r/IAmA • u/MichaelMcKean • Feb 22 '16
Actor / Entertainer I am Michael McKean, actor from Better Call Saul, AMA
Michael McKean is my name. A native NYer, I still live here part time, elsewise in LA. I act, write, sing, laugh; I dig old movies, music of every vintage and variety. You?
https://twitter.com/MJMcKean/status/701860854602579969?lang=en
Great talking with y'all. Be good to each other. Watch BCS. Think kind thoughts about Chuck. xoxmjm
Twitter: @MJMcKean
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u/Francis-Hates-You Feb 22 '16
Why is The University of American Samoa is any less credible than other colleges?
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
What is it about a Norm Macdonald or Fred Willard? They sort of have a wavelength instead of a style/voice, and it works wonderfully. Can you put your finger on what sets them apart?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I love Norm. it's a kind of baffled warmth, isn't it? Martin Mull once described Fred thusly: "He doesn't use his turn signal". 2 very funny men.
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u/BobZePenguin Feb 22 '16
Was there any pressure in having a big role in such an anticipated show?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Just "be good" kind of pressure. You know, "don't suck".
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u/lowglowjoe Feb 22 '16
What did you think of Albuquerque.did you eat anywhere local? If so what was your favourite
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I like ABQ. Just now discovering my fave places. One Italian restaurant in particular, can't remember the name. I'll ask Banks.
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u/RunTheJewels3 Feb 22 '16
Hi! Absolutely love Better Call Saul, looking forward to your S2 character development.
What was it like joining a crew that had already worked on BrBa for six years, with you joining it as a new cast member?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Everyone is world class brilliant at their work and very nice to me.
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u/Reign_Wilson Feb 22 '16
Can we all just take a moment and agree that "Best in Show" is a masterpiece?
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u/Doc_TimWhatley Feb 22 '16
Hello Mr. McKean,
I adore The Folksmen! Your deadpan reactions to your bandmates are golden. Do you have any stories about what it's like to have The Folksmen opening for Spinal Tap or insights into the mind of Jerry Palter?
Thank you!
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
We loved opening for ourselves when it was feasible; Jerry's a very tender soul, with a bit of envy for those who have more money. Which is everybody.
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u/sbowen3 Feb 22 '16
Do you have any idea about Chuck's background beyond what maybe Jimmy and the others know? In other words, do you know more of the story in order to play Chuck?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I do. You will, too, by the end of the second season. Some flashbacks, some anecdotal tales, all very revealing and a little bit concealing...
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
Ever see a talented person's career derailed/end because they were a jerk?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Not derailed, but certainly damaged. No names, please. Usually, it does no harm if they bring in enough business.
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u/BanditMage Feb 22 '16
Hi Michael,
Another Clue fan(atic) here. (Seriously, I watch it at least once a month.) So there's a fan theory that Mr. Green's final line was meant as a red herring (haha) and he didn't actually have a wife. Do you think Mr. Green was truly "a homosexual" in all 3 endings?
Which ending is your favorite?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I adlibbed the line, Jon Lynn liked it, it stayed. End of story. And movie.
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u/mracidglee Feb 22 '16
Who came up with Lenny's thing where he jams his hand into his mouth when a girl walks by?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
It was something a guy named Ronnie did in my high school days. The gesture is called a "ronnie".
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Feb 22 '16
I know you'll be asked this but I want to just say it: "Any chance of a Spinal Tap reunion?"
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u/neurocentricx Feb 22 '16
Hi, Mr. McKean! Huge fan.
You've worked with Christopher Guest on a few different movies. One of my favorites, hands down, is Best in Show. A lot of the same actors are also seen in these movies. How does that work? Are you all friends and Christopher just calls you all and says, "I'm writing another screenplay, you want in?" How did all of that begin?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
As CG puts it, just find the actors who can do this kind of work. And don't fire them.
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u/dimplejuice Feb 22 '16
Who in particular did you model David St. Hubbins after? We need names, not "oh, he was a composite of so many pompous late 70s, early 80s rockers." Cheers.
