I was on Sullivan & Son last week. I didn’t really publicize the fact very hard. Not because the show isn’t good – it’s actually quite funny and has a lot of potential. I didn’t do my usual whoring of my latest acting gig primarily because it was a simple service character. A “judge” type that moves the scene along with basic dialogue — no laugh lines. (These co-star roles are all a part of reinvigorating a resume of old guest star credits.)
But the reason I landed the gig, I believe, is because of a one word ad-lib I threw in near the end of the scene. An ad-lib that I kept when in rehearsals and for the final taping. Only at the final network run-thru did one of the producers come up to me and say with a wink, ‘So, we let that ad-lib slip by, didn’t we?”
“Yes, and oh how I’m grateful!”
And I was. It was a laugh line. And when it comes to comedy, I like to collect as many as I can! They give you instant gratification and plug you into the bloodstream of the show.
They also help make an entertaining demo reel!
