Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve

Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan
  • 4.2 (20)
  • Stand-Up
  • Updated Weekly

Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan’s lifelong love of comedy was kindled when they met more than 40 years ago in graduate school in Seattle. While managing family and professional work responsibilities, they hosted a one hour comedy radio program on Saturday mornings for 10 years on a small radio station in Olympia, WA and also co-authored two books on northwest popular culture – Seattle on Film (1995) and Wet and Wired (2000). Stuck at home during the early days of the pandemic with hundreds of comedy albums, cassettes and CD’s gathering dust on their shelves, they launched Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy in May 2020, a weekly mini-program featuring a different comedy icon, with biographical bits and a nice slice of the comedy that made them famous. From standup stars, to stellar sketch teams, to novelty music maestros -- they are all part of our Legends.

  1. 22h ago

    Colin Jost

    Over its 50+ years Saturday Night Live has had many star making (and breaking) moments, including the coveted role of anchor on the show's Weekend Update news report. But when Seth Meyers departed that role for his own late night gig, who could have guessed that his successor would become the longest running anchor in show history. Colin Jost was born for the role, editing his high school newspaper, then becoming a cub reporter, then sending in a writing packet to SNL and getting hired in 2005. From there he became head writer, then he stepped into the Weekend Update slot which he (and long-time co-anchor Michael Che) have made must watch material. What will he do for an encore -- marry Scarlett Johansen? As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Colin Jost? The twice-yearly SNL joke swap has become a fun fixture of the show. In it, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che write jokes for each other that they must read live on air for the first time. Needless to say the results are gleefully inappropriate. https://youtu.be/-1uC5tBGlNg?si=rUKdClWZPf8JnQyy Colin's standup covers a broader range than Weekend Update, as in this bit from the Just for Laughs Festival. https://youtu.be/yPSFJwORLH0?si=8XsmAPKM7qdvATsn Most recently Colin has scored a major sketch role with his amped up portrayal of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. https://youtu.be/vZb1WO1_lGI?si=t0gKHXoxaP88w32b

    4 min

  2. May 26

    Michael Palin

    Whether you want to sell a dead parrot to an unsuspecting customer, travel around the world with a wry view of life, or simply figure out why a fish is called Wanda -- Michael Palin is your man. The creator of many of Monty Python's most beloved sketches, Palin carved out a fine post-Python career as the host of numerous BBC travel shows, as well as a full resume of character roles such as that of Ken Pile, a stuttering gangster, in A Fish Called Wanda. What did the public think of Michael? How about four Bafta awards and an appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Just don't ask too many questions -- you don't want him to think it's some sort of Spanish Inquisition! As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Michael Palin? Another Palin classic was this long running gag about some people you would never expect. https://youtu.be/psMMKgvpGfg?si=mkTPwDC9wMC5hUpu Michael was at the center of many classic Python bits, including this musical tribute to the men of the woods! https://youtu.be/B6mzobwTYyo?si=Riix_96cfDIrNZmS Michael had a huge post-Python career hosting a series of witty travel programs for the BBC. Not bad work if you can get it! https://youtu.be/jXddPTxv8DM?si=fgUNl6S6BStyeqFR Michael is a fine character actor and his role as stuttering gangster Ken Pile in A Fish Called Wanda is one of his best. https://youtu.be/4vsFC6Gt2EE?si=1ATBkJEGlBBIVa7R

    4 min

  3. May 12

    Jack E. Leonard

    Grab a hi-ball and cue the rimshot, Jack E. Leonard is in the house. From Friars' Club roasts to tv variety shows to nightclub appearances Jack's routine never varied. He offered up a stream of comedy insults no doubt inspiring a young Don Rickles. Jack's insults were equal opportunity -- and he included himself in the mix frequently poking fun as his weight (who else makes a movie called "The Fat Spy"). One liners abounded in Jack's comedy storehouse but it was hard to convince younger audiences to give him a chance. Maybe that's why in 1968 he went on the Smothers Brothers comedy hour and guess what, he unloaded both barrels on Tom and Dick (who were pretty good a slinging barb as well). It didn't lead to a new and younger audience, but no matter, Jack remained an honored member of the Hollywood comedy scene where they knew his gibes were never meant to hurt. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Jack E. Leonard? The Friars Club is known for their roasts, especially those in the 1950s and 60s that were uncensored. Here Jack lays waste to Ed Sullivan. https://youtu.be/rxjP6evUJp4?si=p-jUm79ATyfBO8v5 In 1968 in search of a younger audience Jack went on the Smothers Brothers Comedy and had a little old school fun with Tom and Dick. https://youtu.be/nZT356f84HU?si=e_6bDlT_ETTWX2u3 Jack's quick wit and sharp style made him a natural for the talk show circuit. Here he is on Merv Griffin in 1966.https://youtu.be/xrK1nWwOIjg?si=QPO5JlNsrvxdsDD7

