Table for Two

Few contemporary actors better represent the bravado and edginess of New York City natives than Natasha Lyonne. Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic. She’s exhibited these traits in films ranging from Everyone Says I Love You to American Pie; but her brashness truly hit the mainstream in 2013, upon the release of Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black. That show kicked off a run on television that has found her as the creator and star of recent hits such as Russian Doll and Poker Face, the latter of which just released its much-anticipated second season. On this week’s episode of Table for Two, the actress joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss New Yorkers’ street smarts, why she loves Richard Pryor’s Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, and the genius of Maya Rudolph.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you know anything about Natasha Lyonne’s character in Orange Is the New Black—let alone her rollicking roles in Russian Doll and Poker Face—you know that she’s an expert at using colorful language to dramatic effect. But off-screen, what is her go-to curse word? On this week’s bonus episode of Table for Two, the actress joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses the performer she most wants to work with but hasn’t, the first thing she notices in a man, and the best advice she’s been given. Hear a preview of the episode below, and listen and subscribe on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graydon Carter is quite aware that no matter how well planned a party is, it is always at risk of being ruined by an impolite guest. But of all the social faux pas he’s been privy to, which was the most out of line? On this week’s bonus episode of Table for Two, Carter joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses his go-to variety of wine, the most beautiful person he’s ever met, and why the south of France is his favorite place in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People generally set out to write their memoirs in times of relative boredom or malaise—in other words, when they’ve retired. Not so for Graydon Carter. He began working on his new memoir, When the Going Was Good, just after leaving his post at the helm of Vanity Fair, where he was editor for 25 years, and as he was starting AIR MAIL. But then, whether Carter was lampooning the excesses of 1980s New Yorkers in Spy, hosting Oscar parties for the ages at Vanity Fair, or poring over the seating charts for his Greenwich Village restaurant The Waverly Inn, he never was one to loaf. On this episode of Table for Two, he joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his experience working as a railroad lineman in Canada, the moment he realized the golden age of print was nearing its end, and how he was able to effectively separate his work and family life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrien Brody's performance in The Brutalist is so singular that it's almost impossible to tell which actors he takes inspiration from. So why not ask the man himself? On this week’s bonus episode of Table for Two, the Academy Award-winner (and nominee for this year’s Best Actor Oscar) joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his first big purchase upon making it in Hollywood, his favorite band, and his go-to cocktail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrien Brody readily admits that the New York City he grew up in was rough around the edges. A native of Jackson Heights, Queens, he says the years he spent there in the '70s and '80s toughened him, but also made him empathetic—in other words, it gave him the ammunition he needed to become an actor. It wasn’t long into Brody's career that minor successes became major ones. Early roles in Restaurant and Summer of Sam in the late 1990s led to Roman Polanski’s The Pianist in 2002, a part that made the 29-year old the youngest to ever win the Academy Award for Best Actor. And while Brody’s career hasn’t slowed in the intervening decades, his latest performance, in The Brutalist, has drawn the same type of rare, unanimous acclaim that his breakthrough in The Pianist did. On this episode of Table for Two, Brody joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss what drew him to the performing arts, the mental toll of method acting, and his perspective on this year’s Oscars, which take place March 2. Hear a preview of the episode below, and listen and subscribe on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian Woetzel’s rise to the top of the ballet world seems straightforward. From his childhood in Boston he demonstrated an aptitude for ballet; by his late teens, he was touring nationally as part of the Los Angeles Ballet; and in the mid-1980s, at 18, he eschewed college to pursue a career as a dancer in New York City. Over the following two decades, Woetzel climbed the New York City Ballet’s ranks, first becoming a principal dancer, then a household name. In his mid-30s, with the prospect of retirement looming, Woetzel decided to exit the ballet orbit and head up to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government in 2007 with an M.P.A., a distinction that, a decade later, led to him becoming The Juilliard School’s seventh president. On this episode of Table for Two, Woetzel joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his early years in New York, former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Gifford’s role in motivating him to return to school, and his plan for leading an arts conservatory into the modern age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a standout New York City Ballet dancer from the 1980s through the early 2000s, Damian Woetzel featured in acclaimed productions ranging from Jerome Robbins’s "West Side Story Suite" to George Balanchine’s "Swan Lake." But which ballet was his favorite? Find out on this week’s bonus episode of Table for Two, in which the current Juilliard School president joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his biggest pet peeve, the best advice he’s ever received, and his favorite New York City