Jay Kogen on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

So fun to spend time with the funny. Four-time Emmy award-winning writer/producer, Jay Kogen ~ The Simpsons, Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond, Malcolm in The Middle, Tracy Ullman, to name but some. 2nd generation in the Kogen entertainment empire, son of Arnie, The Bob Newhart Show, The Carol Burnett Show, The Dean Martin Show, and father to Charlie, who while still in High School performed an original song at The Kennedy Center, we talked the father/son dynamic from both sides now. Not sure Jay could be a prouder papa or a more beloved son. Arnie, one of the most successful comedy writers of his generation, paved the way for the legacy Jay carries forward. Beginning as a tyke, Jay was on set, garnering small roles in his father’s shows, with stars in his eyes and ambition to act. He did for a while, adding stand-up and then Improv which he continues to this day. You can catch him this weekend if you’re in LA. Jay’s passion for performing has not diminished an iota, even if it’s not his bread and butter.

We talked the pandemic slowdown and its effect on the business and the work––hard to fathom with all the projects Jay’s currently cooking and shopping. From his first earned $5, to selling jokes to Harvey Korman at age 10, his father kind of eviscerating his first attempt at script writing (deserved, says Jay), to PA’ing on The Garry Shandling Show, getting encouragement from Garry and Alan Ziewbel, enough to try his scriptwriting hand again with his partner Wally, which landed them a gig at The Tracy Ullman Show, which begat The Simpsons, simultaneous offers from Seinfeld and Frasier, choosing neither at first and why, loving Malcolm in The Middle, not so much the iCarly reboot, great stories of family and the business of show.

Aside from enormous talent, there’s great love, humanity, and service. The Kogen upbringing and home life sound pretty idyllic. Jay exudes joy and gratitude, giving back by teaching and personally mentoring young writers.

Entertained and inspired, I’m left wanting to create more, laugh more, give more. I sure miss life as it was… this time with Jay reminded me how fun it can still be. Even if it is on Zoom.

Jay Kogen on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 5/11/22, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET

Streamed Live on my Facebook

Replay here:

https://bit.ly/3PidULC

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