    4 min

  4. May 5

    Arte Johnson

    Anyone who came of age in the late 1960s is bound to have a soft spot in their comedy heart for Arte Johnson, a versatile comic and master of dialects who boarded the fame express when he joined the cast of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. Originally pursuing Broadway roles, Arte saw the future in the television industry and decamped for Los Angeles in the mid 1950s. He build a resume of guest spots before landing his Laugh In role in 1968. He played over 60 characters on Laugh In, including some (such as an observant German soldier, a doddering dirty old man, and a Russian named Rosmenko who could sing, dance, or joke about America. After Laugh In, Arte settled into a fine career of sitcoms, variety shows, game shows and audiobook readings. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Arte? Here's an assignment most would shrink from -- teach Jack Benny how to tell a joke. But for Arte, it was just another day working the boom microphone. https://youtu.be/HROeLKVAQIQ?si=QyKiplnRAd58TREV A master of dialects, Arte created a Russian character named Rosmenko -- not sure a word of actual Russian was spoken, but this version of Mack the Knife (also featuring Bobby Darin) is a gem. https://youtu.be/43I1zrL3FgE?si=YzikSt_QFTR6sf2v Arte had many standout characters on Laugh In and one of the best was Tyrone Horneigh who would attempt to seduce women (principally Ruth Buzzi's Gladys Ormphby) with typically bad (for Tyrone at least) results. https://youtu.be/E2IF8HejE1w?si=31DeDx2zZAuupL8w

    4 min

  5. Apr 28

    Cloris Leachman

    In the 1970s and 80s you couldn't go to the movies without running into this week's legend Cloris Leachman. While the Oscar that catapulted her to stardom was for a drama (The Last Picture Show), here we remember her for bushels of laughs, expertly delivered on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Phyllis spinoff, and in some of Mel Brooks' classic films (notably Young Frankenstein). After that burst of activity, Cloris continued on with movie and television guest roles, picking up more Emmy awards along the way. A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Cloris also has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Stop by sometime and say "Blucher" - you just might hear a horse off in the distance. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Cloris? When Cloris joined the cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show she brought just the right mix of snark, snobbery, and sweet to the role of Phyllis Lindstrom. https://youtu.be/Gw2GOvsd3Sg?si=l-WJcrCe2MvSeMB6 We mentioned the great bit about Frau Blucher that ran throughout Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. And here it is! https://youtu.be/nx8LjVmoSZk?si=DrlyiU_5_ZGuFvaA Later in her career Cloris had a recurring role on Malcolm in the Middle, picking up two Emmy's along the way. https://www.reddit.com/.../one_of_the_great_scenes.../...

    4 min

  6. Apr 21

    Stephen Colbert

    This time out we honor Stephen Colbert whose amazing career has seen him conquer the worlds of improv comedy, avant-garde sitcoms, avant garde sketch comedy (including one of tv's greatest comedy bombs), The Daily Show (and his own spinoff), and a late night talk show. Not bad for a kid from South Carolina who says he was an indifferent student -- we disagree, at least when it comes to comedy. And, if you want to see Stephen in talk show mode, act fast -- CBS is ending its longtime late night show May 21. But with 11 Emmys, 2 Grammys, and a Peabody Award under his belt, we suspect that Stephen won't stay idle for long. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Colbert? Stephen had a key role in creating the cult fave sitcom Strangers with Candy, also playing a science teacher who has strayed from the path. https://youtu.be/6uPEeV5Ep2U?si=oQfffmM0_PoqHwUG After several years on the Daily Show adopting the persona of a conservative talk show host, Stephen scored a spinoff -- The Colbert Report -- that ran for almost a decade. https://youtu.be/MBPgXjkfBXM?si=6Xrip-JJY89c50KO Given his many comedy personas over the years no one quite knew when to expect when Stephen took the helm of the Late Show from David Letterman. We need not have worried -- he was made for the gig. https://youtu.be/_642piuR-Pw?si=j-prXZYTPS8M-yZ6

