Kristen Wiig

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SNL, from Bridesmaids, from Barb and Star, from Palm Royale. But we're going to talk about a lot of stuff today. We're going to talk about working together on a show at the same time. We're going to talk about Carol Burnett and how much we love Carol and everything she does. We're going to talk about The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and why I should start watching it immediately. And we're going to talk about her new movie, Gabby's Dollhouse. So that's out and we're going to get into all of that good stuff. But we always like to start our shows with someone that knows our guests and can speak well of our guests behind their back and can give me a question to ask our guests. And we have another celeb.

I mean, another comedy great, another former SNL cast member who I had the privilege to share the stage with. And that is Bill Hader. You all know Bill Hader. Barry, SNL, what I need to say. You know, you know, Bill. Bill, Bill, can you hear me? I'm going to get my cans on.

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How's it going? It's going good. I'm, I'm, I'm zooming you from the studio and, and wig is coming in today. Thank you for doing this. Oh, no problem. Thanks for having me. Of course. I hope I can get, I can get you in the stude. Oh man, I'd love to. How's life? Life's good. We're just like.

Yeah, just writing. Hannah's 16, Harper's 13, Haley's 11. Yeah, they're great kids. Yeah, just very sweet kids, so very lucky. I mean, they play a lot of jokes. My 13-year-old yesterday scared the shit out of me. I was in bed reading, and she sent me a text, and I looked at it, and it was a picture from underneath my bed. And I go, and I hear her in my bed. She was underneath my bed.

I was like, what the fuck is wrong with you? And she just was dying laughing. She was like, oh, my God. All right. Good night. Good night. Just scared me. It was so creepy. I was like, why did you do that? She was like, I don't know. Just get under my bed. Because she's your child. Yeah, my child. Yeah, exactly. OK, so we're going to talk about wig. And, you know, I'm so like I'm getting ready for this interview today with her. And it's like I don't even know where to start with Kristen. She's so good. So talented. She's done so many things during SNL, after SNL. Like she's had this.

incredible career on her own terms always. I mean, you two have done so much incredible work together on the show and in Skeleton Twins, which is just beautiful work from the both of you. And I guess, how would you describe Kristen as a, you know, as a friend and a performer? You know, Andy and I had started the show. Jason was already kind of, but we were all kind of the same. We were freshmen all at the same time. And then Kristen came in like three shows later.

So I remember going into our office and we were writing a Vincent Price sketch. And I was kind of like, I've been here for three weeks. So hey, newbie. I know where the bathrooms are. I know where the bathrooms are. I know you have to change elevators at this floor. And I said, hey, we're writing this Vincent Price thing. If you have any old character or something. Amy's playing a cigarette girl. Do you remember that? Chesterfield cigarettes and you tap dance. Fred's doing something. And she went, oh, I'm a...

Maybe do Judy Garland. And I'm like, oh, what would that sound like? And she went, maybe like, oh, you ever get the feeling that your hands are made out of sand? And I went, okay. You're really good. Then I was like, never mind. Okay, I didn't realize who I was talking to. That's a really good line. And the impression was like spot on. She's just so good at like, at knowing what would work on the show too. That's a perfect, yes. I always say like, I don't know if you, I felt like, here's what the show likes. Here's what I like. And I was trying to find this Venn diagram. And like her, it was like the same diagram. It's like what she naturally found funny.

the show it just it worked on the show and i watched her for seven years and at every table read i feel like she did something different yeah she's such a crazy range yeah the range that's the word i'm looking for is i was like how did she how'd she do that i know she played this italian guy once i've never done a show but she played this italian man once and he would just go oh yeah and somebody's like oh yeah oh baby yeah and i was like where did you fucking get this you know and you're just like where did that come from and she's like i don't know you know um but she just kind of It just felt very effortless to her in a way that I always really admired. And I really admired. And again, you know, you, Maya, you guys just wait. It's like before the shows, it was like focus, but cool as cucumbers could go out, do the show, come back and and just had this confidence. And she had that as well. Yeah, she really did. She like it felt like she entered the show a fully formed cast member ready to go. Completely. Yeah. And she also like it's like made it look fun. Yeah.

There wasn't like a science to it. I don't know if this makes sense. There was no like equational thing. She was just being goofy. Yes. And it didn't seem disposable at the same time, though. And that's really hard. It was like, wow, that's the thing I'm going to remember. And it was fun. But she's still just loose and having fun with it. Yes, totally hear you. It's 100% the best way to sum her up. Like, I feel like when I was watching her do her sketches, I could sense her laughing about them the night before. I remember she did a Penelope sketch.

And Liza Minnelli was in it at the end. The Liza Minnelli? The Liza Minnelli. Yes, the Liza. And the thing was, Penelope was always making things up. And it was like, oh, I can't do that because I'm going out with Liza Minnelli and a tomato tonight, right? And Liza Minnelli showed up at the end. And when Liza Minnelli came out on stage and goes, hey, Penelope, I just saw Kristen just try so hard not to laugh. It was like just hearing her go, hey, hey. And she had a tomato with her. She's like, hey, Penelope, me and tomato are excited to go out and down with Kristen.

Biting her lips. Found it so funny. Yes. Another one I'll say. The other one I remember was I was a game show host in a thing when Maya hosted.

And it came, it was a game show. She had written it with James and she was, before the sketch even started on air, Kristen was looking at me and laughing really hard. I didn't know why she was just laughing and shaking her head. Like your first line is so stupid. I think I, yeah. And then, and they had changed it between dress and air. And my first line was to Vanessa Bayer, who was a contestant. I go, before we went to the break, you said, you said the answer to the question was beef. Sorry. The correct answer was nine.

