1. SCTV, Strange Brew, and Jimmy Leighton: A Conversation with Comedy Icon Dave Thomas Jeff Dwoskin 1:18:12

Get ready for an in-depth look into the life and career of comedian, actor, and writer Dave Thomas. From co-writing an innovative thriller to starring in the cult classic film, Stange Brew, and his time on SCTV with Rick Moranis, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Andrea Martin, and Cathrine O’Hara. This episode is filled with incredible stories and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t want to miss.

My guest, Dave Thomas and I discuss:

  • Dave’s new book: THE MANY LIVES OF JIMMY LEIGHTON (co-written with Max Allan Collins) – an innovative thriller in which smalltime Boston thief Jimmy Leighton stumbles into a perilous quantum experiment – and a bullet – propelling him down the multiple paths his life might have taken.
  • The Mutants of 2051 AD – the classic Sci-fi intro to Strange Brew
  • Take a behind-the-scenes look at “The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew” and the process of getting the film green-lit, starring Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis
  • Discover the story behind the planned sequel (Home Brew) to the cult classic film, “Strange Brew.
  • Dave’s career as head writer for the Coca-Cola Canada account at McCann Erickson prior to joining SCTV
  • Auditioning and landing a role as part of Toronto’s Second City whose stage cast included Gilda Radner, Dan Ackroyd, John Candy, and Eugene Levy
  • Dave Thomas discusses his working and writing partnership with Dan Ackroyd
  • The creation of the television show SCTV
  • Being mentored by Harold Ramis when Harold passed the torch to Dave as head writer of SCTV
  • Dave and Rick Moranis and their amazing chemistry together
  • The origin of the Bob and Doug McKenzie characters
  • Rocket Boy
  • The New Show – Loren Michael’s flop variety show during his time away from Saturday Night Live
  • Turning down an offer from Loren Michaels to produce Saturday Night Live
  • The Dave Thomas Comedy Show
  • and SO MUCH MORE

You’re going to love my conversation with Dave Thomas

Follow Jeff Dwoskin:

Dave Thomas bio: Dave Thomas is a Canadian actor and comedian best known for his work on the sketch comedy television series “SCTV.” He portrayed a variety of characters on the show, including Doug McKenzie, a beer-loving Canadian, and Bob McKenzie, his brother. Thomas also co-created and co-wrote many episodes of the series. In addition to his work on “SCTV,” Thomas has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Strange Brew,” “Grace Under Fire,” and “The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew.” He continues to act and write for television and film.

 

I'm a tech entrepreneur, podcaster, and professional stand-up comedian. I started my journey in the tech industry back in 1997 when I founded my own website development company, which was one of the pioneering companies in the country at the time. While working in technology, my comedic talents couldn't be contained, and I eventually took to the stage as a stand-up comedian.

My passion for comedy led me to create Hashtag Roundup (@hashtagroundup on Twitter), a platform that has contributed to over 8000 top 10 USA trends on Twitter. With the growth of social media, particularly Instagram, I founded Stampede Social, a company aimed at helping creators drive traffic to their content without relying solely on a link in their bio.