Will Sasso on Comedy, Wrestling, and His New Sitcom

The Evolution of Comedy and Performance

• 🎭 Will Sasso and Tom Papa discuss the distinct paths of acting and stand-up comedy, highlighting how stand-up offers immediate creative freedom and serves as a form of therapy.
• 💡 Sasso reflects on his early career, starting at 22 on MAD TV, and the challenges of maintaining a stand-up career alongside acting.
• 🎤 The conversation touches on how stand-up comedians must constantly adapt their material to their evolving personal lives and perspectives.

The Craft of Impression and Character Work

• 🎭 Sasso shares his experience developing characters, like David Greco, and how stepping into a persona can unlock different creative avenues.
• 🎙️ He discusses the power of impressions, citing examples like Jesse Ventura and Hulk Hogan, and how these characters allow for commentary on current events or personal observations.
• 🌟 The discussion explores how impressions can be a pathway to creating content, even if not directly related to a performer's primary career.

Wrestling's Spectacle and Fan Culture

• 🤼 Sasso expresses his deep admiration for professional wrestling, comparing its theatricality to movies and live theater.
• 🏟️ He recounts a memorable experience promoting the 'Three Stooges' remake on WWE Monday Night Raw, detailing the intense crowd reaction and the physical impact of a choke slam.
• 🤯 The conversation delves into the unique culture of wrestling fans and the art of 'getting heat' from the audience, distinguishing between genuine dislike and performative antagonism.

The Business of Television and Sitcoms

• 📺 Sasso discusses his role in the new multi-camera sitcom 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage,' a spin-off of 'Young Sheldon,' set in 1996.
• ✍️ He praises working with legendary TV producer Chuck Lorre, highlighting Lorre's keen sense for comedic timing and direction.
• 🎶 The multi-camera sitcom format is described as akin to playing a song, emphasizing rhythm and the interplay between performers and the live audience.

Career Paths and Creative Pursuits

• 🎬 Sasso reflects on his early dramatic roles in Canadian television, including 'Neon Rider' and 'Madison,' showcasing his versatility beyond comedy.
• 🚀 He acknowledges the perception challenges actors face when venturing into different content formats, like social media impressions, fearing it might impact their dramatic career prospects.
• 🤝 The episode concludes with a mutual appreciation for each other's careers and creative output, with Papa encouraging Sasso's social media endeavors.