Key Takeaways:
– Bell’s palsy led Michael Richards to almost play his role on UHF half-faced.
– Weird Al Yankovic offered immense support to Richard during his medical condition.
– Jokingly, Yankovic showed some disappointment when Richard’s palsy improved.
In 1989, a breakthrough happened in Michael Richards’ career, the year he was cast to play the distinguished role of Kramer in the legendary sitcom Seinfeld. That same year, he graced the big screen in the comedic movie UHF. Despite being a monetary letdown during its initial release, UHF soon gained colossal recognition, slowly accumulating a massive cult following over the years.
This fantastic movie starred musician “Weird Al” Yankovic in the lead role. He played George Newman, the quirky manager of the UHF TV channel, Channel 62. Alongside him was Michael Richards, in the role of Stanley Spadowski, the janitor turned host. Below we’ll unravel the story when Richards almost had to play Stanley while wrestling with an instance of Bell’s palsy.
Behind the Scene Twists and Turns
Unfolding the pages from his memoir, “Entrances and Exits”, Richards revealed his pre-Seinfeld days. Before capturing fame as Kramer, he starred in three pilots- Herndon in 1983, Help in 1984, and Slickers in 1985. Although these pilots didn’t exactly mark his spot in the industry, they served as stepping stones towards his break.
His second pilot, Help, was modified and named Marblehead Manor. NBC aired twenty-four episodes of this sitcom in the 1987 to 1988 season. Even though Richards didn’t find his groove in these pilots, it allowed him to explore physical comedy with Marblehead Manor, which eventually set the stage for him to play Stanley Spadowski in Weird Al’s film UHF.
A Sudden Health Hurdle
However, trouble was brewing as the filming of UHF was about to start. Richards remembers that just before leaving for the six-week shooting schedule in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the summer of 1988, something unexpected happened. Half his face froze up due to Bell’s palsy. The cause of this sudden facial paralysis was a mystery. With this condition, it looked like he might have to quit the film. But Weird Al’s response was encouraging; he suggested performing with the paralysis, which could add another humorous twist to his character.
Sadly, the Unexpected Improves
When Richards finally showed up on set, his palsy had healed, much to Al’s disappointment. Richards, however, was likely relieved. Even though Al light-heartedly wished for the palsy to return, everyone was aware it was ultimately for Richards’ best interest that it had improved.
The Unforgettable Movie
Jay Levey directed the film UHF. The co-writer of the screenplay, alongside Weird Al, the film revolves around a man, George, who constantly loses his job until he ends up managing a local TV station with a unique personality. The plot thickens as a rival CEO aims to terminate George’s unusual programming, leading him to fight back with vibrant, unique television shows.
Besides Weird Al and Richards, the cast boasted well-known names like David Bowe, Fran Drescher, Kevin McCarthy, Victoria Jackson, Stanley Brock, Sue Ane Langdon, Anthony Geary, Billy Barty, Trinidad Silva, Gedde Watanabe, Vance Colvig Jr., David Proval, John Paragon, Belinda Bauer, Dr. Demento, Emo Philips, Patrick Thomas O’Brien, John Cadenhead, and the Kipper Kids.
Are you a fan of UHF, and what are your thoughts about Michael’s palsy incident and Weird Al’s response? Share your thoughts below.
