Pop Culture

Richard Zoglin's first book, Comedy at the Edge: How Stand Up in the 1970s Changed America, led to his curiosity about Bob Hope.

Books
Arts

The Rise And Fall Of Comedian Bob Hope

6:55pm November 24, 2014

Hope was a comedy trailblazer, but in his twilight years he alienated young audiences with his political views. "He had, unfortunately, stuck around too long," says Hope biographer Richard Zoglin.

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Niecy Nash (right) plays DiDi, a nurse at an extended care facility, in the HBO comedy series Getting On, which was modeled after the hit BBC series of the same name. Betty Buckley plays one of her patients.

Arts

'Getting On' Star Niecy Nash: 'I Never Wanted To Be Funny'

1:51pm November 24, 2014

by NPR Staff

Nash says it took her a long time to see her comedic side as a gift, but she finally embraced it. Now her role as Nurse DiDi in the HBO comedy series has opened the door to more serious opportunities.

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Bill Cosby's Silence On Rape Allegations Makes Huge Media Noise

7:29pm November 22, 2014

by Eric Deggans

Bill Cosby's silence when asked by an NPR anchor about rape allegations made big media news. The ongoing controversy may also hint at a generational divide between his fans and his latest critics.

A drawing of two clinking martini glasses.

Arts

Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'Foxcatcher' And The Art Of The Trailer

8:40am November 21, 2014

by Linda Holmes

On this week's show, we look at the eerie film Foxcatcher, the world of trailers, and what's making us happy this week.

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Organic grapes are on display at trade fair on Sept. 5, in Berlin, Germany.

Arts

'Grape Salad' Is Not Minnesotan, And Other Lessons In Cultural Mapmaking

3:15pm November 20, 2014

by Linda Holmes

A New York Times project claims that Minnesota is best defined by heated-up grapes and sour cream. C'mon, now, guys — give us a break.

Arts

Mike Nichols: Remembering The Ellipses After The Story Ends

3:01pm November 20, 2014

by Linda Holmes

We consider the work of writer-director-performer Mike Nichols, who died Wednesday.

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Mike Nichols was an ultimate Hollywood insider who won every major show business award directing for stage, film and TV. But his life in America began as an immigrant from Germany. Nichols was honored with an AFI Life Achievement Award in June 2010.

Arts

Mike Nichols, Award-Winning Director Of 'The Graduate,' 'Silkwood,' Dies

11:31am November 20, 2014

by Eric Deggans

Mike Nichols was an ultimate Hollywood insider who won every major show business award directing for stage, film and TV. But his life in America began as an outsider immigrant from Germany.

National

Award-Winning Director Mike Nichols Dies At 83

10:08am November 20, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

Nichols died suddenly Wednesday, ABC News said in a statement. The director of The Graduate and Death of a Salesman was one of the few people to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony.

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Arts

Jon Stewart On The 'Daily Show': 'I'm Still Really Proud Of The Work We Do'

1:48pm November 19, 2014

Stewart talks about his future hosting the show known for its political satire. "It is unclear to me," he tells Fresh Air. "The minute I say I'm not going to do it anymore, I will miss it like crazy."

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Abby knows better than to lose her concentration while cooking.

Arts

'MasterChef Junior': The Secret Ingredients Are Moppets And Empathy

2:47pm November 18, 2014

by Linda Holmes

The cooking-kids show MasterChef Junior somehow combines high energy, endearing kids with really skilled cooking. The result is a very different kind of competition show.