And as I was saying it, Kristen was like shaking her head and laughing like, I'm sorry, dude. We couldn't think of anything. Like, that's what I think of her. It's just like, she's just having fun, you know? Yes, yes. So well said. So well said. Okay, so do you have a question? Do you think I should ask her about anything? It doesn't have to be about SNL or comedy, but anything that I could ask her on your behalf? I'm just always curious if she was always that confident in that ability. Was that a thing when she started at Groundlings? Did she come in going like, did she have, because as you said very well, she came in fully formed. And I was like,

Was it always that way? Because she had such a confidence in her ideas. Yes, yes. That kind of, I remember asking her, I was like, how do you write this? Like, how did you do that? And she goes, I don't know. I just think it and I do it. You know, so she just has such a massive confidence in her ideas. That's a really good way to put it. That's a really good way to put it. Forte was kind of that way too. Totally. Where Forte would do a thing and you would go, what? Where did that come from? And you know that look in their eyes where they're like, it never occurred to them that that might be a crazy idea. I'm like, my character has, remember I was in a sketch of hers and I feel like a character either. I did her and her character had pepperoni nipples. Nipples and pepperoni. I was like, where'd you come up with that? And it was like looking at you like, well, we're on a sketch show too.

You know, I would take it too literally. I don't know. But yeah, that would be a question. I was like, yeah, where did that? Was there ever a moment early days where it was that learned and honed or did that? That's a great question. Thanks, Bill. I know Chris is going to be so psyched. We talked today. Thank you so much for doing it. All right. Thanks, buddy. Talk to you soon. Bye.

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help. Hi, bud. Thank you for doing this. You know, I know you don't do a lot of interviews. I feel like I feel honored. You know, you do what you need to do for work. Exactly. But you and you follow through with your obligations with that. Oh, yes. I do my job. Yes. Yes. But you don't love to, you know, you want to keep your life private. Yeah. And like if I'm promoting something, I'm happy to talk about that. But, you know, there's such a the line is so blurred. I'm happy to discuss anything with you because you're my friend. But, you know, I know it's it's when it's someone that you don't know and they're asking you certain personal things are a little bit like.

I don't know. I know. And also I learned something from you many years ago that I think about all the time, which is also, I mean, I, what I love about how you interact with your work is like you put it out there, but you don't necessarily, you kind of just like put it out there and it's out there. I don't want to know. I know, and it's such a great, it's very healthy. Because it doesn't matter. I know, I know, it doesn't. And actually, I remember Sandberg telling me a long time ago, like, during SNL, you can read a million reviews, and you can quote the bad ones, like, word for word. Like, I can remember things people said about me. Oh, yeah. So I, like, I just, having this movie come out, this kid's movie, and I texted my publicist, and I was like, don't send me anything. Yeah, don't send me anything. Like, I will probably call her at some point and say, do they hate it? Do they like it? But I don't want to be sent.

because it just gets in your brain and it's not what your experience is. I don't know. I'm sensitive too. Same. And you said something to me that I think about all the time, which is I had like an evening where I was, whatever, wore an outfit, felt good in it, had a good time and then went home and saw the picture of it and just was like, like just felt really sad. And you were like, oh, I don't like, I don't do that. I don't look at pictures after an event or something. Like I trust that where, you know, like I just kind of like remember the feeling of it and I'm working with great people. And I, when I head out the door, I feel good. And I like, like leave it at that. And I think about it all the time because.

bigger than like how we look. It's just like the idea of like the world weighing in on your mental health. I got there because I would go and look and then I would just feel horrible. I'm like, but wait, why do I feel bad? I know. I thought I liked it. And then in my mind, I'm like, well, now did I? I just, yeah. I know. So I think about you all the time when I do try, when I try not to look at pictures of myself. But we are going to change our faces into cats for this. Oh, great. I want filters. Yeah, we're going to put, I'm going to have flames coming out. We're going to be, it's going to be babies. This is Good Hang Babies and we're going to.

I want to look 30 years younger. But naturally. You look incredible. And I do feel like you are like, I wouldn't consider you an introvert, but I do think you're probably more introverted than people would assume, right? I would agree with that. Do you think people are often disappointed? No, but it's true. I think also because our people know us, our origins into the public life is comedy. So people think if you're at a dinner table and someone says, Kristen, tell that story. And 14 people look at you. That's my nightmare. I'm so bad at it. I'm really bad. And I was talking to my husband. I was like, I'm really bad at.

like telling stories and he's like yeah he's like I've noticed you're you are and I was a little shocked but then it made me realize that like it's true I I don't like that I don't yeah I'm not good at it halfway through I realize everyone's looking at me and then I'm like how did this how does this end I'm like I'm not and some people are so good oh yeah and some people when they go in to tell a story they like settle in like here we go like a warm sweater and I'm like don't stop because I don't want people to ask me to tell a story I know because it's it is it is like I mean there's so much to talk to you about today. And like, like, I don't even know where to start because there's so much good stuff to talk about. I want to talk about Groundlings. I want to talk about the beginnings of things because I feel like, I don't think a lot of people know your beginnings of things. Like, what were you like as a kid? Were you, you said that you didn't know, you said you had no like big plans to be an actor or performer at all. No. No. I mean, I, I would like watch movies and be like, oh yeah, I want to do that. But I think that's like everybody wanted to. Were you ever like in a school play or, or, you know.