    4 min

  7. Apr 14

    Marty Feldman

    The eyes have it -- at least they do if you are Marty Feldman who came of comedy age along with the Pythons and other masters of British absurdity. Starting off as a comedy writer, Marty soon found roles in front of the camera as well with turns in "At Last the 1948 Show" and his own shows "Marty" and "The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine". And if you don't know him from those, how about his delightful turn as Igor in Mel Brooks' masterpiece "Young Frankenstein". A chain smoker for most of his life, Marty passed on far too soon, but he leaves a most impressive body of work -- and one more time -- those eyes! As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Marty? Marty's eyes were the subject of a novelty hit by comedian Bruce "Baby-man" Baum. Here's Marty Feldman Eyes. https://youtu.be/k-Wb80MW6c4?si=Rr30BrFVUTLu3r-T As head writer for the Frost Report Marty was at the forefront of British satire in the 1960s. Here's a very pointed sketch he penned about the British class system. https://fb.watch/Gu53QDMWUo/   At Last the 1948 Show teamed up Marty with other future legends Graham Chapman and John Cleese -- along with other British comedy luminaries. Here's Marty in a role often played later by Michael Palin and John Cleese slow burning as only he can. https://fb.watch/Gu50pQvIX6/   Marty had a huge breakout moment as Igor in Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein. Just make sure you pronounce it correctly! https://youtu.be/F8BvfHSjwqw?si=JhCk41xm8iKR_Ani

    4 min

  8. Apr 7

    Roy Wood Jr

    One of the delights of Trevor Noah's stint as Daily Show host was the prominent work of correspondent Roy Wood Jr., a comic who started his career making prank phone calls and who has risen to host his own CNN news quiz, as well as becoming a top standup draw and award show host. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Roy's dad was a black radio pioneer and broadcasting entrepreneur. So it was no surprise that Roy would take up the family trade starting out as part of a Morning Zoo show in Birmingham. Over time Roy gained visibility, especially after a 2010 stint on Last Comic Standing. In 2015 Roy was tapped as a Daily Show correspondent and his chemistry with Trevor Noah was a highlight of the show, which was a perfect showcase for Roy's comedy style which Entertainment Weekly called "charismatic crankiness." When Trevor Noah departed the Daily Show it looked for a time that Roy might get the nod but when that didn't happen Roy pivoted and became host of Have I Got News for You -- a CNN adaptation of a British news quiz with comedians making up the panel. That show, award show hosting gigs, and sold out comedy tours keep Roy busy these days. And if you ever need help getting more sauce for your chicken nuggets Roy is your man -- it's all explained in this week's show. As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Roy Wood Jr? Roy was one of the highlights of Trevor Noah's stint as Daily Show host. This bit on world history shows why. https://youtu.be/EWX0bbGAd0k?si=c8LlAI6bJJLzWPeu Roy's current gig is hosting CNN's news quiz Have I Got News for You, a fun stroll through the headlines. https://youtu.be/2xdgL5_xj-I?si=XTcELti6IHKeVkUw Roy is a superb satirist, but he also takes on the frustration of every day life -- like getting enough chicken nugget sauce. https://youtu.be/8qj0BcuRPoc?si=yTxYPsAALpwNRZTZ

    4 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan’s lifelong love of comedy was kindled when they met more than 40 years ago in graduate school in Seattle. While managing family and professional work responsibilities, they hosted a one hour comedy radio program on Saturday mornings for 10 years on a small radio station in Olympia, WA and also co-authored two books on northwest popular culture – Seattle on Film (1995) and Wet and Wired (2000). Stuck at home during the early days of the pandemic with hundreds of comedy albums, cassettes and CD’s gathering dust on their shelves, they launched Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy in May 2020, a weekly mini-program featuring a different comedy icon, with biographical bits and a nice slice of the comedy that made them famous. From standup stars, to stellar sketch teams, to novelty music maestros -- they are all part of our Legends.

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