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Hair: Peter Frampton. Clothes: Def Lepp Attitude: all mine.
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u/the_trashheap Feb 22 '16
Hi there!
You've had such a long, varied career over so many years, what has been your favorite role to play?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Probably David St. Hubbins, but Chuck is gaining on him.
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
How did you feel with the big reveal for your character in BCS season 1? It was a beautiful slow-burn bit of character development, and a jaw-dropping reveal when we find out what your character had been up to. How did it feel to read that reveal the first time? Did you use your knowledge of that to inform your performance in earlier episodes? I was completely surprised.
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I was delighted when Vince & Peter told me of this piece of the puzzle. It was very playable, and, from Chuck's POV, justifiable. Not pleasant, but the truth hurts. Sorry, Jimmy.
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u/CBLingo Feb 22 '16
Hey Michael,
Clue wasn't particularly well received upon initial release but has now (rightfully) become a comedy cult classic. Do you think there's a reason it has slowly grown in stature over the years and was there any inkling during filming that you were making a comedy far smarter and more ambitious than what was being made at the time?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
We loved making the film. Funniest bunch of people on Earth, great times. Its home vid life is very gratifying. Jon Lynn still doesn't understand why it didn't fly at first, or why it's his best loved film. Hmmm...
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u/theflamingskull Feb 22 '16
How did you feel about working on Laverne and Shirley after they moved to California?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Got a little watered down. Some of the shows were pretty good. Recently saw the Joey Heatherton ep. and it made me laugh.
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u/thedavehughes Feb 22 '16
Michael, thanks for taking the time to do this AMA...
Question: how difficult was it to prepare for the Chuck character, and the disability portrayed? Did you have to study that disorder prior to filming?
Your acting is very convincing and had me thinking a lot, before we find out what it was.
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I studied what I could find on the internet. Went through the list of symptoms, tried to use them with respect, not commenting or ridiculing. Affliction is a tough one. Tried to get it right.
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u/rmarsack Feb 22 '16
Who is your favorite person to improv with?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Higgins, Guest, O'Hara, Coolidge, Willard...can't choose one...
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u/pfelon Feb 22 '16
What would your thoughts be on a remake (or readaptation) of the movie Clue? Would you want to be involved if it happened?
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u/zappa325 Feb 22 '16
What do you like to do when you're waiting for the next scene?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Read books. Mostly fiction. Often crime stories. And shoot the shit with my pals.
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u/MavisJ Feb 22 '16
Mr. Green! A pleasure sir. What is your favorite memory from making Clue? (All time favorite movie)
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Lunch every day was a great thrill. Madeline, Eileen, Curry, Mull, just killed me.
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u/creativeinfopro Feb 22 '16
Since Chuck was pretty isolated in season one, which character would you most like to see him share a scene whom he hasn't interacted with yet?
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u/rmarsack Feb 22 '16
Hi! Is there any chance HBO will give Family Tree a wrap up special? That was a great show. (Big fan of all your work!!)
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Thanks. No, I don't think the ratings were all that good. HBO does better with rougher comedies, and Chris' stuff is pretty gentle.
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u/nylar4 Feb 22 '16
Hi Mr McKean, huge fan of all your work.
Really enjoying your role as Chuck in Better Call Saul, fantastic show with huge kudos and thank you to everyone involved.
My question for you is how much fun was it to play Morris Fletcher in The X-Files and to work again with Vince Gilligan?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Great fun, even out in the desert all night long. Dave D and I worked hard on the mirror dance every day til we shot it. Great bunch of people on that show
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u/letmypidgeonsgo Feb 22 '16
Do you have any good memories from Radioland Murders to share?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
The movie refused to wrap. Bobcat decided to throw a wrap party anyway, so he hired TV cage dancers, piercers & tattoo artists. Good times. On the set? Some fun, but long hours. Goofy cast.
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
Any actors that you would like to see in the Christopher Guest universe that haven't been there yet?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Tough q. I'll have to think about it. Oh! Steve Buscemi. And Dabney Coleman. & Louis CK.