No. An attention seeker in any way back then? I think maybe a little bit just from, like, my parents getting divorced and being like, I'm going to cause trouble. Oh, you became a little bit of a troublemaker. Yes, I did. Exciting. I didn't. I don't know if that turned into, like, you caused a little problem. I didn't. I'm not bragging about it. I feel terrible. Now that I'm a parent. Can you share any of that? I mean, I got detention a lot. I was suspended a handful of times. I had police come to my house.

a prank prank phone calling stuff okay but still they came yeah um and that was scary but I was I think because and I and I I'm bringing it back to like parents divorce which don't turn this off it's gonna be funny um uh it really affected my life yeah and I think I went into like my friend group which I think happens a lot where if things are like uncertain at home like your friends become your family and I was just always with my friends and always sleeping over at other people's houses and some of the people I was hanging out with were like troublemakers, I guess. And I just kind of like got in with a little bit of the wrong crowd, I think, young. And then I moved when my mom moved to Rochester and I moved with her. At the time, I was like, I don't want to move. These are my friends. But thank God. That like saved my life. Yeah. It really saved my life. It is true. Like, especially now that you have kids, you know, we know that like, that whoever you're around, the proximity of who you're around can really dictate what kind of choices you make. Yeah. I know. And it's hard as a parent. I know. I mean, my kids are five, so I'm not, I can't totally. But even when my kids were five, you'd see other five-year-olds, you'd be like, you got to stay away from them. I know. You're like, do you really want to play with them? Really?

Are you sure? I don't know. They seem nice. And then you just hold the phone upside down. You're like, I just called their mom and they're not home. They've moved. Their mom said no more clean dates. Okay. So where do you grow up? Where's your hometown? I was in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Right. And then Rochester. Amish town. Which also probably added to a little bit of the mischief. Like, yeah, because there wasn't a lot to do. You know, playing down at the creek. And running through the cornfields. I really was. But yeah, I don't know. I don't know if it's the place or just.

Who I was hanging out with. I don't know. Yeah. And then is it really true that a psychic told you that you were being an actress? Let me just clarify this story. Okay. Is that a fake story? Because it's not totally fake. I'll give you like the short version. But I was living in Arizona. I was going to school there. I was at the University of Arizona in Tucson. And I did not really want to be there. And I just felt like I was supposed to be.

somewhere else. I was an art major and I just, I wasn't like, I wasn't connecting with something. I did take an acting class. It was like acting 101. I think that's what it's called. And I was terrified to do it because I hated speaking in front of the class, like would skip school, which is always the worst thing because then you have to come back on a different day and do the book report when everyone else is like, we did this last week. It's just even more awkward. But I hated speaking in front of the class. Like I would just get anxiety. So I didn't want to take this class. I took it. I loved it.

And I was like, I don't want to be here. I'm not supposed to be here. And I do have this theory that if you ask yourself questions in the mirror, you cannot lie to yourself. And it's very, yes. That's deep. Like looking in the mirror and just being like, where, what do you want to do? And it was like, I want to move to LA and try to be an actor. And that had kind of never come out of my mouth before. It just seemed like something so far. I'm not, I just didn't seem like anything that would ever happen. So.

And at this time in Arizona, I was like, you know, go into like spiritual bookstores as we do in our 20s. Getting crystals. Oh, my God. Pendulums. Yes, of course. Like, I was, like, really in, like, a nice, like, healthy way. And I wasn't, like, just doing voodoo or anything. And I went into this bookstore and there was a sign that was, like, I swear it said, like, Psychic Mike. It was, like, a dollar a minute. And I was, like, I'm going to go see that guy. And I went in and I sat down and he was, like, oh, give me your ring. And he was, like, holding my ring. And he was, like, he's, like, what are you doing here? He's, like, why are you here? He's, like, you should have been in L.A., like, a year ago. No way. Just out of the blue. Swear on my life. Love it.

He could have said that to every person. He's like, what are you doing here? That's what he says to every person. And they're just like, because no one knows. You don't go into a psychic because you know what you're doing. Right, exactly. But I, I like went home and packed up my car. Whoa. Because my roommate at the time lived in LA. And I was like, can I come stay with you? Didn't tell my parents. Packed up my car. Bad girl. Drugged my cat. Drove to LA and just. Quit school? Quit school. Dang, you are a rebel wig. Yes, you are a rebel. It was very, I think because I knew someone.

Sure. It was less scary. But yeah, I had to like get an apartment. Got a job. I mean, back then it was, you only needed to know like one person to make a humongous career and life change. It was like, I'll just go. Same thing with me. I knew someone who had graduated from college. It was my old roommate who was living in Chicago. So I was like, all right, I'll just move to Chicago. Like she's there. Like that's all you needed was one person. And we didn't have like phones or anything like that. We just drove. We just drove with like a map. And a cat and a map. And we were just like, and then we just looked at, and then the signs were just arrows. It just said Hollywood. It just said success, Hollywood, acting town. And you just, and you pulled up. So you go to Groundlings. What year are you getting Groundlings? What year do you start Groundlings?

I waited a couple years because once I got to LA, I was like, I've never acted before. Oh, so you didn't start right away. I was like, what? This town is full of every person here is trying to do that. And I, I got freaked out and I worked at like a hot dog restaurant and then I worked at anthropology and I was doing all these like odd jobs. And then, um, a friend of mine that I was working for when I was doing like painting, I had a million jobs. Um, he was like, have you ever been to the groundlings? And I was like, no, what is it? And he's like, you should go. He's like, I just think you'd like it.

And yeah, that first show, I'd never seen improv. I'd never seen like live sketch, but it was like Jen Coolidge, Michael Hitchcock. And I was just like, this is what I want to do. Wow. Yeah. This is it. Oh my God. They're just making stuff up.

I was like, I don't have to like read and say a line a certain way that's like right or wrong. I could just like do that. And it was like nine, it was, it was the 90s. So you're doing sketch and improv and like, like everybody like hoping to get on SNL. Yeah. Just like that was the goal. It was like, and you're watching people go and get on SNL. Yeah. And then Mad TV came out and that was the thing. And a lot of people were auditioning for that. Right, right. Because that was happening out here. I remember there was that time when it was like, you can audition for Mad TV and SNL. Like, it was very like one or the other, like choose now. And it was like, babe, no one's offering me either job.

