When I worked with Jon Lovitz Five Years Ago

17 July 2015

When I worked with Jon Lovitz Five Years Ago

||
244 Comments
|

When I discovered Saturday Night Live for myself, “my cast” included Dennis Miller, Dana Carvey, Jan Hooks and the power-duo of Phil Hartman and Jon Lovitz. Growing up as a fan of the show (and almost everything that that crew would go on to do – I was the kid who dragged his poor family to the theater to see Mom and Dad Save the World), I never thought I would ever get a chance to meet any of them.

jon_lovitz_snl

I got my opportunity when Jon Lovitz headlined the Addison Improv five years ago this very week.

When you start out in stand-up, it’s enough just to get work at the club. You don’t get much say in who you work with. You don’t get much work, period. Sometimes the headliners bring their own supporting acts, but mostly the club matches up who they think would make a decent fit for a great show. As a newer comic, your job is to be the best version of you you can be while somehow also being as “decent a fit” with as many different comics possible (more flexibility gets you more stage time, and more stage time makes you a better comic which gets you more stage time and so on).

I didn’t campaign for many specific headliners (again, I just appreciated the booking), but I campaigned for Lovitz. You want to meet your heroes, and you hope that they’re not dicks.

I got the booking and was super-psyched. Without sounding too much like a fanboy, I was hoping for any kind of interaction (some headliners keep pretty guarded). I was also hoping I could get him to sign my NewsRadio caricature (already signed by Dave Foley and Stephen Root). It featured Phil prominently, and I thought he might appreciate it.

Caricature_08

Mr. Lovitz was a bit aloof when I first met him, and I worried that he was going to keep his distance the whole weekend. I quietly introduced myself, told him that I was looking forward to the shows, and then left the green room.

After my first set, I was surprised to see him waiting to talk to me in the back. While the host was making announcements on stage, he was excitedly whispering some heavy-duty compliments. Some headliners don’t even watch the show, and I took for granted that he wouldn’t have watched me. I nodded politely on the outside. On the inside, my inner-fifth grader was jumping up and down. Between shows the next few nights, we talked about comedy and art. I shared my caricature with him.

“You know, Phil did both too.”

Yeah, I did know. And I almost cried.

 

It was a great weekend. When it has gone well, there’s sometimes an awkward “end of the date moment” after the last show…something along the lines of, “Well, this was fun. We should do it again sometime.” The hope is that a headliner takes SUCH a liking to you, recognizes your comedic genius, and decides that you NEED to be their permanent opening act on the road. The reality is usually just a handshake. You might exchange email addresses. You may actually email each other.

Jon Lovitz asked for my card.

Puzzled, he tried reading my name, “Aryanpur?”

After all of the shows and our conversations, I guess things like my name and my background didn’t quite sink in yet.

“Yeah, my dad’s Persian.”

Then he dismissively, Lovitz-ly handed my card back to me with a fake disgusted “Oh.”

He was messing with me, and I played along. Out of mock-desperation, I protested, “But my MOM is Jewish.”

And he just as quickly took the card back with a delighted “Oohhh” as if to say, “That’s better.”

Then he clapped a little Lovitz clap and said, “Okay. I’m going to ask for your card, and you’re going to hand it to me, and I’m going to say, ‘Aryanpur?’…”

He was giving me direction for a conversation we just had.

“…and you’re going to say, ‘My dad’s Persian.’ And I’m going to give the card back and say, ‘Oh.’…”

There was no one else in the green room.

“…but then you’re going to say, ‘But my mom’s Jewish.’ And I’m going to say, ‘Oohh.’ Got it?”

So we replayed our conversation, and it was still funny. After the third time – just us in there, mind you – it was downright surreal.

I realized I was rehearsing and then performing a small “sketch” with Jon Lovitz for no one but myself and Jon Lovitz.

 

There were some other remarkably wonderful and bizarre things about that weekend, but the business card exchange is what I’ll always remember about my time working with an SNL alum.

And maybe because he always seemed like a such a Simpsons/Critic cartoon of a personality to me anyway, I thought the story could use a visual. You really need to hear the story in his voice, but the comic strip might help a bit.

