I chat with the legendary Marsha Warfield about her comedy and film career
When did you know you wanted to be an entertainer?
The first time I went on stage. Growing up, I knew I loved jokes. I was pulling the knock knock jokes. I got my first library card and the first books I checked out were joke books. As far as standup, I was twenty when I found out about open mics, which were brand new. The comedy club boom was in it’s infancy at that point. Tom Dreesen started an open mic in LA at the comedy store. I told a friend I wanted to try it, but I never went. She picked me up one evening, put me in the car and we went. Six hours later, I had my first on stage experience. From that moment on I was a stand up comedian
Were you nervous that first time?
I was, but I had been drinking scotch all night in anticipation of this moment. But it had no effect whatsoever. The nerves were there but by the time I got on, there were only comedians and waiters left in the club. They liked me, so when I got my first laugh, that was it.
And you never stopped.
I actually did stop for almost twenty years. The 90’s were not good for me. It was a whole convergence of situations made me have to stay with family and take care of family. I didn’t come back until 2015.
I feel like comedy has always been tough for women. How has it changed?
Change isn’t always good. ::laughs:: Things have changed to some degree, but there were always things that concerned me. Like when The Comedy Room had a Women’s Room in the back of the parking lot up rickity stairs. I thought it was the most egregious thing a woman club owner would do. She took the women out the regular rotation. I refused to do it. If I’m going to be in this game, I’m going to be in the game with all the players.
In 1986, you were cast as Roz in “Night Court.” What memories do you have from that set?
I was watching one of those AI retrospectives with my wife a few days ago and they didn’t mention Roz until last. They said “out of two tragedies, a legend was born.” I turned to my wife and said “you heard that, I’m a legend. Call me that from now on.” ::laughs::
Television doesn’t have the strangle hold on audience it did in 1986 with Must See TV which was a real phenomenon at the time. For “Night Court” to be an anchor to the evening which ended with “Hill Street Blues” was huge. I walked into a top ten TV show after two tragedies. The cast had huge affection for both Selma Diamond and Flo Halop, who I worked with on a pilot earlier that year which also starred Vicki Lawrence. When the word came down that she had passed away, I was on my way to Seattle. I was told to go by “Night Court” offices before I left. I met the producer; it was like 109 degrees outside. He had a fire place going and the air conditioning on. I asked why? He said “Because I can.” ::laughs:: We had a nice little chit chat; they didn’t know what they were going to do. Left, got on a plane, landed and was told to call my agent. I asked why? “Because you got it.” I got “Night Court!” At that moment I only did one show because they only had written one episode. I did that, but didn’t do the second show. But then I got picked up for the series. People asked me if I was afraid to join the show, but the comedian came out in me. I said “it’s a tragedy, but I would’ve killed a few more white women to get this job.” ::laughs::
Just to be clear I would NEVER EVER harm another person ::laughs:: They both were 64 when they passed and I was 32. The cast very much loved them both but they INCLUDED me in their grief. They never made me feel like I was stepping in sacred territory that I didn’t belong. They loved them and welcomed me with open arms. It was magic from that point on.
Why do you think “Night Court” still thrives in syndication and on streaming?
Because there’s no other show like it. It was insane. We had very few boundaries. We pushed the envelope every kind of way an envelope could be pushed. We blew up the envelope ::laughs:: We had the kind of energy you didn’t see in most sitcoms. It was a very positive experience making the show too. Very much a family. We got picked up for a fifth season and everyone started having babies. I watched my cast members kids grow up. It was a uniquely smooth production.
What was it like stepping back into Roz’s shoes in the NBC reboot?
It was weird and a little terrifying. It was only six or seven years after I had started back in the industry and then all of a sudden I was on set starring at John. They had to hide me through that whole first taping. I was only in the last scene they taped and I only had one line. When I was revealed to the audience at the end, the audience’ response made this all worthwhile. It wasn’t just the shock of recognition, it was the groundswell of affection.
You were also in the final two seasons of “Empty Nest” playing Dr. Maxine Douglas. What was your experience on that set?
The show was basically on it’s last legs. Kristy McNichol didn’t want to do the show anymore. They didn’t know where they were going with it. Estelle Getty was available at that time and they brought both of us in. Richard Mulligan was just an amazing guy; just a sweet sweet man. It was a really wonderful time.
This week you’ll be here in Baltimore with Martha Wash for Twilight on The Terrace, which benefits Baltimore Pride. Tell us about it.
I’m going anywhere Martha asks me to go. I’m so grateful to be in a show with her, are you kidding? She’s amazing. I’ve worked with her on the First Ladies of Disco Tour and now this one. I’m so blessed and lucky and hope I don’t fuck it up. ::laughs::
I doubt you will. Two LEGENDS.
I’m going to try. And thank you for acknowledging I’m a legend. I’m going to put it on t-shirts, pillows, stuff in my house.
I’m sensing a line of clothes
Clothes, books, cartoons, an Etsy shop. ::laughs:: I think it’s nice to be thought of. When you take almost twenty years off, and the world keeps turning, thought you were forgotten about, but have people welcome you back? There’s no better feeling.
Why is it important to celebrate Pride?
It’s important because EVERYBODY is important. It’s stupid to pick things to hate. We could just get along with everyone but that’s not popular with some people. At my age, it’s my job to be a mother to people who are coming up now, who have faced self doubt and negative self images because of the way people to respond to them just being themselves. I didn’t come out until my sixties. It gets better. Is it perfect? No. Nothing’s perfect but we have a way to go. But it’s not you..you’re NOT the problem. But I think we’ll catch up sooner than we expect.
Are you excited about Twilight on the Terrace in Baltimore this Friday?
Of course! I’ve been to Baltimore but I’ve never been a part of this event. I’m looking forwarded to being part of Baltimore Pride. I’m also excited to be with Martha again as well. Everything I’ve done with her is amazing. The audience gives us love back and it’s a big old love circle. Folks seem to have a wonderful time.
Marsha and Martha Wash headline Twilight on The Terrace this Friday! Buy tix