Tony winner Nathan Lane once told a funny tale about the original Broadway production of “Love! He certainly knew how to make an entrance…taking the drinks order in the buff! The play, which revolves around a group of gay men at a country house, showcased Lane’s comedic talent in a way that left an indelible mark on both the audience and his fellow actors.
In this production, Lane famously fought against the notion of being naked as directed by playwright Terrence McNally. He expressed his reluctance by saying, “I’m not doing that! There’s nothing funny about that, at all. It would just be upsetting to the audience.” Innovative mood of talks with McNally ignited compromise Lane recommended a costume that would maintain the same humorous punchline.
I said, “Hot tub?” For example, what if I’m wearing an apron and a large format picture hat, sunglasses, sweat socks and high heels? What if I have nothing on under the apron?” Lane recalled. His creative style kept him humble. It arguably gave us the greatest comedic moment ever.
At one point during his introduction, Lane earned what he called “the longest laugh I’ve ever gotten” while performing. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the crowd couldn’t help but laugh at his colorful Hawaiian shirt and straw hat. The hilarity reached a boiling point when they saw his exposed, white ass! “They saw me come on, and there was a laugh when they saw the outfit, and as I went by and they saw my ass, the laugh went on for a very long time,” he shared.
Ralph, the actor who played the lead in the play, boasted that “Lane stole the scene! His bold entrance took the participants by storm. This moment has since become a crowning achievement in Lane’s storied career, which boasts a profusion of awards, honors and successes.
At the moment, a different Nathan Lane headlining the new Hulu sitcom “Mid-Century Modern,” from the writers of “Will & Grace,” David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. In this series, he stars as one of three gay best friends who live in Palm Springs, California. He currently stars, opposite Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham. Lane’s work in the role further establishes him as one of the greats in contemporary television. This follows last year’s Emmy-winning turn as Teddy Dimas on “Only Murders in the Building.”
Throughout his career, Nathan Lane has been recognized multiple times with Emmy nominations for his work on shows like “Mad About You,” “Frasier,” “The Good Wife,” and “Modern Family.”
During a taping of the New York Times’ “The Workshop” series, Lane was joined by actors Sheryl Lee Ralph, Uzo Aduba, Liza Colón-Zayas, David Alan Grier, and Michael Urie. He dove into how those formative experiences still impact his comic artistry even now.
