Orson Bean

Orson Bean

From Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve by Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan

June 30, 2026 · 4 min · Episode 315

About this episode

This episode features Orson Bean, a multi-talented performer known for his work in comedy, television, and film.

People who are famous for just being famous have been around forever but this weeks Legend Orson Bean gladly took that role, calling himself a "Neo-celebrity." Orson is being far too modest about a career that started out with a magic act, evolved into stand up comedy, was featured on Broadway and in top NYC cabarets, logged many hours on game and talk shows, and worked steadily as a guest star on tv and in movies. Orson also helped found a Laurel and Hardy society and a (for the time) radical primary school. So while Orson called himself a "Neo-celebrity" we prefer to think of him as a "renaissance man". As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Orson Bean? From the days of black and white tv, here's a running gag between Orson and host Bud Collier on To Tell the Truth.https://youtu.be/qo8pM9LaojM?si=ueaOI_ZENiukCfzC Orson was such a game show stalwart that even a cameo -- here on The Match Game -- would bring the house down. https://youtu.be/YLDR8oc8k6Y?si=2eH1hOHp6yjh8iz6 Orson had a quick wit so he was a natural guest for talk shows including this appearance with Johnny Carson. https://youtu.be/LpFZOp9bdCY?si=K3-jA3nRYO0typ-A Orson found…

People in this episode

Hosts: Randy Hodgins, Steve McLellan

Guest: Orson Bean

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: To Tell the Truth, The Match Game, Being John Malkovich

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