The
comedy veteran – a star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Spin City and A Serious Man – is an essential ensemble player. He talks about not taking centre stage and his upcoming role as Rudy Guiliani
It’s an unpromising day to meet Richard Kind, as the first big rainstorm of the winter pounds Los Angeles. The Burbank
golf club seems an odd place to meet for breakfast (8am sharp), with hundreds of crows thronging the 18th hole, but, inside the dining room, all is toasty and cozy, especially my beaming host, who exudes the particular warmth and bonhomie that underpins his work.
Now, you may not think you know Richard Kind, but really, you know Richard Kind. He is the indispensable ensemble member: rarely up front in TV or movies, but always crucial to the piece he’s in, always the consummate team player. He has been Larry David’s cousin Andy on Curb Your Enthusiasm, has played big supporting roles in Mad About You and Spin City, has done sterling voice work in Pixar movies including Cars and Inside Out, and was the slightly unhinged brother in A Serious Man. His face, built for comedy, with its wedge-shaped mouth and wide-eyed haplessness, always reminds me of a big, wet, happy dog. You are always delighted to see him, and he is exactly as lovable in person.