Lovitz

 

 

244 Responses

  1. I’m very pleased to uncover this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new things in your blog.

  2. I blog often and I seriously appreciate your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I will take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

  3. I’m pretty pleased to find this web site. I need to to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new information on your site.

  4. Having read this I thought it was very enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  5. This is the perfect site for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been discussed for ages. Excellent stuff, just excellent.

  6. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this topic here on your web page.

  7. I really love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own website and would like to find out where you got this from or what the theme is called. Kudos!

  8. Joaquina Welti

    An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast simply because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your site.

  9. After I originally commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot.

  10. An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you need to publish more about this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically folks don’t discuss such topics. To the next! Cheers.

  11. Usually there are some fascinating time limits in this post however I don’t know if they all center to heart. You can find some validity however I will take hold opinion until I explore it further. Good article , thanks therefore we want extra! Put into FeedBurner as properly

  12. The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, however I really thought you’d have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.

  13. Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this web site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the information!

  14. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any methods to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  15. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read similar to this before. So nice to discover somebody with a few authentic applying for grants this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is something that’s needed on the net, somebody with some bit originality. helpful project for bringing new stuff towards web!

  16. Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information.

  17. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!

  18. I admire the useful facts you offer inside your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and also have my children verify up here often. I’m very sure they’ll learn a lot of new things right here than anybody else!

  19. Hey, your site is very interesting.. Plus it was something I’m able to definitely relate with Ill constantly stop by for your blog therefore i hope you continue making fun and interesting posts like this one…

  20. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

  21. The planet are actually secret by having temperate garden which are usually beautiful, rrncluding a jungle that is certainly certainly profligate featuring so many systems by way of example the game courses, golf process and in addition private pools. Hotel reviews

  22. Aw, i thought this was an incredibly good post. In idea I have to set up writing like that moreover – spending time and actual effort to generate a very good article… but exactly what can I say… I procrastinate alot and also no means often go completed.

  23. I just like the valuable information you provide on your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again right here regularly. I’m rather certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  24. Nice post. I find out something tougher on diverse blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to learn content from other writers and rehearse a little from their site. I’d prefer to apply certain while using content on my small blog regardless of whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide link on the internet weblog. Thank you for sharing.

  25. Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  26. Attractive element of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to say that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment or even I fulfillment you access persistently rapidly.

  27. I don’t even know how I ended up right here, but I believed this submit used to be great. I don’t understand who you’re however certainly you are going to a famous blogger should you are not already Cheers!

  28. On November 12, 2018, Nashville was announced because the East coast operations hub for Amazon’s logistics and retail department, bringing no less than 5000 new corporate jobs downtown to the Nashville Yards development and becoming the most important jobs announcement within the historical past of the state of Tennessee.

  29. Spot lets start work on this write-up, I actually think this website requirements considerably more consideration. I’ll apt to be once more you just read a lot more, thank you for that information.

  30. The subsequent time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my option to read, however I actually thought youd have one thing fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could fix when you werent too busy in search of attention.

  31. You are so interesting! I do not believe I’ve read anything like that before. So great to find somebody with a few unique thoughts on this issue. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality.

  32. Can I just now say what relief to discover somebody who really knows what theyre speaking about on-line. You definitely have learned to bring a challenge to light and produce it critical. The diet need to check out this and can see this side on the story. I cant believe youre no more well-liked when you absolutely possess the gift.

  33. Aw, it was an extremely nice post. In thought I have to invest writing such as this moreover – spending time and actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and also no indicates find a way to get something accomplished.

  34. I’m really impressed along with your writing abilities well with the structure in your weblog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to look a great weblog like this one nowadays.

  35. I absolutely love your website.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you make this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal blog and would like to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Kudos!

  36. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for something regarding this.

  37. After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. There has to be a means you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it.

  38. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to come back yet again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  39. The ideas you provided here’s extremely precious. It turned out a real pleasurable surprise to get that awaiting me while i woke up today. They may be constantly to the level and easy to be aware of. Thanks plenty for your valuable ideas you’ve got shared in this article.

