My Podcast with André

·42 min·4 clips

Andre Gregory reveals his Jewish father may have collaborated with Nazis and his mother had an affair with Errol Flynn.

The episode begins with host Ben Mathis introducing Andre Gregory, highlighting his unconventional life and new memoir. Gregory explains why he avoided a traditional memoir, citing his non-traditional nature. He recounts his family's journey from Russia to America, including suspicions about his father's ties to Nazi Germany. Gregory describes his childhood experiences with anti-Semitism at a WASP private school in New York and his later work with a rabbi. He shares stories of glamorous summers in Los Angeles, meeting celebrities like the Marx Brothers, and his mother's affair with Errol Flynn, which he blackmailed her over. Gregory discusses his early interest in theater, sparked by a school play, and his teenage infatuation with Audrey Hepburn, leading to a later encounter with her. He talks about studying at Harvard Radcliffe and seeking out heroes like Jerzy Grotowski, whom he met after persistence. After a break, the conversation shifts to Gregory's early theater work, including his Philadelphia company where he was fired and arrested by police. He then founded the Manhattan Project, creating a stripped-down production of 'Alice in Wonderland' that toured globally. Gregory explains how 'My Dinner with Andre' originated from conversations with Wallace Shawn and the difficult fundraising process. He reveals the film was shot in an abandoned hotel in West Virginia, with actors wearing electric blankets. The discussion covers the film's slow start, boosted by Siskel and Ebert, and its political themes presaging modern fascism. Gregory talks about his long collaboration with Shawn, including their upcoming podcasts of Shawn's plays. He details the 'Uncle Vanya' production that rehearsed for years but never officially opened, yet became a hot ticket. Gregory reflects on his contentment at age 86 and his ongoing work on 'Hedda Gobbler' with Shawn. The episode ends with promotion of his book and the show.

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