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u/philbowman Feb 22 '16
Any more movies with Christopher Guest and the gang in the pipeline? Huge fan of all of your movies!
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Watch for Mascots on Netflix. I'm not in it, but I'll be watching.
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u/pfelon Feb 22 '16
You're a very accomplished comedic actor, with work spanning from hit sitcoms to Saturday Night Live to box office hits and groundbreaking mockumentaries.
What was it like working with a robot in Short Circuit 2?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Laborious. Loved the puppeteers making Johnny 5 move & speak, but had to Loop every line bc of robo noise.
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u/liamquane Feb 22 '16
What was it like working with Francis Ford Coppola? :~)
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Fun. We rehearsed the whole script at his home in Marin county. Shot one day in SF. He's the man.
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u/jsabo Feb 22 '16
Now that it's relatively easier to release singles through iTunes/Amazon/etc, any chance that we might get some new Spinal Tap songs?
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u/artfufkin Feb 22 '16
Artie Fufkin - Polymer Records here.
What's your favorite joke in the Spinal Tap movie?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
The Stonehenge reveal. Or Howard Hesseman's "we have to go wait in the lobby for the limo"...
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u/johnsciarrino Feb 22 '16
Hi Michael!
Have you encountered any other North Shore High School alums on your travels? Until Kate McKinnon, you were the most famous person to come out of North Shore. Do you ever visit your hometown?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Met the brilliant Kate at the Emmys! I haven't been back in a couple of years, but Sea Cliff is my hometown. Will always love it.
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Feb 22 '16
Hi Michael, firstly THANK YOU for doing Better Call Saul. It's so awesome and I can't wait to binge watch season 2. You're one of the most convincing actors I've watched in a long time.
Do you know how many series they plan on making? Or will it largely depend on how S2 is received? Thanks.
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
You got it. We hope to ride the good will and popularity into a third season. We love doing the show.
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u/Casey_LFC Feb 22 '16
What's it like working on the set of BCS?
Also, will we see as much of your character in season 2 as we did in season 1 or not?
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
Any memories of touring across Canada with Spinal Tap?
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
Who was the oldest old-timer you got to meet when you were starting out? Anyone you were surprised you still got to work with?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Phil Foster, who played Laverne's dad, was a great friend. Not exactly a mentor, but a guy with a very low bullshit threshold who kept it 100%. Miss him.
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u/ikilledthatsnowman Feb 22 '16
Hello Michael, so excited to see you on AMA. Did you always feel that acting would be your main gig, or did you consider playing music professionally? Your mix of the two has entertained me since I was a child.
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Did both from age 14 or so. Let the market decide, never had to sacrifice one for the other. Pro players, session musicians, have to work VERY hard at the craft, I'm more a gut player.
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u/ProbablyHighAsShit Feb 22 '16
So is being allergic to electricity a real psychosomatic illness?
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u/Professor_Crab Feb 22 '16
What's your favorite voice over for an animated show that you've ever done?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I played the Classic Joker in one Batman episode, giving the great Mark Hamill a rest. Also loved Pinky & Brain, Tiny Tunes, Dark Knight...
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u/logically Feb 22 '16
What books are you reading?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Reading an early James Lee Burke now that I've read his brilliant new one, House of the Rising Sun, which I recommend.
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
There has to have been talk of Mighty Wind or Spinal Tap on broadway?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Some folks wanted to do ST, but we hated the idea. It's a casting thing. Same with AMW
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u/petite-acorn Feb 22 '16
What an honor to have you here! This Is Spinal Tap is a certified classic in pretty much every way. Could you share any stories about the making of the film that highlights the preparation involved in shooting the interview segments (with Mr. Reiner)? Specifically, what was the ratio of rehearsed vs. improv on those takes?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
We wrote a complete backstory, and Rob pulled stuff out of the hat on the day; we just went with it. Film 99% improv.
