Groundlings Alumni Reflect on 50 Years of Laughter-Filled History

In the last 50 years, the world of sketch comedy and improv has greatly benefited from the Groundlings. The Los Angeles ensemble has nurtured numerous stand-up, Hollywood, and late-night TV legends, proving its invaluable influence on comedy. The Groundlings’ impact is even acknowledged by fans from Chicago’s famous Second City.

Laraine Newman, a “Saturday Night Live” veteran and original Groundlings member, clarifies the difference between the two legendary comedy institutions: “Second City was premise-driven, and the Groundlings is character-driven.”

Founded in 1974 by Gary Austin as an improv workshop, the Groundlings has continued its journey of “inspired silliness” for five decades, as actor and improviser Bob Odenkirk fondly puts it.

Odenkirk, who is also an alum of Second City, holds deep respect for his L.A. comedy counterparts. “I was mad at the Groundlings for breaking the rules, but also for being so funny. There’s something to be said for the two different schools. In the end, my heart is a little bit more with the Groundlings and the freedom to be ‘silly funny.’ I love silliness. Especially now.”

From Phil Hartman and Paul Reubens to “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” and “Bridesmaids,” plus every “Saturday Night Live” season in between, the Groundlings theater and school on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood continue to offer original, rule-breaking, uniquely local comedy education.

Former student and instructor Lisa Kudrow emphasizes the real-world benefits of Groundlings training. “Really listening, really giving the other person the benefit of the doubt that they know what they’re doing, that’s really important,” she says. “Maybe everyone needs to take an improv class.”

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Groundlings have hosted multiple events such as live “Multiple Talking Women” podcasts featuring Kristen Wiig and Kathryn Hahn, along with panels featuring Kathy Griffin, Ana Gasteyer, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Tim Bagley, and Julia Sweeney. A “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” reunion tribute was held on July 22, leading up to the highlight event – the “50th Anniversary: The Alumni Show” starring Maya Rudolph, Cheryl Hines, Oscar Nunez, and more.

The Groundlings’ legacy encompasses five decades of women who have made significant contributions to comedy. Discussing their experiences, Tracy Newman recalls her introduction to the Groundlings: “I think I saw it on a bulletin board somewhere, or maybe somebody suggested that I go to this. It was people like Tim Matheson, Craig Nelson, Pat Morita, Valerie Curtin, and Archie Hahn.”

Her sister Laraine Newman adds, “I was at Cal Arts in a theater program which wasn’t really the right fit. Tracy would listen to me complain about the program and said, ‘I’m in this workshop; why don’t you come and join this?’”

In the early days, aspiring Groundlings needed only to audition and pay a small monthly fee to join. Tracy reminisces about the early years, “At that time, if you were interested in being in the Groundlings, all you had to do was audition. If you weren’t crazy, and willing to pay $30 or $40 a month, you got in. We were there for a couple of months, then we moved to the Oxford Theater, where we stayed for a couple of years.”

Reflecting on its impact, Laraine mentions how she was initially teased for being part of the Groundlings. “By the time we moved to Melrose, I had already gone to ‘SNL.’ Nobody there had heard of the Groundlings, and I got endless teasing from Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. John Belushi was like, ‘What’s that group you’re from, the Groundhogs?’”

Lisa Kudrow, recalling her start, says, “I graduated college the summer Jon Lovitz got into ‘Saturday Night Live.’ I told him, ‘I think I want to give acting a try.’ He said, ‘Great, go to the Groundlings.’” Tracy Newman even recommended that Kudrow audition for a backers’ audition for “Ladies Room,” marking Kudrow’s first professional acting experience.

Kristen Wiig describes the infectious energy of the Groundlings performances. “I don’t even know what year it was. I think it was Jennifer Coolidge and Mike Hitchcock. I was a huge ‘SNL’ fan, and I loved comedy, but had never decided to start going down that road. I was like, ‘I want to do that! That looks like so much fun!”

Michaela Watkins reminisces about her classical training before joining the Groundlings. “I started in the school, and then I kept going, going, going, and then I became a Groundling. And from there ‘SNL’ and everything else kind of unfolded. So Groundlings is my everything, really.”

Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy also share their cherished memories connected to the Groundlings. Wiig says, “In that building, I’ve never been more nervous. I’ve never had more fun. It changed my life in so many ways.”

McCarthy recalls the special moment of meeting her husband Ben Falcone. “We were in a class, and he was doing a monologue of an incredibly creepy inmate who was talking to his new cellmate in a whispered tone. I thought to myself, ‘I like this guy… a lot!’ The Groundlings always championed letting everyone’s freak flag fly. I had found my people.”

Kudrow and Watkins underline the importance of Groundlings’ unique training. Kudrow says, “You really have to listen, and then you really have to just respond. Don’t worry at first if it’s funny or not.”

Meanwhile, Watkins adds, “You cannot be self-conscious and be doing Groundling sketches. Groundlings is really unique in their training, in the sense that you are 100% fully committed to your characters all the time.”

The Groundlings school fostered an environment where talents were discovered and honed. Kudrow notes, “The teacher who trained me was Kathy Griffin. I couldn’t believe you’re allowed to teach so snarky! But we got along, and we were friends. She’s also hilarious. I was floored by how nurturing she was as a teacher.”

As comedy continues to evolve, the legacy of the Groundlings endures. Watkins observes, “If you’re a good comedian, you’re going to adapt. The audience is going to tell you what they think is funny. And Groundlings, we’re not in it for the cheap laugh.”

McCarthy emphasizes the rarity of their longevity: “Standing the test of time is impressive in any field, but in comedy, it’s almost impossible. The Groundlings is always pushing the goal forward.”

Reflecting on five decades of comedic excellence, Tracy Newman credits their longevity to passion, structure, and their nonprofit status. Laraine Newman believes that being a “farm team” for “SNL” has been immensely beneficial, allowing audiences to experience various styles and voices.

Ultimately, Wiig finds comfort in the consistency of the Groundlings: “There’s something comforting in knowing what you’re going to get. You’re going to go into that theater, you’re going to laugh, you’re going to have a good time.”

Laraine beams with pride for the homegrown success of the Groundlings, “We have this tradition, that has now become an institution… It was homegrown and it came together through the dedication and hard work of a lot of people.”

Source: The Groundlings, Second City.