I am elated to be bringing you this conversation with Actor/Improviser Ryan Stiles! Like so many people I was addicted to Whose Line is it Anyway? I was a fan from the very first time, I happened upon it when the Comedy Network aired the UK version of the show with host, Clive Anderson. I was always in awe of Ryan and Colin in particular and how it seemed like they were completely in sync with one another’s energy. They were definitely an early influence on how I learned about connection through acting and learning to trust your scene partner to have your back. I also used to wonder if they were as genuine and friendly as they seemed, and even though I have spent just a little bit of time with them both I am so glad to say that they were both very kind and warm to me.
In the episode, Ryan says that he doesn’t like people to know a lot about him and he likes his alone time, however, I think he opens up and imparts some wise words that can help many artists as they find their groove and make their way, no matter what stage of the journey they are on.
Grab a cup of coffee settle in and enjoy!
*Warning: If you do not like dogs this episode may not be for you… #sorrynotsorry
In this episode:
- Why it is important to work for your success
- What the biggest difference was between working on the US production of Whose Line Is It Anyway versus the UK production
- Why he prefers improv over stand-up comedy
- What he gets from improv that he can’t get anywhere else
- What has been the most challenging thing that he has come up against in his artist’s journey
- Why learning about the previous generation of artists can help deepen your work
- Why ABBA is underrated!
Ryan Stiles: Love What You Do, Work For Your Success, And Get A Dog!
A little about Ryan :
Ryan Stiles puts his hilarious improvisational skills to the test each week on the critically-acclaimed CW comedy series “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Colin Mochrie and Wayne Brady co-star on the series, which is hosted by Aisha Tyler.
Stiles has starred in all three incarnations of “Whose Line.” First in the British version from 1989 to 1998; second in the American version hosted by Drew Carey from 1998 to 2006; as well as in the current version. He executive produced both American versions.
Stiles began his comedy career as a teenager, performing stand-up routines at small comedy clubs near his home in Vancouver, British Columbia. At age 17, he dropped out of high school to pursue stand-up comedy full-time.
He began honing his celebrated improv skills in 1986 with Canada’s highly- acclaimed Second City comedy ensemble. In 1990, he began a successful, four- year run with the Second City troupe in Los Angeles.
In addition to his “Whose Line” series, Stiles also portrayed Lewis, the luckless janitor, on the hit sit-com “The Drew Carey Show” and recurred for several seasons as Dr. Herb Melnick on the popular series “Two and a Half Men.” His film work includes the spoof features “Hot Shots” and “Hot Shots, Part Deux” and the Academy Award-nominated short film “Rainbow War.” And he recently produced a feature-length documentary called “Out of Nothing,” about four men competing to break the motorcycle land-speed record on the salt flats of Bonneville.
And you can likely catch Stiles in your home town with his ongoing national improv tour “Whose Live Anyway?” starring Stiles and fellow “Whose Line” veterans Greg Proops and Jeff Davis, along with Joel Murray (“Mad Men”).
According to Stiles, when he’s not at work, he spends his time thinking about work.
Go see Whose Live Anyway!
http://www.whoseliveanyway.com/
Connect with Ryan!
Twitter:
Did you enjoy the podcast?
What spoke to you the most today? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