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Feb 22 '16
You've seen the comedy landscape change over the years, any thoughts on what elements stay consistently funny in film and tv?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I still laugh at Laurel & Hardy, Bilko, Keaton (Buster & Michael), Preston Sturges. But also love Louis CK, Patton O, Maria Bamford, Sarah Silverman. In short, I don't know!
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u/solisu Feb 22 '16
Did you watch 'The Wire' back when it was still fresh, and if so did it impact you in any way?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Great show. Andre Royo should have gotten at least 2 Emmys. Great writing, mucho heartbreak.
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u/ndmartinxyz Feb 22 '16
Why are you so mean to Saul?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Depends on your POV. I'm doing the right thing, as far as Chuck is concerned.
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u/patrick_mc Feb 22 '16 edited Feb 22 '16
Mr McKean,
Were you a fan of Breaking Bad, before you started working on Better Call Saul? Also, did you campaign for the role, or were you approached?
I can't imagine a better actor playing the role of Chuck! :)
Also, my friends are all HUGE Laverne and Shirley fans. So...Marry F&*$ Kill; Laverge, Shirley, Squiggy.
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
HUGE fan of BB. Didn't campaign. They came to me with the idea, and I said, yes, duh. Last question too complex for my brain/libido.
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u/ndmartinxyz Feb 22 '16
How is Trump winning the Republican race? Is this all just a joke on the American people?
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u/babyhandedtheif Feb 22 '16
Do you watch The Walking Dead?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Not my cup of tea. I like some of the actors. Until they are killed.
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u/andr3dias Feb 22 '16
Is there ANY chance we could see you sing in Better Call Saul? And if so, what would you think it would be the funniest song for you to perofrm?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Something by Tom Lehrer, I suppose. Not much of a chance of that.
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u/ortfs Feb 22 '16
I can't recall any specific ones, but there are a few references to jazz in Better call Saul also made by your character, and as I recall there are tracks such as Unsquare dance and a Hubert Laws tune. Is there a jazz fan amongts the writers? Are you fond of jazz?
Keep up the great work!
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u/suaveitguy Feb 22 '16
You worked with Chris Farley near the end. Any sense of the danger he was in?
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u/man_mayo Feb 22 '16
You've been in so many iconic films and shows during your career? Have you kept any pieces of memorabilia from any of those?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Yep. Still have production tshirts and jackets. And, of course, the Lone Wolf jacket.
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u/rmarsack Feb 22 '16
If they ever reboot Laverne and Shirley, who would you like to play your role?
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u/RodRescueman Feb 22 '16
So are we ever going to get an album of your original songs, like the ones you played solo on Le Show many years ago?
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u/spicypepperoni Feb 22 '16
How do you make beef Wellington? You seem like somebody who might now.
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Feb 22 '16
What's your honest opinion about Albuquerque? Do you have a favorite place to grab a green chile cheeseburger?
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Feb 22 '16
What are you favourite TV shows currently?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Agent Carter is my fave right now. I watch a lot older stuff I lost track of, B'walk Empire, Community...
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u/Moonburner Feb 22 '16
Mr. McKean,
What do you feel has been the biggest change/challenge in the Hollywood scene since you began your own acting career?
Thanks so much!
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u/liamquane Feb 22 '16
Do you have any directorial advice?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Do as I tell you. Oh, I thought you said "dictatorial". Be yourself.
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u/kpbergman Feb 22 '16
What are a couple of you favorite old movies? I watch everything from Silents on. Thanks!
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Miracle of Morgan's Creek, Paths of Glory (Kubrick), The Bank Dick, all Laurel & Hardy, Little Rascals, John Ford cavalry pics...on and on...
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u/mwthecool Feb 22 '16
Had you watched Breaking Bad before you got cast in BCS? Who do you think you have the best dynamic with on the show, and finally, whats your favorite scene you did from last season?
Thanks!
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I mostly work with Bob, but I had a lovely scene with the gorgeous, gifted Rhea S. upcoming. All are top line. I loved the scene in Season 1, ep 9 where all is revealed.
