At 4pm central tomorrow we’re talking to the wonderful Bruce Vilanch, Hollywood’s go-to comedy writer, best known for his appearances on seasons 1-4 of the revamped Hollywood Squares, along with Whoopi Goldberg.
For many years Bruce worked as the head comedy writer for the Tonys and the Oscars, and is loved by many in the entertainment industry for his work as a writer for Bette Midler, Cher, Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin and Joan Rivers.
In the late 70s Bruce was hired by George Lucas to write the Star Wars Holiday Special, considered one of the most cringe-worthy and unintentionally hilarious TV specials of all time, mostly because it put the Star Wars characters in unusual situations, including Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia singing the “Life Day” song.
Over twenty years after its initial airdate, the Holiday Special has become a much-treasured bootleg video that most die-hard fans have in their collection. We’re talking to Bruce about his work as a writer, working with all the comedy greats and of course the Star Wars Holiday Special. What were they thinking?
Ask Bruce Vilanch anything!
– Here’s a great interview with Bruce Vilanch by Combustible Celluloid.
Bruce Vilanch will be apearing with Carol Channing and Carole Cook at “Help is on the Way,” Northern California’s largest annual AIDS benefit concert on Sunday Auguest 15 at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco.
FOF #1583 – A Double Date with Bruce Vilanch and Ronnie Kroell – 05.14.12
FOFA #1221 – Bruce Vilanch on the Star Wars Holiday Special – 08.10.11
When Honey Badgers Attack: James Franco Edition
FOF #1333 – Bruce Vilanch Takes Us Inside the Oscars – 02.23.11
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Check out how lovely and gentle Bruce was when dealing with LGBT Youth. Is that Nichelle Nichols sitting next to Bruce? Yes it is!
Just the opening credits are pretty astounding.
Bruce, I met you ten years ago when you emceed the closing ceremonies for the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) closing ceremonies with the late, great Nell Carter. After the ceremony, there was a huge dance party and all of the chorus members attended. I was on the dancefloor and I turned around, and there you were! “BRUCE! How’re ya doing?!” I said, and you said “I’m doing great!” and shook my hand. That’s really all it was… but I’ll never forget it.
So that wasn’t really a question — so here’s a question for Bruce:
Regarding the Star Wars Holiday Special, did you ever think back when you were writing it that it would end up being such a cult classic so many years later? Any chance it will ever be released to DVD?