Current:Home > MarketsJulia Louis-Dreyfus rejects claims it's 'impossible' for comedians to be funny today -ProfitLogic
Julia Louis-Dreyfus rejects claims it's 'impossible' for comedians to be funny today
View
Date:2025-04-12 17:18:24
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is continuing to reject complaints about the modern comedy landscape.
The "Seinfeld" star, 63, pushed back against the idea that comedians can't be funny today during an interview on Monday's episode of the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast.
"I personally don't buy the conceit that this is an impossible time to be funny," she said. "Maybe some people aren't laughing at your jokes, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be made."
In fact, Louis-Dreyfus argued it's a "ripe time" for comedy, adding, "Comedy is risky, and it can be offensive, but that's what makes it so enjoyable — not that it's offensive, but that it's risky. It can be very truth-telling."
Louis-Dreyfus' comments come after she recently told The New York Times that it's a red flag when comedians complain about political correctness ruining comedy.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"When I hear people starting to complain about political correctness — and I understand why people might push back on it — but to me that's a red flag, because it sometimes means something else," she said. "I believe being aware of certain sensitivities is not a bad thing. I don't know how else to say it."
Julia Louis-Dreyfuscalls PC comedy complaints a 'red flag' after Jerry Seinfeld comments
That stance stood in contrast to that of her former "Seinfeld" co-star Jerry Seinfeld, who in April told The New Yorker that there is barely any comedy on television anymore because of "the extreme left and PC crap, and people worrying so much about offending other people."
Seinfeld also suggested some of the storylines from "Seinfeld" would not be allowed today.
Julia Louis-Dreyfusis having her movie-star moment: 'I'm down for the ride and I'm digging it'
"We did an episode of the series in the '90s where Kramer decides to start a business of having homeless pull rickshaws because, as he says, they're outside anyway," the comedian said. "Do you think I could get that episode on the air today?"
Louis-Dreyfus, though, told the NYT that "political correctness, insofar as it equates to tolerance, is obviously fantastic," and the bigger threat to comedy is the "consolidation of money and power" and "all this siloing of studios and outlets and streamers and distributors."
She expanded on this on the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast, saying she is "worried about the corporatization of arts" and concerned that A24 is "one of the very few, if not the last," remaining independent studios making "unusual" films like her dramatic new movie "Tuesday."
Louis-Dreyfus starred as Elaine Benes on "Seinfeld" and later played Selina Meyer in the HBO political satire "Veep," which aired from 2012 to 2019 and frequently shocked viewers with its edgy jokes.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus has turned down hosting the Oscars 'a few times'
Meanwhile, Louis-Dreyfus also appeared on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast Monday and revealed she has turned down hosting the Oscars "a few times," noting doing so would "scare" her.
"You have to really want to do it, and I don't really want to do it," the Emmy winner said. "You have to go out there and be really just delighted to be hosting the Academy Awards, and I cannot say that I would have that feeling."
She added, "No offense to everyone."
veryGood! (3234)
Related
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Pennsylvania high court rules against two third-party candidates trying for presidential ballot
- Still adjusting to WWE life, Jade Cargill is 'here to break glass ceilings'
- Sony unveils the newest PlayStation: the PS5 Pro. See the price, release date, specs
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Trump Media stock jumps after former president says he won’t sell shares when lockup expires
- Former President Barack Obama surprises Team USA at Solheim Cup
- Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, says it 'went smothly'
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Lil Wayne says Super Bowl 59 halftime show snub 'broke' him after Kendrick Lamar got gig
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Ohio city continues to knock down claims about pets, animals being eaten
- Nicole Kidman speaks out after death of mother Janelle
- Justin Timberlake Admits His Mistake After Reaching Plea Deal in DWI Case
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Watch these squirrels escape the heat in a woman's amazing homemade spa
- Selling Sunset's Chelsea Lazkani Admits She Orchestrated Bre Tiesi's Allegation About Jeff Lazkani
- Massachusetts police recruit dies after a medical crisis during training exercise
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Get 50% Off It Cosmetics CC Cream, Ouai Hair Masks, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder & $12 Ulta Deals
Colorado Buffaloes football field damaged by man driving crashed pickup, police say
Robert De Niro slams Donald Trump: 'He's a jerk, an idiot'
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
Megan Rapinoe wants Colin Kaepernick to play flag football in 2028 LA Olympics
Indianapolis man gets 60 years for a road rage shooting that killed a man
The Flash’s Grant Gustin and Wife LA Thoma Welcome Baby No. 2