Kevin Pollack, The Comic Impressionist Who Conquered Hollywood- Bonus Show #142

Discover a rare comedic gem from the vault! Before Kevin Pollak became the acclaimed actor we know from "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and countless Hollywood films, he was honing his craft as a brilliant stand-up comedian and impressionist at Laughs Unlimited comedy club.

This nostalgic episode features Pollak at the height of his stand-up powers, showcasing the incredible impression skills that would later help launch his acting career. His routine begins with sharp observations about Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie success, questioning why the Academy consistently overlooks him with the hilarious punchline, "Do these people need a verb?" But the true highlight comes when Kevin launches into an elaborate Star Trek parody that demonstrates his remarkable versatility as a performer.

Pollak's impression of William Shatner as Captain Kirk is nothing short of masterful, perfectly capturing the actor's distinctive dramatic pauses and theatrical delivery. The routine evolves into a tour de force as Kevin portrays multiple celebrity personalities aboard the Enterprise, each with their own distinct voice and mannerisms. His ability to seamlessly transition between these characters reveals the impressive range that would eventually make him such a sought-after character actor in film and television.

For fans of comedy history, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse at the early career of an artist who would go on to achieve tremendous success in Hollywood. Subscribe now to hear more vintage comedy sets from performers who shaped the landscape of American entertainment, and visit our website at www.standupyourhostandemcee.com to explore our full archive of comedy treasures!

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Stand-Up Comedy
• 0:41 Introducing Kevin Pollak
• 1:01 Kevin's Stand-Up Performance Begins
• 1:39 Star Trek Impressions Take Off
• 6:05 Scott's Closing Remarks

Transcript

announcer: 0:04

This is another episode of Stand-Up Comedy, your host and emcee celebrating 40-plus years on the fringe of show business Stories, interviews and comedy sets from the famous and not-so-famous. Here's your host and emcee, scott Edwards.

R. Scott Edwards: 0:21

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. I got a really fun one for you today. He is now a famous movie star, television star, pretty well known in the industry. In fact recently he was on the series the Amazing Mrs Maisel. But he's done many movies. Just Google his name, that's right, it's Kevin Pollack. And back in the 80s he was a stand-up comic and one of the regulars at my club, laughs Unlimited. So here's a short comedy set from the now famous actor Kevin Pollack. But back then he was just Kevin, a great stand-up comic that did amazing impressions. I know you'll enjoy it. Here we go.

Kevin Pollack: 1:01

Thank you so much. What a pleasure to be here tonight. Do you feel it? It's a little frightening, it is, it is. I can tell you about myself. I'm a big, big movie fan, and I guess the big movie news is that Predator this film over the weekend, made $12 million, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. I'm a big Schwarzenegger fan, you know. In fact, it just baffles me how, every year, the Academy Awards overlooks this guy. I don't know what. Do these people need A verb? The best news for me, though, would have to be that they're making another Star Trek film. I'm so excited about this.

Kevin Pollack: 1:39

Anything to keep Shatner out of that cop outfit. I'm a big Star Trek fan. I see William Shatner dressed up as a cop on TJ Hooker. The first time I saw it, I looked at this guy and I thought to myself this guy had a starship. What does he have now? A Plymouth, come on. A lot of the Star Trek films in fact have good news for Star Trek fans. About Star Trek V, they've got William Shatner signed to direct and also star as James T Kirk, once again Having trouble, though signing all the other cast members from the original cast. So I imagine what it would be like if we had real celebrities to play these other roles. We'll now take you aboard the Enterprise Star Trek V in search of cash. William Shatner at the helm.

Kevin Pollack: 2:27

Captain's log Star day two, four, 76.5. Something strange has happened Since passing through a cosmic cloud, I've noticed a peculiar change in the behavior of my crew. Although the faces seem to change, the personalities their personalities have altered, yet somehow they seem familiar. I don't know what to do. Kirk out, mr Chekov, warp factor one. Well, forgive me, sir. Yes, I'm sorry. Oh, don't be afraid. Oh, down, mr Happy, all right, yes, I'm sorry, sir, it's my counsel acting very strangely. Yes, little dials are spinning Lights are going. Help me, help me, all right, counsel acting very strangely. Yes, little dials are spinning. Lights are going. Help me, help me, all right, checker Uhura, put him on the screen.

Kevin Pollack: 3:35

Mrs Spock, analysis please. Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah. Okie-dok, ah, let me get a closer look. You got me, boss Spock, what's the matter with you? Use your instruments. Oh, yeah, what am I? An idiot? Uh-oh, it looks like we're being followed. Uhura, try to raise communication.

Kevin Pollack: 4:11

I don't know what's happening, but when I get back from sickbay I want some answers. Psst, psst, sickbay, psst, phones Phone. The ship has been pursued through the neutral zone by an unknown vessel and my crew has all gone mad. Over 400 men and women on board and yet I feel no one talking. But you bone, you gotta help. Well, well, well, looky here, boys and girls. Looks like the old captain's getting a little paranoid. Hocus pocus, captain, to the bridge Bones, don't leave Sickbay. Bridge Bridge Spot Status report. I don't know what happened, captain. I took a quick trip to the can. When I got back we were surrounded. Scotty, damn it, scotty it. Scotty man, what's going on down there? I need more power. Don't let him know. It's a party. Hey, johnny, jimmy Gregory, it's a bloody party down here. Isn't space the best for never?

R. Scott Edwards: 5:55

that was my good friend kevin pollock, a great stand-up comic impressionist, and he went on to be a really famous actor on both television and movies. Uh, we're so happy for all his success. He's even a pretty good poker player. Keep an eye out for him. Anyway, thanks for joining. We hope this helps kick off your new year in the right way. We'll see you next week with another short comedy show.

announcer: 6:21

Bye. We hope you enjoyed this episode of Stand-Up Comedy your host and emcee. For information on the show, merchandise and our sponsors, or to send comments to Scott, visit our website at wwwstandupyourhostandemceecom. Look for more episodes soon and enjoy the world of stand-up comedy. Visit a comedy showroom near you.