You're like having imaginary conversations in your head about like, if Mad TV asks, I'm going to say no. It's like, they're not asking. Wait, did you do sketch in college? Yeah, I did like improv and like an improv group in college. And we did like sketches at the end of the show. And it was, and you know, it was, I loved my improv group. It was called My Mother's Fleabag, which is like, sure. And, you know, I love an improv group name. And My Mother's Fleabag had been around forever. You know, and it was like a little frat for like a little nerdy frat or sorority. And we had all these rituals and customs. And at the end of our show, we would go, it's.

it's, it's my mother's fleabag. Like as if it was like live from, you know, like we were doing some like version of SNL and we would do sketches and improv. Oh, that's so cute. But you didn't do any sketching improv in University of Arizona. No, no, no, no, no. Interesting. Amazing. So then you go, can you, I mean, your audition for SNL.

It is weird to like have auditions out in the world. I don't know. Did you watch any of the 50th stuff when they were showing? I haven't watched that yet. See, you don't watch. That's good. And I've never seen my audition. I never want to ever see it. Because I did two. Okay. You auditioned. And then what happened? Well, okay. You auditioned once and then you got it and you turned it down. I turned it down. Because Matt TV was coming back. No, I auditioned and then I didn't hear anything. And then the season started. And then you're like, I'm not on. Okay. I'm not there. And then.

Oh, wait, no, how did it go? Maybe, no, no, maybe that's wrong. I auditioned. No, that's not right. I auditioned.

uh, didn't hear anything. Then they asked me to audition again. And I was like, I did everything. I was okay. I don't even know what was in that second audition. And then, and then I didn't hear anything. And then the season started. And that's when I was like, I didn't get it. No, but then they called me and they were like, can you, we'd love to have a spot for you. Whatever. Can you come in like two weeks? I'm finding that out that they hired you after the season had started. Yeah. You guys had done three shows and then they were like, come watch. Uh, I literally got there on like a Friday. I came and I watched.

lance armstrong's show and then comedian comedy's lance armstrong but i remember being like what because to watch a show from the floor yeah no matter what is intense but knowing that i was starting on monday and nobody no no one knew because nobody told anyone notoriously not good at onboarding no no they're not good at onboarding and then i just showed up on monday but yeah but i i do remember going to the party and going outside and calling my friend and like sobbing because i was like what I was so overwhelmed. I didn't like know anybody. And I'm like in, I was like in New York. You know what I mean? I didn't, I didn't know the city and I was so scared. Yeah. Cause I knew no matter what I was going to be on and I just didn't know what, like, how do you get there? I'm never even being on the floor to like eight days later or whatever, like being on the show. I mean, the only thing I can compare it to, and I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but it feels like it is like an emergency room where someone's like.

you're going to have to save people's lives. Just watch what we're doing now. That was how it felt. You were like, and again, it's not saving people's lives, but we did. But like, it's like this really well-run emergency room where everyone knows what they're doing and they have a part and you're just like in everyone's way. Do you need a scalpel? No, totally. And they're like, you have to know how to do this. Like no one's going to teach you. Yeah. Or like, you know, we have a meeting in 10 minutes. It's like, no, no one told me. Oh my God. I mean, I started at 9-11. So they were, that was your first show. That's right.

Cut to commercial. Cut to commercial. When Rudy Giuliani. Go to this camera. Cut to commercial. Yeah, when Rudy Giuliani said, like, why be funny? And Lauren said, can we be funny? And Rudy Giuliani said, why start now? And the first responders were on stage. That was my first show. And it was like, and everyone was like, I think comedy's over. And, you know. But here. And I remember thinking, let me be like hanging there for six more months so I can just tell my parents that I did the show. Yeah, that was. And that was. And talk about no, no, no, no. No one told you where the meeting was, but people were like fleeing the building. Yeah.

because there was anthrax in it. So there was anthrax sent to 30 Rock and like two or three weeks and people were running out of the building. And I was like, where's everyone going? They're like, we're leaving because there's anthrax in the building. I was like, so we should go. We should leave then. I don't want to get in trouble. So yeah, so you and I both had, it's so, there was no, you know, there was obviously Shoemaker being one of them, like great producers who took us aside and said like,

make sure you do this, whatever. But you were really thrown to the wolves, which I guess is kind of like how the show is. And I think that's why it's great. Yeah, I know. But, but wig from the minute you started and I did watch your audition and it's so good. And it's every single character. Oh, I think every single character in your audition ends up being a fully realized character on the show, which is amazing. I don't, that can't be true. I think it's true. And you're so like, you arrive at that show, in my opinion, ready and confident to try what is the job, which is like to try your dumb ideas. Do you think it was, it was Groundlings that got you ready for that? Like, do you think that's what? I think.

groundlings helped me realize what I do and my voice like as a writer and a performer so I was kind of like I'm gonna do that and if that doesn't work then I know I'm not gonna like work here so I remember that first like Tuesday no Wednesday um read through yeah oh my god um I was like if they don't get it like this this is where I know it's like it doesn't translate beyond that theater on Melrose and that like I'm in a different place. Do you know what I mean? Yes. But that's, that's, you know, okay. So we do this thing on the show where we talk to, we talk well behind people's backs and we talk to Bill Hader and your brother. And, um, and, and Hader and I were talking about you and how great you are. And we were saying that there's this feeling that we always got from you, which is exactly that, which is like, you were putting up stuff that made you laugh and you were like, well, this is what I enjoy. It was, you know, there wasn't that feeling of like, let me try to get something that might get on or let me try to get something that might please the host or whatever. It was always like your.