  40. Such a trade-off can happen in the reverse as well: one attainable spouse might possess highly desirable traits but yield no new alliances for the player’s dynasty.

  41. There are a couple of fascinating points on time in this post but I don’t know if all of them center to heart. There may be some validity but I’m going to take hold opinion until I investigate it further. Excellent post , thanks so we want a lot more! Put into FeedBurner as well

  42. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t disappoint me as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read, however I actually believed you would probably have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you can fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.

  43. I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own site now 😉

  44. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read through articles from other authors and use a little something from other sites.

  45. At the present time is memorable as being the date of the muse of the Membership, which was started below the auspices of the Reverend C. E. Ranken, of Wadham College, who was chosen as the primary President.

  46. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after going through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!

  47. The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I genuinely thought you would have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.

  48. Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always helpful to read articles from other writers and practice something from their web sites.

  49. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after browsing through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently.

  50. Hello, I do think your website could be having browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic site!

  51. I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I stumbled across this in my search for something concerning this.

  52. When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks.

  53. john william

    Reflecting on my experience working with Jon Lovitz five years ago brings back memories of collaboration and creativity. Just as selecting the right yellowstone merchandise enhances the experience of fans our teamwork was about finding the perfect blend of humor and talent creating unforgettable moments that resonate with audiences.

  54. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this topic here on your internet site.

  55. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this issue here on your internet site.

  56. Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return once again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  57. Next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t fail me just as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, nonetheless I genuinely thought you would probably have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you could fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

  58. I’m more than happy to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new stuff on your blog.

  59. I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

  60. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit yet again since i have saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  61. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a little homework on this. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this matter here on your web page.

  62. I truly love your website.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own blog and want to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Thanks!

  63. Hello there! This article could not be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I will send this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  64. I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your content. This article has really peaked my interest. I will bookmark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

  65. Hello there! This post could not be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  66. Right here is the perfect site for anybody who wants to find out about this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that has been discussed for decades. Excellent stuff, just great.

  67. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you should write more on this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but usually people do not talk about such subjects. To the next! Best wishes.

  68. May I simply say what a relief to uncover someone who actually knows what they are talking about online. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people should check this out and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.

  69. Right here is the right blog for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for decades. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.

  70. Can I simply just say what a relief to find someone who truly knows what they are discussing over the internet. You definitely understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people must look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.

  71. It is imperative to recognize the vital contribution of PMHNPs in the mental health workforce and invest in their education, training, and support to create a future where mental health care is accessible to all.

  72. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your internet site.

  73. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I stumbled across this in my hunt for something relating to this.

  74. Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover somebody who genuinely knows what they’re talking about online. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people ought to read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.

  75. Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it.

  76. I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I am hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own blog now 😉

  77. Hello, There’s no doubt that your blog could be having web browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, fantastic website!

  78. Hi there! This article could not be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  79. Hi there! This blog post could not be written any better! Looking through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this article to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  80. I’m more than happy to find this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new things on your blog.

  81. Intriguing article. I know I’m a little late in posting my comment even so the article were to the and merely the information I was searching for. I can’t say i trust all you could mentioned nonetheless it was emphatically fascinating! BTW…I found your site by having a Google search. I’m a frequent visitor for your blog and can return again soon.

  82. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in reality was a amusement account it. Look complicated to far delivered agreeable from you! However, how can we keep in touch?

  83. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return once again since i have saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  84. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a good example of it.

  85. Hi there! This post could not be written much better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!

  86. Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after going through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely pleased I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly.

  87. This is a very informative article. It really sparked my interest on several points. I agree with most of the points and am currently pondering the rest. Thank you for keeping your information so engaging.

  88. Right here is the right website for anyone who wishes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that’s been written about for many years. Great stuff, just excellent.

  89. When I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot.

  90. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.

  91. You’ve made some really good points there. I checked on the web for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.

  92. I seriously love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own personal website and would like to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Appreciate it!

  93. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I found this in my search for something relating to this.

Leave a Reply