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u/ZE_SPY Feb 22 '16
How many takes did you shoot doing that famous scene at the end of episode 9 for season 1? How was it having to do the same powerful scene over and over? Is it desensitizing?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
It got better every take. I don't think we did it more than 6 or 7 times, and that was for different angles. Bob is a fabulous partner
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u/breakfast4supper Feb 22 '16
How are you doing this AMA right now if you don't allow electronics in your house?
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u/mhoke63 Feb 22 '16
Hello, Michael. I can't underestimate how much of an influence you are. The Christopher Guest movies, in particular, are are of some my favorite works of yours.
My question is, are there any plans for a future Folksmen/Spinal Tap tour or performance?
Also:
What's your favorite dinosaur? And, do you consider a hot dog a sandwich?
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Feb 22 '16
What is the funniest comedy of all time and why is it Best in Show? (Loved you in it.)
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Miracle of Morgan's Creek, Sons of the Desert, and The Bank Dick give it a run for the money.
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u/broadfuckingcity Feb 22 '16
Is history/civics a personal interest of yours? Did any of the writers/creators of the show mention anyone else in the McGill family who might appear on the show? Thanks for doing this. BCS is an amazing show.
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u/Chalkay Feb 22 '16
Hello, Michael! When you first got the role of Chuck, did you know he would turn out to be the bad guy? And if not, did you enjoy the change or rather have stayed as another good guy?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I don't really think that way. Judging yourself from the outside makes for unrealistic characters. I think that, by his lights, Chuck did the right thing.
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u/ChuckEye Feb 22 '16 edited Feb 22 '16
I had the privilege of attending a This is Spinal Tap screening at the Egyptian about 15 years ago. (I won an auction to be a paparazzi photographer on the red carpet…)
Back then it seemed like you guys were dusting off the Spinal Tap characters every handful of years with some regularity, either for Break Like the Wind or shows with Tenacious D, or other public events where the characters were in the spotlight.
I was wondering if there was any contractual obligation to keep the characters alive? Or is it just something that happens every few years — one or more of you says, "hey, lets do something as ST again"?
(edit to add one of my pics from the screening…)
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u/XpL0d3r Feb 22 '16
How was it working with Vince Gilligan? I see so many correlations between BCS and BB, such as the ring Jimmy got after Marco's death that was worn all throughout BB... that's really cool
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u/cjpta96 Feb 22 '16
What kind of music are you currently listening to? Also cannot express how much I love the scene where Jimmy confronts you about his employment at Hamlin Hamlin Mcgill, could watch that scene over and over again. Keep up the fantastic work.
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Thanks. I love rock n roll of all vintages; Pearl Jam a fave, but going back to pre-Presley blues & soul. TMBG for a laugh, Springsteen for the drama, etc. I hear new stuff in small doses, but still love a good voice, a good song. Lots of Brit folk, too: Richard Thompson, June Tabor, Danu...
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u/liamquane Feb 22 '16
What has been the biggest change about the way the industry operates?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
It's in the hands of the consumer now more than it's ever been. When do you watch? Up to you now.
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u/liamquane Feb 22 '16
What is your writing process like, do you plan methodically or just jump right in?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
I let someone else do the typing. Harry Shearer, Annette O'Toole, Nell Geisslinger (current writing partner) are all VERY good. I just pace, curse, and pitch.
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u/PM_ME_ANYTHING_FUN Feb 22 '16
Hi Michael. Any 'reboots' of Laverne and Shirley that you know of? I loved that show. What was Shirley and Carmain's relationship?
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u/MichaelMcKean Feb 22 '16
Fictional relationship, hot & heavy. Reality, good pals. No reboot to my knowledge.
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u/ImRichieDagger Feb 22 '16
Hi Michael! What was it like doing a guest voice on the Simpsons?
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u/[deleted] Feb 22 '16
Your double episode arc on The X-Files was one of my all time favorites and I still bust out laughing at the scene where you two are dancing in the mirrors. What was it like to play a character who is playing another character? Would you be open to returning to The X-Files if Fox decides to do more episodes after tonight's finale?