10 Questions for Richard Lewis & Carl Titolo

Richard Lewis, comedian and actor, and friend of Larry David, just dropped a collection of writing that is part joke book, part memoir. Reflections from Hell marries lines like “My mom tried to switch me at birth,” with artwork by renowned artist Carl Titolo. Lewis would call Titolo with his ideas, and Titolo would return with a sketch reflecting the words. It’s an interesting relationship that yielded a fascinating book, and we talked to both of them about the process. (And about Larry David.)
B&N: Larry David has said that knowing you “could cost you a job, a relationship, and quite possibly your life.” There is truth in most comedy. Is there truth in this?
Richard: No truth! We have a love/hate relationship. We absolutely hated each other when we met in camp at age twelve. Then we forgot about each other for years. When we ran into each other as adults it was like, “Oh you’re that @#$%ing #&%hole?” Then we became best friends forever.
Why did you hate Larry David?
Richard: He was an ass. He was gangly, neurotic, and self-absorbed. Sadly I was the same. Which is why we hated each other. We had fistfights.
Who won?
Richard: It was even.
Did he really give you a kidney?
Richard: No.
Would he?
Richard: No way. I’d be lucky if he gave me a harmonica. But he gave me money when I was broke, a show for eight years, friendship—I accept his eccentricities more than he accepts mine.
[caption id="attachment_27180" align="alignleft" width="302"] Artwork by Grand Lindahl[/caption]
This is a good time for you. You’re filming Blunt Talk, and this book!
Richard: This book only works as a collaboration, and it’s been great working with a guy like Carl whose brain works like mine does. I’d call him up with whatever joke hit my mind. I’d give him give five thoughts at a time.
Carl: He’d say to me something like “My parents were my worst audience.” And I’d just hang up with phone and come back to him with a sketch.
Carl, how did you meet Richard?
Carl: I was an accidental fan then I met him through a friend. For 45 years I’ve worked without an audience, but then Richard called me, and how could I say no?
What was the process like for you?
Carl: I feel like we’ve been in a marriage, including all the sh*t that happens in marriage. But neither of us altered each other’s work. This project made me believe that collaborations can work.
[caption id="attachment_27185" align="alignright" width="302"] Artwork by Grand Lindahl[/caption]
Would you do artwork for anyone else?
Carl: No, I don’t know anyone else as interesting as Richard that is as good of a friend as Richard is.
One more question for Richard. What’s your favorite section in Barnes & Noble?
Richard: I like to read biographies of authors that I love, like Richard Yates. I also like to see what non-fiction authors are out there. My bible is Something Happened. It’s one of the greatest books I’ve ever read. But if I don’t read a Dostoevsky soon I’m going to kill myself.