activity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Considering his ownership of some of the world’s most renowned hotels—Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, Chiltern Firehouse in London, and The Standard in New York, among others—it’s somewhat surprising that André Balazs wasn’t always in the hotel business. The Boston-born Cornell and Columbia graduate actually began his career in biotech, co-founding a company called Biomatrix with his father in the late 1980s. It was a huge financial success, but Balazs felt as though his work life was infringing on his personal life, and wanted to find a way to reconcile the two. What better way to do that than running a hotel? After establishing The Mercer Hotel in SoHo, Balazs built out a fleet of idiosyncratic, abundantly stylish, and much beloved hotels. On this week’s episode of "Table for Two," the hotelier joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his design philosophy, the most challenging aspect of his job, and his close relationship with Andy Warhol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When asked to name his favorite movie, André Balazs likens the question to trying to pick his favorite hotel—a problem that the owner of the Chateau Marmont and Chiltern Firehouse (among other properties) might know a thing or two about. On this week’s bonus episode of "Table for Two," the businessman and hotelier joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss the first thing he notices in a woman, whether he prefers New York or Los Angeles, and the best piece of advice he’s received.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long before Ted Sarandos’s company turned “binge watching” into a national pastime, the co-C.E.O. of Netflix stayed up long past his bedtime in order to catch The Jack Benny Program and I Love Lucy, developing a passion for film and television that has guided him ever since. After spending his early career rising through the ranks of the video distribution industry, Sarandos’s acumen caught the attention of Netflix founder Reed Hastings, who pitched Sarandos on his company: what if renting movies and television shows could be done from the couch? Over the following decades, Netflix evolved into the streaming service we know today. And all the while, Sarandos’s keen eye for potential smash-hits such as House of Cards continues to help deliver unforgettable plotlines to homes around the world. On this week’s episode of Table for Two, Sarandos joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his early life in Arizona, meeting his wife, Nicole Avant, and the process of writing the prologue to a new edition of her book, Think You’ll Be Happy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martha Stewart has been a household name for over four decades and she still isn't done building her empire. During her rise, the world's first female self-made billionaire ignored conventional wisdom to become an Emmy Award-winning TV host, best-selling author, and creator of a groundbreaking magazine. Beyond those accolades, her wildly successful merchandising business and multi-channel lifestyle company has established her as an innovative mind in business.   On this episode of Math & Magic Bob Pittman sat down with Martha for an intimate live recording at iHeartMedia HQ in front of 100 marketing, advertising, and branding executives. Celebrating her 100th book, Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen, this conversation between friends covers the pivotal decisions in Martha's career and unpacks the guiding philosophy that built an icon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted Sarandos may be the co-C.E.O. of Netflix, but that doesn't mean he skimps on reading—especially not when Robert Caro or Walter Isaacson's names are on the cover. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, the streaming tycoon joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses the movie that most influenced him, his pet peeve, and the best advice he's ever received.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although her father was director Roberto Rossellini and her mother was actress Ingrid Bergman, Isabella Rossellini had little desire to work in the film industry when she arrived in New York City at 19 years old. She was sure that fashion was her calling—and by her late 20s, a few years after studying costume design at Manhattan's Finch College, she was appearing as a model in magazines such as Vogue and Interview. Not long after, Rossellini decided to join the family business: she was cast in her first American film in the early 1980s, before starring in David Lynch's haunting 1986 thriller, "Blue Velvet." Over the last few decades, Rossellini has only further demonstrated the breadth of her talent, working as a producer and director while still modeling and acting, most recently in the papal drama "Conclave," in which she co-stars alongside Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. On this week's episode of "Table for Two," the actress joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss her relationship to her parents' work, how her style has changed with age, and why she went back to school in her mid-50s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From "Blue Velvet" and "Death Becomes Her" to this year's "Conclave," choosing a favorite Isabella Rossellini film is no easy task. But which film does she love most? Find out on this week's bonus episode of "Table for Two," in which the actress joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss her go-to wine, her preferred Italian curse word, and the best advice she's ever received.