Presenting: Julia on Be My Guest with Ina Garten
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Deep Dive
Why did Julia find her experience on Saturday Night Live challenging?
Julia was very young when she joined SNL at 21 and was there for three years. She didn't succeed in any significant way, but she learned what she didn't want: a tense work environment and unhappiness. This experience helped her realize the importance of finding work that makes her happy.
How did Julia connect with Larry David, leading to her role in Seinfeld?
Julia and Larry David connected through their mutual misery during their final year on SNL. A couple of years later, Larry contacted her about working on a show called Seinfeld, which became a significant part of her career.
What is the common thread among the older women Julia interviews on her podcast, Wiser Than Me?
The common thread among the older women Julia interviews is their complete comfort in their own skin, which provides them with a sense of freedom to do exactly what they want.
What was the toughest time in Julia's career?
The toughest time in Julia's career was after her stint on SNL, where she was pounding the pavement for work. She nabbed a pilot but didn't go to series. Another challenge was the juggling act of being a mother and becoming famous while making Seinfeld.
How does Julia describe the feeling of making people laugh?
Julia describes making people laugh as like endorphins you can taste, emphasizing the joy and connection that comes from sharing a laugh with someone.
What does Julia's father's art collection represent?
Julia's father's art collection represents his love for art and his interest in the outsider art world. He collected what he loved, regardless of what others might think, and eventually donated his entire collection to benefit the Harlem Children's Zone.
What was the recipe for the French country omelet that Ina Garten made for Julia?
Ina Garten's French country omelet started with four large eggs cooked until just set, then added potatoes cooked in the leftover fat from the bacon, and finished with a bit of salt and pepper.
How does Julia describe the experience of being herself on her podcast, Wiser Than Me, compared to playing characters?
Julia describes being herself on her podcast as a different kind of experience that doesn't feel like a performance. The relaxed nature of recording over Zoom adds to the intimacy of the conversations.
What was the key takeaway for Julia from her time on SNL?
The key takeaway for Julia from her time on SNL was learning by not succeeding. She realized she didn't want a tense work environment or to be unhappy, which guided her towards finding work that made her happy.
How did Julia handle being pregnant while working on Seinfeld?
Julia handled her pregnancies on Seinfeld by standing behind things or carrying boxes to hide her pregnancy. By the second time, no one seemed to care, and it was just part of the show.
- Julia joined SNL at 21 and was the youngest member in history.
- She didn't find success immediately but learned valuable lessons from her experiences.
- Her time on SNL led to a connection with Larry David, which eventually resulted in her role in Seinfeld.
Shownotes Transcript