confidence in your idea. And his question for you is the one that like, I feel like I'm asking right now, which is like, when, how did you get the confidence in your own ideas? Where did it come from? I, it's weird because I don't see it as confidence. Um, I think I just kind of, I don't know. I'm just talking. I've never really answered this, but I think I kind of wanted to know where I was in the world as far as like my, uh, point of view. And like, the more I would put up that I thought was funny, the more I could kind of like,

hone what kind of works and what doesn't. Does that make sense? But I do remember Forte telling me once in his office, me saying, something like, I don't know if Lauren would like this or, and he was like, don't do that. He's like, never write for, if you think someone else is going to think this is funny. He's like, write if like you think it's funny. And I, like, I always carry that with me. I mean, you and Will Forte share that. You guys both share that feeling of like, when it comes from either one of you, there's no doubt that the two of you have been laughing about it. And like, you find it funny. Just die a slow death. But I love those times too. Yes, same. Writing those, I remember you and I wrote something that to this day, like James and I quote.

when we were like performers in like a cafe. Oh, and it died a terrible day. And I remember we were like describing the way someone looked as a pencil because they had a yellow outfit on and like a pink hat or something. We just said they look like a pencil. I don't know. Well, it didn't work here.

But there was something about it that when you're doing it and you know that little moment where like this is the little hook where the audience laughs and when they don't and you have like four more minutes. Oh, I know. It's exquisite though. It's like a sweat that if you get through the fever of it, then you feel like your immune system is like stronger. Also, you were seeing your heroes. I'm sorry for me, you included. Everyone's doing their best and everyone has stuff. Sometimes it doesn't work. And you're like, oh, okay. This happens to everybody. But the cool thing about it is when you show up and there's like 50 sketches to read.

People think that they're going to work and you just never know. I know. It's so weird. So much of your stuff worked. Like crushed. I mean, it's like, okay, well, you've talked about this and I've heard you talk about it and it really made me laugh. For the first sketch you were in at SNL was when you, right? Yeah. Were pregnant in the butt. My character was pregnant. Your character. But it's funny because back it up even to like my first pitch. Because that was J.B. Smoove. Right. The great writer and performer J.B. Smoove. The great everything for the best pitcher. Incredible.

And he pitched this thing where you were pregnant in the butt and everyone was laughing. And I didn't know that, like, he just does, like, funny pitches. Right. And he wrote it. I think. And he often, he often, JB, I think you often pitch stuff that maybe you weren't going to write. Yes. You know what I mean? I always pitch stuff I wasn't going to write. Saying that was kind of the thing. On Monday night, you'd be like, um, and you'd just kind of bullshit your way to get a laugh. And then you'd be like, okay, now I really have to buckle down. But I think because the response was so funny, JB was like, I should write it. That's the other thing. And you're like, oh, I wasn't really going to write that thing. Yeah. It was my very first sketch. Jason Lee. Jason Lee was the host. Foo Fighters. Yes. Foo Fighters. Foo Fighters. I did say that. Foo Fighters

I'm so happy that was my first sketch. That was your first sketch. And do you remember the first, like, I mean, the first character of so many, but do you remember the first one that was a recurring that you thought, was it Target Lady? Like, where you felt like, oh, I'm going to get to do this again. Like, I have some kind of... I don't know. I know. Was it A-Holes with Sudeikis? It was either A-Holes or Target Lady, yeah. I mean, for people who don't remember, you know, Kristen has done so many characters. I mean, we could talk about them all day, but there was Target Lady who was, of course, very, very excited about things getting improved and had an incredible haircut. Great wigs.

Incredible wig. And then another great wig, another character was A-Holes, which is Sudeikis, Jason Sudeikis. And you guys were kind of like just like the worst people to show up anywhere. Yeah. And you did a great move where you would play with your hair and chew gum. Real simple. So there you are. You're at SNL crushing it. Bridesmaids comes out. Bridesmaids comes out while you're on the show. Yes. I don't think people understand that.

I mean, I don't think I did either. The timeline of that, you were still on the show when the gigantic, incredible explosion that is Bridesmaids happens and you're still, and you know, a lot of people have to kind of launch and then figure out their their way after they leave the show, you're kind of having this moment while you're still having a full-time job on the show. What was that like? Was it hard to balance, like, going back and forth or shooting or press or any of that stuff? Or do you remember it being kind of smooth? I don't really think I knew how well it was doing until, like, later. Yeah. Until I was off the show. Yeah. You had some more perspective on it? I think so. And you and Annie Mamalo, who wrote it together, like, did you guys get to have a moment where you said, let's see each other and say, holy shit. Later. Yeah. Because I remember after opening weekend, they were like, well, we tried. And they were like, sorry.

Really? Yeah. Because, you know, opening weekend was always the thing. It was a comedy and it didn't make a certain thing. And we were like, oh, well, okay. We just thought like, that was it. Wow. And then I think just more and more people kept seeing it. And then it kind of happened later. Yeah, it was a grower. Wow. That's so cool. I mean, it's still, we're talking about stuff from 20 years ago, but it still remains a lot of people's favorite comedy. And it's still a spec for what it looks like to have like a bunch of women in a film together, writing their own material. Like what a hard, well done, mostly female comedy. Like it's still such a superior.

piece of work wig thank you Amy you're welcome no questions this episode is brought to you by Apple Watch your heart tells the story of your health and with the new Apple Watch Series 12 you can understand it better than ever it's got this new readiness score which based on your activity vitals and sleep basically tells you whether it's a let's go or do less day I'm always trying to navigate that and it's now backed by the most Accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable, so you can trust what it's telling you. Visit apple.com slash Apple Watch Series 12 to learn more. iPhone 11 or later required. Readiness score is for wellness purposes only and not for medical use. Heart rate accuracy based on Apple conducted study, August 2026. Visit apple.com slash HR accuracy.

