Oral Histories
Since February of 2005, videotaped oral history interviews have been conducted with leading figures in the development of comedy.
Most of the interviews have been transcribed. Browse our transcripts and videos for information about material that is currently available for viewing. You can read some excerpts from our interviews online.
The interviews were conducted jointly by Bill Dana and Jenni Matz. You can learn more about our procedures and selection criteria by contacting the archivist.
Completed Interviews
- Bea Arthur
- Ed Begley, Jr.
- Shelley Berman
- Lewis Black
- Eddie Brill
- Jack Carter
- Dick Cavett
- Tim Conway
- Irwin Corey
- Norm Crosby
- Bill Dana
- Vin Di Bona
- Phyllis Diller
- Sam Denoff
- Diane English
- Barbara Feldon
- Budd Friedman
- Larry Gelbart
- Shecky Greene
- Dick Gregory
- Charles Grodin
- Pat Harrington
- Hugh Hefner
- Buck Henry
- Doug Herzog
- Arte Johnson
- Rocky and Irma Kalish
- Hal Kanter
- Don Knotts
- Norman Lear
- Rose Marie
- Peter Marshall
- Dick Martin
- Jamie Masada
- Jayne Meadows
- Jackie Mason
- Chuck McCann
- Carlos Mencia
- Howard Murray
- Jan Murray
- Bob Newhart
- Louis Nye
- Gary Owens
- Janis Paige
- Bill Persky
- Tom Poston
- Carl Reiner
- Jack Riley
- Tony Roberts
- Paul Rodriguez
- Andy Rooney
- Jay Sandrich
- George Schlatter
- George Shapiro
- Leonard Stern
- Howard Storm
- Dick Van Dyke
- Dick Van Patten
- Bruce Vilanch
- Betty White
- Fred Willard
- Henry Winkler
- Jonathan Winters
- "Weird Al" Yankovic
We are seeking additional funding to continue to expand, and make accessible, this rare collection. To learn more about the Archives and tax deductible gift opportunities, please contact the Archivist.
