The actor talks to Rico about trying to capture the brilliance and sadness in the early years of the legendary music figure, whom he portrays in the music biopic.
Guest of Honor
Alison Bechdel Gets Comfy With her Life on Stage in ‘Fun Home’
The graphic novelist talks to Brendan about developing her best-selling memoir for the Broadway stage and having three "stunt doubles."
Michael Ian Black’s Pursuit of ‘Amazing’-ness, and a ‘Wet Hot American’ Time Warp
The comedian talks about breaking into comedy, sheds a little light on the new Netflix "Wet Hot American Summer" series... and reveals a new development in biotechnology.
Debbie Harry and Chris Stein Look Back at Blondie’s Beginnings
Blondie's Debbie Harry and Chris Stein chat with Rico about cultivating their mod image, wrestling with band names... and just plain wrestling. A new exhibit of Stein's photos of the band is now on display in L.A.
Chris Burden: An Extended Interview With the Legendary Artist
Chris Burden -- one of America's most important and respected conceptual artists -- died on May 10 at the age of 69. Here is an extended cut of Rico's 2011 interview with Burden, centered on the artist's slot-car extravaganza "Metropolis II."
Mark Ronson Schools us on ‘Uptown Funk,’ Producing Hits
The musical mastermind chats with Brendan about working with Amy Winehouse, discovering Keyone Starr, and producing the "Macarena of 2015."
Oscar Isaac Peers Into our Fearsome Future
Actor Oscar Isaac turned heads with his performances in "Inside Llewyn Davis" and "A Most Violent Year." As the critically-acclaimed sci-fi film "Ex Machina" (out 4/10) nears theaters and buzz for the "Star Wars" reboot mounts (he's tight-lipped), Oscar chats with Rico about our fearsome future... and about his past life as "Raisin."
Note to America: Stop Labeling Aubrey Plaza!
Actor Aubrey Plaza rose to fame playing the highly un-motivated intern April on the comedy "Parks and Recreation." Now she's reveling in a dangerously driven new character in the Hal Hartley film "Ned Rifle," out this week. She tells Brendan about the logic behind "deadpan" humor... and about how much she hates that word. Got it, America?
Zachary Quinto on ‘The Slap,’ Nimoy, and Gifts from Tennessee
Actor Zachary Quinto chats with Rico about his central role in the NBC drama "The Slap," his late mentor Leonard Nimoy, and a very special gift he received that once belonged to Tennessee Williams.
Ethan Hawke’s Portrait of an Artist: ‘Seymour: an Introduction’
In "Seymour: An Introduction," actor Ethan Hawke steps behind the camera to document the life of his friend Seymour Bernstein, an octogenarian pianist brimming with lessons to teach.