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There's so many funny characters that I want to talk about, but I won't embarrass you by going through them. But I've said this to you before. My favorite character is the surprise lady. That's one of my favorites. I love her. I love her for a million reasons. I love her because the way you play her is so funny. I love her wig. Fantastic wig. Always in a turtleneck. Always. Well, she had died in it. She had died in it. That's right. That's right. Did you write it? I thought it was in the script that we pulled it over. Yes. And when I say that was one of my favorites, that comes from doing it. Yeah. Like I...

I like being in a sketch where there's a lot of people and there are moments where everyone is looking around. Like, what is going on? I love that moment. Yes. I love a cut to Kenan. Just...

Like, we got to get out of here. Like, this lady is nuts. That's my favorite thing. That actually would be a really good way to sum up a lot of your characters. Oh, yeah. Most of my sketches, if you go back and look. Like, you've got to cut to people being weirded out by me to remind the audience that. But why I love the surprise lady so much is because there's a lot of wig in it, I think. Because she is nervous, but excited. And she loves a party. And she cannot wait to deliver that good news. She can't wait. And the physicality of her. And the way it's so funny. God, I just watch clips of it all the time.

I love it so much. It's so funny and stupid. Funny and stupid. Yes. Which we know is the highest price in comedy. Agree. Like the more people go, ugh. Oh, that's so dumb. That's so dumb. And you're like, yay, I did it. Okay. Speaking of like hilarious, funny, and physical, can you just talk for a minute about what it's like to work with Carol Burnett? Your season is coming out. Season two is coming out in November. Okay. Yes. Palm Royale. So many things I could say about Carol.

when I met her, I just fully cried and I was not expecting it. And I don't, that is never, except when my kids were born and I saw them and I cried. I can't remember a time. when I just, I didn't think I was going to cry. And then they just, it just like burst out of my eyes. I wasn't expecting it. I watched her as a kid. There's, she's, as you know, she's just the greatest person. She was very important to us. Yes, so important to us. And the fact that she just did it as a woman during that time. And so many people said no. It makes perfect sense that you guys are working together because you definitely have, I mean, you have that thing that she has, which is you're able to enter a scene and just dominate in that way in a hilarious, joyful.

and confident way, but you also like tiny, small and grounded things too. I think you have a lot of other interests too. Like I actually think you, like for people who don't know, you're an artist, you love to, and you're a musician. What's your relationship to music and singing? Well, music is definitely the thing that I need to create anything else. Like if I'm going to draw, I have to have music on. Or if I'm writing something, it's always to like music that I am picturing will be in this part of the thing. I think it like opens up that part of my brain that.

allows me to go in and be like, what do you really think? Because if I just sit there, I think like, oh, what will they think? Does that make sense? Yeah, for sure. And then, I mean, I've always sang, like I sang in like, you know, the choir when I was a kid. Have you ever thought about wanting to sing? Sing, sing. Yeah. Like, I mean, you do sing, sing, but like. But I would love to do like a. I know. I know, do a record, do a record. I would love to do that. You should. You should. But I don't even know how to like get started. Just this, just, you just. Can you weigh in on the comments on this, guys? How does Christine get started? How do you get into the music business? It also.

feels like you could do, you could dip your toe into some version of it where it didn't have to feel so like, yeah, like, like a thing. Yeah. Like you could join someone's band. Whose band should you join? Again, weigh in. Have you got a band? Just take them in a new direction.

It's just a little bit quieter. Just calling them up and be like, guys, I know you have your thing. And your thing works great. You've been doing it a long time. And we think, what if you just... And your fans would love to sit down. And I've got the music for it. Your fans would love to put their arms down. Do you still go to rock shows anymore? Because when we were young and out and about, we did it up. We did it up. That's why those were honestly the best years of my life. Like being in New York and... And being young and... We did it up. And now I do not do it. Don't do it.

The thought of going to a concert. The thought of getting ready to go out at 11 o'clock, which is what I used to do. Oh my God, never. Can you imagine? I go out to dinner with my friends at 6 o'clock. Okay, let's talk about sleep. 6 p.m. Because I want to be home. I love to eat dinner at 6 p.m. Me too. What's your ideal bedtime? Well, you mean sleep or get in the bed? Great question. Because those are different from ours. I would say, what is your ideal time to be in bed? When do you try to get in bed? Like 8.30, 9 o'clock. Love it. Asleep by 10.

1030. Yeah. Because I do like waking up early. Yes. When everyone else is asleep so I can have my little quiet time. Yeah, because you have little ones and you have to kind of get ready for that because morning is intense. Morning's tough. Yeah. Now that I have teenagers, it's really funny. Now like my mornings are, I have five hours before people wake up. I'm like, it's 1030. Yes. You have to get up. Yeah. But don't they say it's like a brain thing? Yeah, you're supposed to let them sleep. Like a teenager wrote that. I was like, mom, here, I heard it was a brain thing. I read this article. You're supposed to sleep. The scientist said.

Okay. We're going to get to Gabby's Dollhouse, which just came out. Okay. So cute. Is it fun to play a villain? You've played him? Yes. I know. That character looks so funny and fun. Well, my kids love Gabby's Dollhouse. Okay. And so I knew that this was going to be, this was going to go a long way for me at home. Yeah. And then the script happened to be really cute and Ryan Crago, the director's dream. Awesome.

yeah and it was just really fun and we had the premiere on Saturday and I got like a little emotional watching it because it's so positive it is so it's got such a great message and you know when you're in a theater just with other people having the same experience and like you're just completely blocked out from what's going on in the world there was just something so like oh this is gonna go out in the world and it's like really nice yeah I feel you, man. It's like the world is rough right now. And it's like anything that's like some kind of like funny or peaceful, or I guess it's like anything that just can like take you away. I can't do anything dark right now. No, no, I can't. It's already, everything is already so dark. I mean, that's why I ask my guests this and I'll ask you this is like, what, what's making you laugh? Like I'm asking people all the time. Like, what do you, what do you watch on? We gotta fly. We gotta fly.

