Actor Fred Melamed joins Steve Mason on the CULTURE POP PODCAST to talk about his role on Bill Hader’s BARRY, and the style of the show, which is more like an independent film than it is like a TV comedy. They also talk about his time in the theatre where he experienced terrible stage fright, his voiceover work including for events like the Super Bowl & the Olympics, his legendary bad guy role Sy Ableman in the Coen Brothers’ A SERIOUS MAN and working with Oscar winner Woody Allen in 7 of his films.

Episode 255 - Fred Melamed, Barry

#CulturePop is a look at pop culture through the mind of Steve Mason, co-host of the #1-rated sports talk show in Los Angeles Joined by stand-up comic Sue Kolinsky, they hear from their friends, plus comics, actors, filmmakers and celebrities talking about movies, television, technology,, trends and completely random stuff.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Christopher McDonald comes back for seconds to chat with Mase & Sue about the return of his hilarious Shooter McGavin role in HAPPY GILMORE 2, what made the film a cult classic, Adam Sandler’s mad dramatic acting skills, and season 3 of HBO MAX’s hit series, HACKS. They talk about the star-studded guest roles, brilliant writing, the exploration of the sensitive side of his character, Marty, and where he hopes the story of he and Jean Smart’s Deborah may lead. Also, the certain quality of many of the parts he’s portrayed, where he finds the traits for his roles, and the state of his beloved Buffalo Bills. Plus, a sunglass expedition in Florida, Justin Timberlake brings sexy back in his live stage show, KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES incredible special effects, the issue with the first of a trilogy film series, the ridiculously long standing ovations at Cannes and Francis Ford Coppola’s 120-million-dollar polarizing self-financed film, MEGALOPOLIS.

Episode 320 - Christopher McDonald on “Hacks” & “Happy Gilmore 2” plus standing ovations at Cannes and Coppola’s “Megalopolis"

Mase & Sue end their SUGAR Watch-Along series with a wrap up of the 8th episode finale and speculations as to what a hopeful second season may bring. Sugar succeeds in getting Olivia safely home, the polyglots are scrambling to get back to their planet, Miller doesn’t make it, Ruby’s fate is left unknown, Sugar’s confidant Henry’s sordid secrets are revealed – the kidnapping of Sugar’s sister, Jen and involvement with the crooked Senator’s creepy son, and the reveal of Sugar’s true identity to Melanie. After turning down Jonathan Siegel’s offer to head up his security, Sugar is committed to remain in the place that has made him more human. Henry declares he will do the same. If APPLE TV takes another whack at a sophomore season, will the power of Sugar’s “love” prevail in preventing the “hate” Henry’s embraced from getting more out of hand on the streets of LA? And will Sugar finally be at peace by finding his beloved sister?

Episode 319 - “Sugar” Finale Watch-Along with Mase & Sue

Katerina McCrimmon joins Mase & Sue to talk about her starring role in the touring company revival of the iconic Broadway musical, FUNNY GIRL. They discuss pros and cons of life on the road, childhood aspirations, her destiny in portraying Fanny Brice, the nature vs nurture of one’s talent, the evolution from rehearsals to opening night, the most challenging song in the show, the difficulty of two performances a day, steering clear of Barbra Streisand comparisons, her Cuban heritage, and musical influences. Plus, this season’s must-see blockbuster movies.

Episode 318 - Blockbuster season - from “Furiosa” to “Deadpool & Wolverine” - plus “Funny Girl” star Katerina McCrimmon

Mase & Sue discuss Episode 7 and what the finale may reveal in their SUGAR Watch Along with Dennis Boutsikaris, who portrays the cagey Bernie Siegel. Is Olivia dead or alive? The connection between her and Sugar’s sister, Jen, the aftermath of the thwarted secret mission, the federal government being hip to their existence, a senator’s son’s involvement and will Sugar flee with his Polyglot pals? Plus, Dennis takes the fifth on a crucial question, his early reaction to where the show was heading, the clues that led to Sugar’s real identity, the abundance of handheld camerawork, the controversy over the alien reveal, and the beauty of working with Colin Farrell.

Episode 317 - “Sugar” Watch-Along Episode 7 - The mission is over. Sugar still looking for Olivia.

Comedian/actor Allan Havey returns to the CULTURE POP PODCAST to chat with Mase & Sue about surviving the pandemic, acting, stand up, comedy influences and performing overseas. We also discuss our admiration for Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, how their polar opposite styles meshed to create SEINFELD, misconceptions about comedians, the dynamic of working on MAD MEN, the brilliant finale, and how precious going to a movie theater used to be. Plus, stage fright, leaving your craft at the peak of your career, and life after standup.

Episode 255 - Fred Melamed, Barry

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