tired to promote a whole campaign. Showing up for it, meeting the press, that sort of thing. So I can make a contribution instead. Some money that will benefit what the organization is trying to accomplish. But, ultimately, man, I just do nothing. But nothing is interesting, isn't it? What does that mean? I don't just sit somewhere staring at a blank wall. I like to catch up on some good reading. I like to observe old cultures. I like the company of a good-hearted woman, witty friend, good music, art, observing people on the street, riding my mountain bike, swimming in the sea, observing nature.

MRichrds: And locating that nature in my own heart. Really seeing that it's my own face helps me know that I'm at one with it all. Sounds kind of "cosmo"-logical, doesn't it? But it's good to just sit with it. You know what I mean? Don't push on anything. Important that we all do that. I'll tell you, learning how to relax is an art form. But then the conflict is good too, isn't it? Stirs you up. Makes you see the difference between right and wrong. After listening and reading all of this, don't forget I'm a funny man, too! As Sheriff John said, "Laugh and be happy, and the world will laugh with you!" Stay cool, Cozmo44. May the cosmo be with you. Peace.

AOLiveMC1: We only have time for one more question tonight! It's gone by so quickly!

MRichrds: You're all so nice! Now, somebody give me a rowdy question! I want the rowdiest question!

AOLiveMC1: Remember, you asked for this! From AprilElly:

Question: Hi, Michael! I know Julia Louis-Dreyfus' pregnancies were not written into the "Seinfeld" script, but if they were, could you imagine Kramer delivering Elaine's babies (or, possibly, even fathering them)?

MRichrds: Believe me, we thought about that one! We did. We did. Julia just needed to draw a line between herself and the character she plays. Please be merciful! We love you!

AOLiveMC1: All right, I'm very sorry to say that we are out of time for this event.

MRichrds: I wish we had more time.

AOLiveMC1: Mr. Richards, it was an extreme pleasure to have you with us tonight! What a show!

MRichrds: May 30th, "Trial and Error" comes out. I do hope you get to see this movie. Then I want to come online again and hear your responses.

AOLiveMC1: We would love you have you back.

MRichrds: Take care. Over and out. Peace. Peace. Peace. Love your dreams. Feel your heart.

AOLiveMC1: Goodnight, Mr. Richards. Goodnight, folks! Thanks for the wonderful questions.

MRichrds: Stay close to people who make you laugh. Until then.

AOLiveMC1: Goodnight, all.

MRichrds: Bye! Thanks so much! We must do this again! Till then.

OnlineHost: Thanks for joining us in the Oldsmobile Celebrity Circle this evening. Remember, Oldsmobile brings an exciting guest online every Monday through Friday, and transcripts from the events can be downloaded using keywords: "Oldsmobile" or "AOL Live" within 24 hours after the event has ended.

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More about this Event:

05/23 "Seinfeld's" Michael Richards (Bowl)

After seven years as Kramer on Castle Rock-NBC's number one hit comedy, SEINFELD, Michael Richards has emerged as one of the most recognizable figures on television. Just as Kramer is completely devoted to Jerry, so too is the American audience devoted to Richards' unrivaled comedic performance week after week.

Having garnered two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Richards has begun to parlay his tremendous popularity into a string of feature film roles. He recently starred opposite Andie MacDowell and John Turturro in UNSTRUNG HEROES, directed by Diane Keaton for Hollywood Pictures. The film tells the story of a young boy who runs off to stay with his eccentric uncles after his mother is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Richards' most recent project, however, is a co-starring role in TRIAL AND ERROR opposite Jeff Daniels. The contempt of court comedy for New Line Cinema has him portraying a well-intentioned, out-of-work actor who poses as an attorney to defend a man on trial for fraud. The release date is scheduled for May 30th.

He is also in the process of developing another feature film, Castle Rock's MY BLOCKBUSTER, a project on which he serves as co-writer. His additional feature film credits include AIRHEADS, SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER, THE CONEHEADS, PROBLEM CHILD, and YOUNG DOCTORS IN LOVE.

In 1979, Richards decided to pursue his life-long interest in comedy by performing stand-up. He performed nightly for nine months at such places as The Comedy Store and the Improv until Billy Crystal gave him his first "real paying job" on the BILLY CRYSTAL SPECIAL. From there he spent the next two and a half years starring in the ABC comedy, FRIDAYS. In addition, Richards appeared as a regular on NBC's MARBLEHEAD MANNOR.

Last year, Richards traveled to London where he filmed Neil Simon's LONDON SUITE which aired on NBC in the fall.

Event Keyword: "Oldsmobile"

Kramer on AOL Live