Uh-oh, we got flies. Let's get it. I was told there'd be no flies in here. I have a sweet before I got here. I have a fake bread that has a quarter in it. Let's see if we can catch the fly with that. Why is there a quarter? I don't know. Because you need to have something in there, right? Yeah, it's a fake roll. You don't want to feel bad for the roll. And then it's ceramic. Yeah, and there's change in it. Do you have that thing sometimes where you feel bad for inanimate objects? Yes, so do I. Have you seen Julio Torres' stuff? He does a bunch of stuff with inanimate objects. He's a stand-up. He's hilarious. But I think that's like a thing. And it is a very, where I look at things and I feel like, oh, he's lonely. Yes. Yeah, I do. That happens to me. Yeah. How does it manifest for you? How do you see it?

I remember so specifically, I was in the bathroom and you know how you have like, it's like a pill thing. Maybe it's like, I don't know if it was like allergy pills and you pop them through and there's like two, right? And I needed two, but there was one left over. And so I grabbed that one and then one from the other one. And my dad was like, why didn't you just get two from this one? I was like, well, that one's been by itself for so long.

And I feel like he thought that was cute, but I wonder if he was like, oh no. But I remember thinking, well, clearly I wouldn't just, these two have been together the whole time. This one's been by itself. Now I sound crazy. No, I completely relate. But I do, like when you're a kid, stuffed animals, like you have to like make sure that like they can breathe. Why are you laughing? Yes. And I often rotate because I think, well, you've had a good view for a while. And this one has been back. I feel bad when I'm like, oh, this one has been behind the other one or in a drawer. And I'm like, that one has been in the dark for too long. Yes. I totally do that. Okay, me too. And same with just random objects. And I wonder if there is some kind of like.

We're anthropomorphizing things. We're making them feel like they're human, but there must be some kind of connection to like our... Or maybe we don't want to be left alone. Cut to commercial. Cut to commercial. Cut to a slow commercial. Is that lip gloss? Cut to a sad lip gloss commercial.

Do you have much money on makeup? That would be so smart. That would be smart. Just having people put their makeup on, but everyone's sad. And they're crying. Because people will be like, did you see that commercial? You're right. That's a great idea. Everyone's so happy putting on their makeup. What if people are just bummed out? You're so right. If they're bummed and tears are coming down, and they're going to be like, I remember that. I'm buying that. Or they come home after a long night, and they throw up, and then they put their makeup back on. Yes, and then they put it back on. You're so right. Yeah. Clinique. So what are you listening to, watching? Do you watch comedy? No. I know. It's hard, right? I can't do it. It's hard. I have a hard time watching.

It's not hard, but as a kid, I think what made me fall in love with TV and film is that I would get completely lost in it. Now I'm like, oh, they shot this at night. Did they eat before? Like, is this the beginning of the night shoot? You know what I mean? Oh, his hair is different. Oh, his hair is different. They shot this out of order. I notice that stuff. And it drives me insane. Me too. And my kids sometimes, you know, I'll be like, this isn't in Canada. They'll be like, mom, Michael's not Canada. I totally noticed that too. The trees, and they're just like, mom, stop.

I totally do that too. Okay, so... So I do watch reality. Ooh, I'm not ashamed. You shouldn't be. Oh, I'm a Bravo gal for sure. Okay, who are you? Have you done the... Have you done... Andy come in and talked about... Have you done that and talked about the house? Who are your faves? Who do you love? So many. I mean, it depends. Like, different cities have different... I'm about to... Salt Lake just started. A new season? Yes, a new season of Salt Lake, which is one of my favorite cities. Okay, we're here in Salt Lake. Jenna just said... What makes Salt Lake so good for people like myself that don't know? It's just...

Bonkers. Great. Everything that makes... The fashion, the ladies, they're just... I love it so much. I have noticed, like, at night, it probably isn't the best thing to watch before I go to sleep. Because it gives you nightmares? Just because of the yelling and the brightness. Yeah. All that you're not supposed to have before you go to sleep. Right. The yelling and the brightness. But I love watching non...

Non-acting. Yes. It helps my brain not, it helps me turn it off a little bit. Now, I get a little embarrassed for people and stressed for them. Watching what? Reality. Oh, reality, yes. Oh, yes. But what is it about watching non-acting that like relaxes you? Because I've heard that quite a bit from people who watch it. It's like, it's weirdly relaxing, even though there's like conflict and all that stuff. Can you, do you know why? Well, I think with acting, you're watching someone who has looked at a scene, studied a scene, they're doing the scene, they've edited it. It's the best version.

There's effort there. There's so many people working on it. And then with reality, it's just like, this just happened. These two people were talking and this lady said that thing. And oh my God.

And I just, I don't know. I like just being out in the world and seeing these people walk around and just their parties and their outfits. There's so many parties. I love these women so much. They are my family. Can we watch a clip from Salt Lake that you would, if you were to, I've never watched Salt Lake. Oh, oh my God. I know this is hard, but what would be one? I guess maybe, what about when the van, when Jen Shaw gets, I would say Jen Shaw, yes. Sprinter Van. Sprinter Van. You can't just write Sprinter Van because you will get every franchise. They're always in a Sprinter Van. I genuinely don't know what I'm going to see here.

