Jack and Michael Whitehall
Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)
Deep Dive
How did Jack and Michael Whitehall start working together in comedy?
Jack initially talked about his father, Michael, in his stand-up routines, often making him the butt of jokes. After exhausting that material, a friend suggested Jack bring Michael on stage. They started with a small show at the Edinburgh Festival, where Michael was supposed to be a silent prop but ended up stealing the show with his interruptions and indiscreet questions. This led to a BBC chat show called 'Back Chat' and eventually their Netflix series 'Travels with My Father.'
What is the dynamic between Jack and Michael Whitehall in their Netflix show 'Travels with My Father'?
The show is mostly improvised, with some scripted moments. Michael often struggles to remember lines, so they rely on their natural dynamic. Jack enjoys surprising Michael and making him laugh, which is challenging since Michael is known for his stoic demeanor. The show thrives on their spontaneous interactions and the unexpected tangents they take during their travels.
What was Michael Whitehall's experience with Daniel Day-Lewis as his client?
Michael represented Daniel Day-Lewis early in his career and found him to be 'mad in the sweetest possible way.' Day-Lewis was known for staying in character even off-set, which Michael found both fascinating and bizarre. For example, during the filming of 'In the Name of the Father,' Day-Lewis called Michael while in character, and during 'My Left Foot,' he ate lunch using his foot, all while maintaining normal conversation.
How did Jack Whitehall transition from wanting to be an actor to becoming a comedian?
Jack initially wanted to be an actor, but his father, Michael, discouraged him due to the instability of the industry. Jack went to university but dropped out after six months to pursue stand-up comedy, which he had discovered he loved. His first stand-up performance at 18 was a turning point, and he decided to pursue comedy despite the lack of job security.
What is Michael Whitehall's approach to dealing with hecklers during Jack's performances?
Michael doesn’t laugh much during Jack’s shows, often maintaining a 'resting bitch face.' Jack finds this challenging but also motivating. Michael’s lack of reaction has even been noted by critics, who mentioned that he didn’t laugh once during a performance. Jack jokes that he should have used a fake dog poo to make Michael laugh, referencing a prank Michael played on a monk in his youth.
What was Joan Collins' reaction during her appearance on Jack and Michael's BBC chat show?
Joan Collins walked off the set during filming, claiming the show was boring and that she had dinner reservations. The production team had to lure her back with champagne to finish the remaining segments. She also shared a story about wearing a burqa to experience anonymity while shopping at Harrods.
How did Jack Whitehall handle a heckler who announced his dog had just died during a stand-up routine?
During a routine about his poodle, a heckler shouted that his dog had just died, which derailed the performance. Jack had to address the situation, and it became part of the show. He found it difficult to continue with his dog material after that, as the audience was preoccupied with the heckler’s loss.
What is Michael Whitehall's opinion on actors staying in character off-set?
Michael finds it bizarre when actors stay in character off-set, citing examples like Daniel Day-Lewis and David Suchet, who remained in character as Poirot until he removed his mustache. Michael prefers a more detached approach to acting, having spent his career as an agent rather than a performer.
What was Jack Whitehall's experience working with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt on 'Jungle Book'?
Jack was a fan of Dwayne Johnson from his wrestling days and tried to maintain professionalism when they met. However, Emily Blunt, who has a wicked sense of humor, teased Jack about Johnson’s wrestling moves, leading to an awkward moment where Jack demonstrated the 'Rock Bottom' move on her in front of Johnson. Jack also revealed he had sketched Johnson as a teenager, which Emily shared with Johnson, making Jack feel like a 'stalker.'
What is Michael Whitehall's perspective on the acting profession?
Michael, having been an agent, often felt relieved he wasn’t an actor. He found the repetitive nature of theater performances exhausting and preferred the stability of his role as an agent. He even had a phrase he used to comfort actors whose plays were failing, reminding them that they were now available for better opportunities.
- Jack and Michael Whitehall's comedic partnership started with a stage show.
- "Travels With My Father" is mostly improvised.
- Joan Collins walked off the set of their BBC show, "Back Chat", due to boredom and was lured back with champagne.
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