Kenny Solms
Kenny Solms has been making Americans laugh since the 1960's when he struck comic gold writing for “The Carol Burnett Show.” He went on to become Hollywood's reigning “King of the Television Special,” writing (and often producing) specials for stars such as Neil Diamond, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Julie Andrews, and many more. Now he's turning his comic eye inward with his hilarious, new, semi-autobiographical play, It Must Be Him — now playing at Off-Broadway's Peter Jay Sharp Theater.
In It Must Be Him, Louie Wexler (Peter Scolari), a whiz kid comedy writer from the heyday of variety television, is now down on his luck. With his devoted agent (John Treacy Egan), and his considerably less devoted housekeeper (Liz Torres) by his side, Louie finds himself broke, lonely, and on the wrong side of middle age. Desperate to rekindle his fading career, save his posh Beverly Hills home and find the man of his dreams, Louie searches high and low for one last shot at his own real-life happy ending.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.itmustbehimplay.com.
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
A: My mouth…when it’s funny.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: Winning Best Camper when I was 15 years old at Camp Powhatan…which I campaigned for all summer. I did literally.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: Fountain Coca Cola on Lexington Avenue & 82nd Street. If anyone knows of any other fountains in New York with original Coca Cola syrup, I’d love to know.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: It used to be refrigerated mallomars and milk. Now it’s those little lamb chops and baked potato with sour cream.
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
A: Sour cream and bacon bits.
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: My play, “It Must Be Him” and Brendon on “Big Brother.”
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
A: Mallomars.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A: A hit musical…or any hit.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
A: Trips to London.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
A: Talking on the phone.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A: Coca Cola.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: Sense of humor.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: My father’s bad temper.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
A: When my assistant Myles screws up and keeps checking his own e-mail when I’m trying to work.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
A: Tattoos.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
A: When Angie Dickinson walked off “This Is Your Life”, a show I wrote and produced.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
A: Paris and lying on my bed.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A: Sense of humor.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
A: Neither.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A: Getting rave reviews.
Q: What is your personal motto?
A: A busy person is a happy person.