Six Degrees: March 2015 Catch Up

Welcome to the ‘Six Degrees Catch Up Edition’ featuring all the latest happenings and goings on in the world of ‘Daily Show’ and ‘Colbert Report’ staff and ‘Friends of the Show’.

In this month’s catch up we have interviews with Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, Kevin Bartini, Meredith Scardino and Aasif Mandvi, new projects from David Javerbaum and Samantha Bee, a ‘Goodfellas’ panel hosted by Jon Stewart, more honours for Neil deGrasse Tyson and a clip from the Second City archives featuring Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert.

  • Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello talk to Esquire about the past, present and future of ‘Strangers with Candy’, what Jerri Blank might be up to now, and whether or not the show will ever return.
  • David Javerbaum has joined ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’ as a writer and producer
  • David Javerbaum has transcribed ‘An Act of God‘ the stage adaptation of ‘The Last Testament: A Memoir By God‘ on behalf on the Creator himself. The play, starring Jim Parsons will begin a limited engagement on May 5 with opening night set for May 28, 2015.
  • Following a screening of ‘Goodfellas’ at the film night of the Tribeca Film Festival, Jon Stewart will host a conversation with the films cast and creators.
  • Comedian Kevin Bartini talks to Mr Media’s Bob Andelman about working as a warm-up comedian for ‘The Colbert Report’ and ‘The Nightly Show’, and how he auditioned for the role at ‘The Daily Show’.
  • Meredith Scardino talks comedy with ‘House of SpeakEasy‘.
  • Heads up Aussie Hubsters, former ‘Daily Show’ correspondent Michael Che will be performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from April 15 – 19, 2015.
  • The National Academy of Sciences has announced that Neil deGrasse Tyson will receive their most prestigious award, the Public Welfare Medal at a ceremony in April. The award recognises those who work to promote science for the benefit of humanity.
  • TBS have announced an agreement with Samantha Bee to host and executive-produce a series in which she will “apply her smart and satirical point of view to current and relevant issues.” The new show is in the early stages of development, and it is expected that she will continue to appear on ‘The Daily Show’ through the start of production, and then contribute occasional pieces to ‘The Daily Show’, presumably leaving Comedy Central entirely should the show be picked up by TBS.
  • Samantha Bee will serve as moderator at the 92Y event, ‘An Evening with Judy Blume’ on June 2nd, 2015.
  • The Second City have released a clip from their 1994 revue ‘Are You Now or Have You Ever Been Mellow’, featuring Steve Carell as Fabio, with Stephen Colbert providing the voice from off stage.

(Thank you to Anna S for the Tips!)