Richard Kind Returns to The Producers: 'I'm a Big Bear Who Lumbers'
Showbiz veteran Richard Kind is preparing to take the stage once again as Max Bialystock in Mel Brooks' iconic musical The Producers at London's Garrick theatre. The genial 69-year-old actor, known for his ubiquitous presence across film and television, is embarking on a seven-week stint in the Nazi-spoofing production, temporarily replacing Andy Nyman.
The Producers Diet and Physical Demands
Kind first played the role of the Broadway huckster Max Bialystock on Broadway in 2004 and later at the Hollywood Bowl in 2012. The physical demands of the role are substantial, with Kind revealing that during his initial performance, he lost an impressive 30 pounds. "I call it The Producers diet," he jokes. "It's better than those shots."
The show features breakneck musical numbers like The King of Broadway, with lyrics that are both fast-paced and vulgar. Kind describes the memorization process vividly: "Once you've learned it all, the words pour out of your mouth like pea soup out of Linda Blair."
Kind's Interpretation of Max Bialystock
Kind's approach to Max differs from previous interpretations. While Nathan Lane brought elegance to the role on Broadway, Kind channels the bulldozer energy of Zero Mostel from the original 1967 film. "Nathan glides," he explains. "I'm a big bear. I lumber."
A friend once humorously told him that only two things are visible from space: the Great Wall of China and every acting choice Kind has ever made. "I've become a better actor in the past 20 years," he reflects. "But this is an outsized show, so my choices are enormous. Max is fun to play because he has appetites that cannot be sated. The more he has, the more he wants."
From Parsley to Main Course: Kind's Career Philosophy
Despite his theatrical prominence, Kind often takes smaller, idiosyncratic roles in film and television. He describes himself as "parsley on a plate of meat and potatoes. Really good parsley. As green and fresh as parsley can get." Theatre, however, offers a different challenge. "I'm at the point where I can say 'no' to a stage role unless it's challenging."
When asked if he craves leading roles on screen, Kind admits, "Sure. I've got an ego." But he remains pragmatic: "People may say, 'Oh, I like that guy. Everything he does is good.' Nobody says, 'I'm going to spend £20 to go see Richard Kind in a movie.' If you accept that, you can be happy and satisfied."
Early Career and Famous Friendships
Kind began his career with Chicago's improvisational troupe Second City before moving to television work with comedy legend Carol Burnett. He later starred in sitcoms like Spin City alongside Michael J. Fox. One notable failed comedy pilot co-starred George Clooney, who briefly became Kind's flatmate and remains a close friend.
Kind is protective of Clooney, especially when public figures criticize him. "Horrible," he sighs when discussing such incidents. "I'm very protective of George always. I don't even like critics to talk about him badly." This protective instinct might serve him well for a future role he hopes to play: Roy Cohn, Donald Trump's mentor, in Angels in America.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for his return to The Producers, Kind remains enthusiastic about the challenges ahead. His career spans diverse roles, from a child's imaginary friend in Pixar's Inside Out to a physics savant in the Coen brothers' A Serious Man. Yet, he humorously acknowledges his limits: "I'd make a terrible Blanche DuBois."
Richard Kind will perform in The Producers at the Garrick theatre in London from 23 March to 9 May, with Andy Nyman returning to the role from 11 May onwards.