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, Amy Sedaris watched a lot of television. She counts "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and "Second City Television" as major influences on her desire to perform, whether that meant pranking family members or acting in the plays written by her older brother, the humorist David Sedaris. Siblings aside, she was also surrounded by several other notable comedians, including Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello, whom she met in her twenties at Chicago's Second City comedy troupe. That trio would go on to create "Strangers with Candy" in 1999, a sitcom underpinned by the same surreal yet comic tone that would come to define Sedaris's later roles on shows like "BoJack Horseman," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," and her own series, "At Home with Amy Sedaris." On this week's episode of "Table for Two," the actress and writer joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss her years working as a waitress, why she prefers guest-starring over leading roles, and her recent addiction to BonBon candy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone who has watched At Home with Amy Sedaris knows that the show's star has distinct preferences when it comes to the kitchen. But what is her favorite comfort food? On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, the comedian and actress joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss her pet peeves, the most influential person in her life (hint: he's a relative), and the first word that comes to mind when she hears “Andy Cohen.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During his youth in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jesse Tyler Ferguson quickly discovered his affinity for the performing arts. Upon joining a local theater group, he found the stage to be a place where he could express himself fully. And when an opportunity arose to travel to New York City as a teenager, Ferguson set his sights firmly on Broadway. His career took off—early Broadway roles included in On the Town and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee—meaning that Ferguson had little reason to give much thought to television. And yet, the script for a new sitcom, called Modern Family, resonated deeply with him—and, as it turned out, with millions of fans. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the actor joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his early years on the theater circuit, the moment he recognized his on-screen chemistry with Eric Stonestreet, and the philosophy behind his own restaurant-oriented podcast, Dinner's On Me. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given his experience as the host of his own podcast, Dinner's on Me, it's no surprise that Jesse Tyler Ferguson is an expert at answering questions in a restaurant setting. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, the actor joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses whether he prefers performing on Broadway or television, his favorite Modern Family episode, and the one word he'd use to describe Sofía Vergara.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early 2010s, after spending a good deal of her career performing in stage productions such as Spamalot and A Little Night Music, Hannah Waddingham wanted to try something different: acting on screen. Although she'd previously had small film and television roles here and there, her background was in opera and theater. But what seemed like a considerable risk to her at the time paid off in a big way—in the intervening years she has appeared in Game of Thrones, Sex Education, and Ted Lasso (for which she won an Emmy). On this week's episode of Table for Two, Waddingham joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss why she enjoys playing characters with a gruff exterior, her perspective on turning 50, and the moment she learned she landed a part in the forthcoming Mission: Impossible film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much like her character on Ted Lasso, Hannah Waddingham is quick with an answer—that is, except when asked whether she'll reprise her leading role on the show's (rumored) fourth season. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, the actress joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss the movie that most influenced her, the show she's currently binging, and the three actors she most wants to work with.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Lee Daniels was eight years old, he came across a copy Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf that featured a photograph of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on its cover. Flipping through the pages, Daniels realized that his purpose in life was to direct characters like those in the Albee's play. After years managing actors, Daniels had his directorial breakout in 2001 with Monster's Ball, for which Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. As a producer, director, and screenwriter, Daniels has since turned out celebrated movies and television shows such as from Precious and Empire, and, most recently, the haunting thriller The Deliverance. On this week's episode of Table for Two, Daniels joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss how his experience as a gay man influences his work, how his adopted children saved his life, and the motivation behind a new cop procedural he's currently writing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Daniels may be the mind behind modern hits like Precious, Monster's Ball, and the acclaimed television series Empire, but when asked to pick his favorite movie, he returns to a classic: Gone With the Wind. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, the filmmaker and producer joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss the choreographer who influenced him, the first thing he notices about someone, and why The Boys on the Rock is his favorite book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the mid-1970s, while touring a museum in his hometown of Paris, Christian Louboutin came across a sign that would alter the course of his entire life. Indicating that stiletto heels were banned on the premises, it depicted a pair of the shoes with a red “no” symbol over them. For Louboutin, the image sparked a fascination with shoe design that led to him sketching original prototypes as a young teenager, working in major fashion houses by 20, and opening his own salon in 1991. It wasn't long after starting his shop that his classic red-soled stilettos were born—and since then, Louboutin's distinctive footwear has been ever-present on runways, in movies and television shows, and on the shelves of high-end shops around the world. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the legendary designer joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses his childhood in France, the moment he realized the extent of his success, and the current state of men's fashion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From his red-bottom stilettos to his timeless Kate pumps, Christian Louboutin's shoes are beloved the world over—but when asked for his favorite piece of footwear he's created, he says it's the one in his head. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, Louboutin joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses his preferred Paris café, the city that most inspires him, and his favorite films.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a child growing up in Barbados, Minnie Driver developed an affinity for the water—and her love for the beach and its restorative properties has only grown since. For Driver, recharging is necessary: since her breakthrough role in the 1997 classic Good Will Hunting, she's starred in a slew of feature films (two of which are set to premiere at this year's Toronto Film Festival) and television shows—the most recent being as Queen Elizabeth I in The Serpent Queen—and she hosts her own podcast, Minnie Questions. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the actress sits down for lunch with host Bruce Bozzi to discuss why she gravitated towards the performing arts, what she thinks people overlook about Margot Robbie's talent, and the ideology behind her podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though Minnie Driver recognizes that 1987's "Withnail and I" has its flaws, the film inspired her to seek out acting parts that similarly blended comedy and tragedy—her role as Skyler in "Good Will Hunting" being a prime example. On this week's episode of "Table for Two," Driver joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss her thoughts on former co-star Robin Williams, the differences between Hollywood and London, and why the ocean is her happy placeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether he's directing a movie, cutting in the editing room, or grabbing a bite to eat, Paul Feig wears a suit. In his view, dressing well both helps him focus and create strong first impressions. But Feig's elegance is also a reflection of his highly detail-oriented nature. Behind the camera, Feig's acute perception and keen eye for comedy—his favorite genre—has led to hits like Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor (which has a sequel on the way), and the opportunity to direct television shows like The Office, Mad Men, and Freaks and Geeks, which he created. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the filmmaker joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses his early years giving tours at Universal Studios Hollywood, what he loves about horror films, and why directing 2016's Ghostbusters convinced him to never work on a remake again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like any good director, Paul Feig is discerning to a tee. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two,the Bridesmaids director joins host Bruce Bozzi to share the only acceptable martini recipe, what he'd bring to a desert island, and why a house party is the best way to socialize.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there anyone who has weathered the chaos of Hollywood more gracefully than George Hamilton? After moving with his family from Memphis to California, Hamilton began his career in the movie industry in the 1950s. Over the following decades, he appeared in countless films and television shows, became a producer and entrepreneur, and developed a reputation for his charm, wit, and tan. Now 84 years old, Hamilton is as energetic as ever. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the actor joins host Bruce Bozzi to recall rubbing shoulders with actors such as Fred Astaire and Cary Grant, divulge the secret to moving up Hollywood's ladder, and reminisce on what it was like to date Lyndon Johnson's daughter, Lynda, during her father's presidency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than six decades in the entertainment business haven't dulled George Hamilton's characteristic charm. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, the actor joins host Bruce Bozzi for lunch and reveals his guilty pleasure, his favorite movie, and the true story of how he lost his virginity—at age 12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1999, after roasting Jerry Stiller to perfection at the Friars Club, Susie Essman got a phone call. It was an old friend of hers from the stand-up comedy circuit: Larry David. David wanted her on his new television series, Curb Your Enthusiasm. With no guarantee that she'd be a recurring cast member and little in the way of financial compensation, Essman joined the show as Susie Greene. Over the course of 24 years and 12 seasons, she became one of Curb's most popular characters. Whether foiling a scheme devised by Jeff Garlin (who plays Essman's husband), trading jabs with Richard Lewis, or hurling insults at David, Essman's raucous wit reliably steals the show. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the actress and comedian joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses her early years waitressing in New York City, the key to David's genius, and how her perspective on life has shifted with age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether on stage as a stand-up comedian, alongside Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm, or answering lightning-round questions, Susie Essman never fails to get a laugh out of her audience. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, Essman joins host Bruce Bozzi and shares her favorite comics, her biggest New York City pet peeve, and the celebrity she met that stunned her. Hear a preview of the episode below, and listen and subscribe on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Duchovny believes he's a writer at heart. And though the Golden Globe-winner has achieved a level of acting success that would seem to eclipse his proficiency in any other art form, he has a point. After developing a love of books in high school, Duchovny was off to Princeton, and then to Yale to pick up an M.A. in English Literature. All this before ever trying his hand at acting, and starring as the enthusiastic Fox Mulder in X-Files. Duchovny has also written five books, including one that grew into the new film Reverse the Curse, in which he also stars. On this week's episode of Table for Two, he sits down with host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his favorite authors, the three celebrities he had to introduce himself to, and the inspiration behind his podcast, Fail Better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For someone who loves reading enough to start a book club, picking a favorite novel can be a near-impossible task. But on this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, Emma Roberts joins host Bruce Bozzi and does just that, and also discusses the actor she most admires and the singer she can't get enough of.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hard to forge your own path in Hollywood. It's even more difficult to do so when your aunt is Julia Roberts, you rose to fame as a Nickelodeon star, and executives seem to think of you only in terms of one role: “the girl next door.” Emma Roberts faced all these challenges. But because of a single show (American Horror Story), and a single producer (Ryan Murphy) who saw untapped potential in her, Roberts was able to transition from child stardom into a wide-ranging career that has spanned over two decades. That she balances rolling out new projects—her latest, Space Cadet, comes out July 4th—with her book club, Belletrist, and raising a son makes it all the more impressive. On this episode of Table for Two, the actress joins host Bruce Bozzi and discusses how Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop inspired her, the importance of financial independence, and her lifelong love of reading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even when pressed for time, the eminently erudite David Duchovny has no trouble answering questions on the fly. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, Duchovny straps in for host Bruce Bozzi's lightning-round about his favorite movie, the first word that comes to mind when he hears X-Files, and the advice that changed his life. Hear a preview of the episode below, and listen and subscribe on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Kristen Wiig, stage fright is an asset. It's only when this feeling subsides—and a job or role feels comfortable—that she knows it's time to push her boundaries. This is what led her to leave The Groundlings, an L.A.-based comedy troupe, to join Saturday Night Live, where over seven seasons she established herself as one of the most celebrated cast members in its history. It also drove her to move from live television to film, which she did with a hilarious flourish in Bridesmaids. Her recent role on the Apple TV+ series Palm Royale proves the point that Wiig always rises to the occasion. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the actress, writer, and producer has lunch with host Bruce Bozzi and discusses her transition to the silver screen, the experience of working alongside Carol Burnett, and why Aunt Linda is one of her favorite S.N.L. characters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The music children obsess over is not all created equal, which makes Kristen Wiig particularly thankful that Taylor Swift's “Welcome To New York”—a song she can get behind—is one of her daughters' current obsessions. On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, Wiig answers other lightning-round questions from host Bruce Bozzi, including her biggest pet peeve, what Lorne Michaels means to her, and the first thing that comes to mind when she hears the word “bridesmaids.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To perfectly capture the essence of a subject, director Sam Taylor-Johnson borrows a strategy used by method actors. The British filmmaker and photographer says she enters the character's headspace to better represent their feelings, emotions, and complexities. For this reason, Taylor-Johnson only seeks out projects she can viscerally connect to, which was the case with her new Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black. On this week's episode of Table for Two, Taylor-Johnson sits down for lunch with host Bruce Bozzi and discusses the moment she knew Marisa Abela was the right choice to play Winehouse, the difficulties of navigating the movie industry as a woman, and how her poignant photographic portrait series of Hollywood stars, “Crying Men,” helped her come to terms with her second cancer diagnosis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Taylor-Johnson may have just directed the Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black, but don't be fooled: her musical tastes run much deeper than the singer's hit “Valerie." On this week's bonus episode of Table for Two, Taylor-Johnson reveals the other artists in her rotation, her biggest pet peeve, and the advice from Anthony Minghella that altered the course of her career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ellen Barkin was at Manhattan's High School of Performing Arts, the aspiring actress's teachers thought she lacked the talent (and the looks) to succeed on stage. This slight drove Barkin to prove the skeptics wrong. After appearing in several off-Broadway plays, she broke into the mainstream in 1982 with Diner, which kickstarted a prodigious career in films such as The Big Easy and Sea of Love, as well as on television and on Broadway. On this week's episode of Table for Two, the Tony Award-winning actress sits down with host Bruce Bozzi and dives into her early years as a waitress in New York City, the lessons she learned from Robert Duvall, and why The Normal Heart was the most important professional experience of her career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.