Veteran director Dennis Dugan joins John Frank Levey to share how embracing life's unexpected turns and maintaining a playful spirit shaped his remarkable journey from actor to billion-dollar comedy director.
Through candid stories spanning his early theater days to directing Adam Sandler films, Dugan reveals how every seeming setback opened new doors. His conversation with Levey explores the delicate balance between taking creative risks and building lasting industry relationships.
In this episode:
- How getting kicked out of college led Dugan to the Goodman Theater and ultimately Los Angeles
- The fascinating story behind landing Problem Child by literally standing on a studio executive's coffee table during his pitch
- His unconventional approach to playing Captain Freedom on Hill Street Blues and why staying in character between scenes elevated the performance
- The full-circle moment of Adam Sandler hiring him to direct Happy Gilmore because Dugan had championed him years earlier
- Why he's returning to his acting roots after directing films that grossed nearly $2 billion
- The power of creating your own opportunities, including writing and performing a one-act play to showcase his acting for agents
- His philosophy that "if you wait, you'll be a waiter" and why artists need to make things happen
A masterclass in turning setbacks into opportunities and maintaining creative passion across a five-decade career in Hollywood.
TV shows and movies discussed in this conversation:
- Hill Street Blues (TV)
- Moonlighting (TV)
- Hunter (TV)
- MAS*H (TV)
- The Mod Squad (TV)
- The Waltons (TV)
- Problem Child (Film)
- Happy Gilmore (Film)
- Big Daddy (Film)
- I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (Film)
- You Don't Mess with the Zohan (Film)
- Grown Ups 1 & 2 (Films)
- Just Go with It (Film)
- Jack and Jill (Film)
- Estonia, You Fall (stage play)
- The House of Blue Leaves (stage play)
- Richie Brockleman (TV)
Connect:
Acknowledgments:
Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in "hero shots" — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at
www.heroshots.la.
The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.
What is Right For The Role with John Frank Levey?
"Right For The Role" is hosted by legendary casting director John Frank Levey, whose four-decade career and four Emmy Awards reflect his uncanny ability to recognize who's right for the role.
As the casting visionary behind revolutionary television shows like "ER," "The West Wing," "Shameless," and "China Beach," Levey has not only witnessed but actively shaped the careers of some of Hollywood's most recognizable talents.
Through intimate conversations with accomplished guests like Eric LaSalle, Sasha Alexander, Dennis Dugan, Noah Wiley, Shanola Hampton, and others, listeners will discover inspiring stories about finding one's authentic path in both life and career. Drawing from his vast experience, Levey guides conversations that uncover valuable insights about taking risks, advocating for what you believe in, and discovering your true calling.
Whether you're in the entertainment industry or simply navigating your own path, each episode offers honest, unfiltered discussions about defining moments, career transformations, and the journey to embracing the roles we're meant to play.
So join John Frank Levey -- recipient of the Casting Society of America's prestigious Hoyt Bowers Award for Lifetime Achievement -- as he shares his exuberance for the craft and helps listeners find inspiration to discover their own role of a lifetime.
The first episode launches December 11th.