Should I give you some context? Please. So Jen Shaw is currently, right? Did she get out? Incarcerated? Incarcerated. Okay. Incarcerated. With Elizabeth Holmes. They're in the same. And they're buddies. One can hope. One can hope. They were going on a trip. And the FBI.

There's so much exciting laughter. This is what I'm taking my time up to talk about. No, I love it. The FBI was raiding her. I'm just looking at you, Jenna. Raiding her house. Yeah. So she like didn't show up. And it's all the girls on the van realizing what is happening. I'm not selling it as well. You have to. So, okay. When the FBI shows up. Is this? Yeah, maybe that's it. There's a couple here. But the police are looking for it. Oh, but it's when she's on. Oh, this is what it is. She's on the van. And she's like, oh, okay. She finds out. And she leaves saying that her husband's in the hospital?

Oh, is that the clip where she goes on a long rant about my husband's in the hospital? No, that's not Jen Show. No, no. Okay. Okay, here we go. Let's see what this is. This is incredible. What if she's on the run? Yeah, that's true. They're all on the phone. Okay, they're all on the phone in the Sprinter van. All with sunglasses on. No one's taking their sunglasses off.

Amy, this is, that was one minute. Okay, of an entire episode? Almost? I can't recommend it enough. I gotta tell you, when you explain it, it does sound fun. I mean, there is something about Real Housewives which is like, if you didn't get on board, it's like, I don't even know where to start. I can tell you what season to start with any city. Because there are seasons to miss. Okay, okay, that's good to know. I wouldn't mind that. Because I have heard, I mean, Las Coltristas, Bowen, they're obsessed. Yes. And they talk a lot about Salt Lake. Yes. And I do feel like now might be the time to start if there's a new season starting. If you have 3,000 hours to kill.

Now is the time. Now is the time. You know, the holidays are coming. You're going to be all smuggled. But I kind of get it. It's like with the world being like, so there's so much like that these stakes are relative. I mean, she did go to jail. She did. She went to jail. And not one person took their sunglasses off the whole time. No, Amy, they can't.

Amazing. Amazing. Oh, my God. I love you. I love you, Wig. I'm so grateful you came and did this. I hope you had a good time. I had the best time. Is it over? Is there anything? I asked you about Hater. Is there anything else we need to ask? And thank you to Bill for doing this. That was really sweet, Bill. I know. Love that guy. I know. And you guys are so good in Skeleton Twins, by the way. What a great... I mean, you've done so many great things. But the way in which you naturally... Like, it's just very brother-sister stuff there. Totally. It's so natural there. Do you believe in past lives before we go? Oh, yes. You do? Oh, my God, yes. And do you feel like there are people in your life that you've known before? Oh, yeah. Hopefully.

I think especially people in your inner circle have been there before. Yes. For sure. Yes, I do too. You meet someone and there is something about you and Bill in that film that feels very familial. Oh, I love that. Maybe. Yeah, I wonder. I believe in all that stuff. You do? What's the most woo-woo thing you believe in? Do you believe in... Yes. I mean, I probably do. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes. Have you seen a ghost? No, I haven't seen one, but I've felt them.

There have been times when I've gone into, I can, when I go into a place, sometimes I can. You can feel the energy. Especially if like maybe someone died there. Do you believe in astral projection? Like people visiting each other in dreams? Yes. You do? Yes. My great aunt visited me in a dream after she died. Wow. Yes, totally. What was that like? I woke up and I sobbed and I was like 14, but I knew she was there. Wow. Yeah. I know. What do we know? What do we know? I'm trying to be less. It is like science based. Yeah.

I'm trying to be more open. And it's actually a goal of mine is to try to be less of a detective when it comes to that stuff and just kind of open it up into my life. I don't want any ghosts. I don't want to see it. I don't want to have anything to do with any of those things. I love ghosts. I respect them. I just don't want to see them. No. I have had my house Ghostbuster, though. Yes. A professional Ghostbuster? Online, yes. Okay.

No, my friend had her house. Coast busted. And she was telling the story. She's like, I don't know. I call her. She lives in New Mexico. I was like, that's crazy. What's her number? Because she told me things that had happened after, post-bust. And I was like, oh, this is interesting. And we've learned from Psychic Mike that you will pack up if somebody tells you to pack up. You will pack up. We'll get out of there. And I did it. And I swear to God, my house felt different. She did it online. I love her, though. That's great. I love you, mate. Thanks for doing this so much. It's been so much you did it. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Kristen. You are awesome. You're just, it was so fun to have you here. And like, I really do count myself lucky that I got to be on the same timeline as you, let alone the same show as you. And for this polar plunge, you know, we, I didn't even know where to start to talk about the hilarious comedy that Kristen has, has given us over the years. So I just, I want to take this time to just remind everybody of all of the ridiculous, hilarious characters that Kristen has given to us over the years. Denise from the Lawrence Welk show and Gilly and Penelope and, um, uh, who else? Um, um,

God, so many. Target lady. And we talked about the lady who couldn't wait to, you know, ruin a surprise. And Judy Grimes. And oh, my God. And Shanna, the like sexy lady at the office. And the Hollywood dish lady who spits her water out. And Mindy Grayson, the woman who can't get password. I mean, I can't stop and won't stop. But anyway, just do yourself a favor and look those all up. I mean, honestly, if you're looking for something to make you laugh, any clip from Wig, any time is going to do that.

Thank you so much for coming and doing the show. I appreciate it. And thanks so much for listening and check us out again soon. Bye. You've been listening to Good Hang. The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss-Berman, and me, Amy Poehler. The show is produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Kat Spillane, Kaya McMullen, and Aaliyah Zanaris. For Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss-Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.