Terry Gross

Actor/Comedian Richard Pryor. In 1995 he published an autobiographical novel, "Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences" (Pantheon Books). A strong man who has overcome such ordeals as a drug addiction, self immolation, and six marriages, Pryor is determined to overcome his most recent battle with multiple sclerosis. (REBROADCAST from 5/22/95.)

Comedian and actor Garry Shandling. He stars in HBO's parody of talk-shows, "The Larry Sanders Show." It features Shandling as a veteran talk-show host. His guests have included Mimi Rogers and Robin Williams, playing themselves. Shandling also starred in "It's Garry Shandling's Show" a few years back. (REBROADCAST from 12/3/92.)

Record producer and songwriter Neil Innes. He is a founding member of the comedy-rock group "The Bonzo Dog Band." He's also a member of "Rutles" the band which he and Eric Idle of Monty Python, created as a spoof of the Beatles. The band recently reunited and recorded a new collection "The Rutles Archaeology" (Virgin Records). Innes is also considered the "seventh Python" player (as in the Monty Python) because he provided and performed comedy music for the troupe.

Comic Lea DeLaria. Don't call her a lesbian. She's a dyke. . . who does standup, and jazz singing. (REBROADCAST from 4/29/93)

Actor John Leguizamo. Leguizamo created and starred in the hit one-man show "Mambo Mouth," based on his experiences as a Latino growing up in Jackson Heights, Queens. "Mambo Mouth" premiered on HBO's Comedy Hour. He has appeared in movies such as "Executive Decision" and this summer's "Spawn." (REBROADCAST from 10/24/91.)

Comedian Richard Belzer. For a number of years now, he's played a detective on the show "Homicide." This interview was conducted before he took on that role. Belzer also appeared frequently on "Saturday Night Live" "The Tonight Show" and "Late Night with David Letterman." He's also written a book titled "How To Be a Stand-up Comic." (Originally broadcast 12/31/87.)

Comedian Carol Leifer. She's been a regular as a stand up on Late Night With David Letterman, and a writer for Saturday Night Live. She also has written for comedy pal (and former boyfriend) Jerry Seinfeld -- some say the character of Elaine is based on Leifer. (Originally broadcast 12/15/93.)

Larry David, the co-creator, executive producer, and one of the writers of the comedy series "Seinfeld." David's also the basis for the character "George," Jerry Seinfeld's neurotic best friend. He was a writer for Saturday Night Live and the short-lived ABC late night series, "Fridays."(Originally broadcast 1/2/92.)

Comedian Richard Lewis portrays a spastic, tortured, self-deprecating man living a life of unrelieved pain. He says of his standup comedy that after he's finished his act "people throw prescription drugs and the names of their therapists instead of roses. I'm the wreck they can't be." Lewis has appeared roughly 35 times on the "Late Night with David Letterman" show and has had his own comedy specials on HBO. He also starred in the sitcom "Anything But Love." (Originally broadcast 6/16/88).

Comedian Steven Wright. He is the King of Understatement. . . i.e. "Wind chimes are for stupid people so they know when the wind is blowing" (REBROADCAST from 9.4.1990)