Richard Kind Voices Candid Views on Television and Theatre
The unmistakable voice of Richard Kind cuts through the Garrick Theatre in London, a truculent, glottal sound that precedes his presence. Known for roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm, A Serious Man, and Pixar's Inside Out, Kind's vocal signature is uniquely his own, though he admits to disliking it. "Personally, I hate my voice," he confesses, describing it as "aggressively nasal" with a blend of New York and Philadelphia accents. At 69, Kind is rehearsing for The Producers, taking over as Max Bialystock in Mel Brooks' musical, a role he has played twice before.
Reflections on 'The Producers' and Mel Brooks' Legacy
Kind delves into the controversial nature of The Producers, noting its irreverent take on Hitler and gay themes. "Could The Producers be made today? The movie could not," he states, highlighting Brooks' dual status as both cancelled and celebrated. He contrasts this with his children's horrified reaction to Brooks' Blazing Saddles, underscoring generational divides in humor. Kind praises predecessors Nathan Lane and Andy Nyman for their charm, while humorously calling himself a "big hulking gargoyle" in comparison.
A Prolific Career and Industry Insights
With over 300 screen credits, Kind had a busy 2025, featuring in nine TV series, two short films, a podcast, and Broadway readings. He attributes his demand to unique mannerisms and a deep appreciation for "show people," having worked with icons like Stephen Sondheim and John Mulaney. Kind describes Sondheim as a "nice Jewish boy" whose lyrics are "masterpieces," and Mulaney as "cynical without being mean." However, he expresses skepticism about the future of Mulaney's talk show Everybody's Live, citing its demanding nature.
Missed Opportunities and Television's Commercial Reality
Kind reflects on cancelled projects, such as the sitcom pilot The Bennett Brothers with George Clooney and the HBO drama Luck. He mourns Luck's premature end, arguing it was cut due to financial pressures, not animal safety concerns. "It was magnificent, could have gone on and on," he laments. This leads to a broader critique of television: "People don't understand: TV is the bookends for commercials, for advertisements." He predicts streaming services will reintroduce ads as sustainability wanes, emphasizing the business-driven nature of the industry.
Personal Growth and the Quest for Respect
Despite his jaded views on TV, Kind finds solace in theatre, citing emotional connections to works like Thornton Wilder's Our Town. He shares personal anecdotes, such as reading from Our Town at his mother's funeral and learning kindness from his father's jewelry shop. When asked about changing ambitions, Kind reveals a late-career desire: "I'd like to be respected." He explains that while he once acted for fun, he now values recognition for his craft, calling it a "nice ambition." In a rare quiet moment, the typically loud actor reflects on this shift.
Richard Kind continues in The Producers at the Garrick Theatre until 10 May, blending his trademark voice with a newfound depth in his artistic journey.
