In this episode of Crow’s Feet, Melinda Blau sits down with Kathryn Grody—Obie-winning actor, writer, and creator of the hit solo show “The Unexpected Third”—for a funny, deeply human conversation about what it really means to grow older, not “old.” From being dismissed as “just staying home having fun” as a young mother to becoming an almost-80-year-old “overnight sensation,” Kathryn shares how she’s rewriting the story of aging onstage and off.
Melinda and Kathryn talk candidly about long-term Love and surviving two separations from her husband, legendary actor Mandy Patinkin, the friendships that carried her through, and why she finally became serious about strength training in her 70s. Along the way, Kathryn reflects on cultural ageism, younger women’s fear of running out of time, and the surprising joy of reaching this “unexpected third act” with humor, gratitude, and curiosity.
Listen to “Having the Spiritual Grace to Accept the Unacceptable,” a 7-minute excerpt of this interview, in which Kathryn talks about the devastating loss of her brother Yukon, a Buddhist monk.
Kathryn is bringing “The Unexpected Third” to the George Street Playhouse in Brunswick, New Jersey, October 13-November 1.
Tune in to Kathryn’s award-winning podcast, “Don’t Listen to Us,” which also features Mandy, and their son Gideon.
Music in this episode includes Capernell by Blue Dot Sessions.
