MAD REWIND with Brandee Stilwell
Brandee Stilwell
Ep 8: Orlando Jones on Creating MAD TV Legends, Cut Sketches, and Going Hollywood
SummaryIn this episode of MAD REWIND, host Brandee Stilwell sits down with actor and writer Orlando Jones to reflect on his foundational experience as an original cast member and writer on MADtv. Jones shares his unique journey into comedy, tracing his roots from a public speaking champion in his youth to landing his first professional writing gig on A Different World while still in his teens. The conversation dives deep into the high-energy, unpredictable environment of the show’s first two seasons. Jones discusses his creative process for developing memorable characters like Dexter St. Croix and Ivan Hicks, emphasizing how his background as a sitcom writer helped him understand the specific cadences of his castmates. He recounts the chaotic joy of being part of the original ensemble, the challenge of navigating corporate networks, and the occasional friction that arose when his satirical sketches pushed too many boundaries. Ultimately, Jones provides a candid perspective on the complexities of being both a writer and a performer, explaining why he eventually moved on to pursue other artistic evolutions, proving that for him, the best is always yet to come.
Updated Jul 4, 2026
About This Episode
In this episode of Mad Rewind, host Brandee Stillwell sits down with the incredibly talented Orlando Jones! As an original cast member and writer for MAD TV's first two seasons, Orlando pulls back the curtain on the show's chaotic early days. He shares his incredible journey from writing for A Different World as a teenager to his wild 160-person audition for Quincy Jones.
We dive deep into the origins of iconic characters like Dexter St. Croix, Ivan Hicks, and Reverend Lamont Nixon Fatback. Orlando also spills the tea on the sketches that got cut (and got him called into a meeting with Bill Cosby), the real reason he left the sketch comedy world, and his seamless transition into blockbuster films like The Replacements. Plus, get the inside scoop on his magical first Comic-Con experience and the upcoming MAD TV reunion panel!
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Ep 6: Ron Pederson on Rogue Scooters, Sketch Comedy, and Second City
SummaryIn this episode of MAD REWIND, host Brandee Stilwell sits down with actor and comedian Ron Pederson for a deep dive into his eclectic career, ranging from his roots in the Edmonton theater scene to his three-season run on MAD TV. Pederson shares the unique journey of how he transitioned from serious stage acting to the world of sketch comedy, largely thanks to the mentorship of the legendary Joe Flaherty. The conversation highlights Pederson's extensive background in long-form improvisation, specifically his time with the improvised soap opera Dynasty, which provided him with the skills to develop complex, absurd characters. He discusses the surreal experience of his MAD TV audition process, the collaborative nature of the show’s writers' room, and his pride in surviving the high-pressure environment of network television. Throughout the interview, Pederson reflects on the camaraderie he shared with his fellow cast members and legendary guest stars. He also offers valuable insights into his creative process, emphasizing the importance of committing to one's imagination and embracing the "pretend" mindset of childhood to find comedic truth.
Ep 4: Emmy-Winning SFX Legend Jennifer Aspinall (MADtv Head of Makeup)
SummaryIn this episode of MAD REWIND with Brandee Stilwell, the host sits down with Emmy-winning makeup and special effects legend Jennifer Aspinall. As the department head for Mad TV for fourteen seasons, Aspinall reflects on her distinguished career, which spans over fifty years and includes iconic work on films like The Toxic Avenger and modern hits like Fallout. Aspinall shares the story of her early start in theater as a child, explaining how she learned to create illusions through stage makeup. She offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous, fast-paced nature of working on a sketch comedy show, describing the technical challenges of balancing budgets and time constraints while maintaining high-quality effects. The discussion covers her process of managing a crew, the importance of choreography in live television, and the intricate work behind iconic character looks. Aspinall also recalls the collaborative atmosphere of the set, sharing anecdotes about cast members, the creation of her own skincare products, and the rewarding experience of bringing complex visual concepts to life. It is an insightful conversation for anyone interested in the artistry and technical ingenuity required to thrive in the entertainment industry.
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