Robert Smigel: Writer of "Da Bears" SNL's Super Fans

Robert Smigel wrote and appeared in the recurring SNL sketch, Bill Swerski's Super Fans, during the early 1990s. Smigel later was the first head writer for "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," and is responsible for the animated "TV Funhouse" as well as Triumph The Insult Dog.

Back in Chicago for the Just For Laughs Chicago comedy festival, Smigel chatted with me briefly about how the idea for "Super Fans" came about, a little help from Bob Odenkirk made "Da Bears" sing, and how he never thought it would be a national TV touchstone.

This is part of a longer interview with Smigel and Dino Stamatopoulos, who are showcasing their rejected Bozo TV pilot at the fest at the Lakeshore Theatre in Chicago, June 17-18, 2009.

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[psrivas1]

Smigel is an underrated genius. I was there that night for the lakjeshore show. I was in awe that I got to meet the master. Is there more footage of the interview?

[Quixotic1018]

Dino Stamatopoulos is just as underrated as Smigel IMO

[stillphil]

thumbs up for the cheap Yamaha Drums.

[dfunkt]

right on psrivas1, dude is a genius. interesting, this interview appears to possibly be taking place during the 2007-8 writer's guild strike since they mention "the previous strike" at 0:45. i guess they had a lot of time to sit around and shoot the shit back then...

[americastan]

Hey thats the Triumph-dog guy.

[jenfine]

Dino!

[cutapacka4]

I had no idea Smigel was the master behind that skit! That just elevates his amazingness in my mind.

[vampyros1]

You are so right psrivas---this man is a comedic genius. Up there with Phil Hendrie to be sure-

[AJprofsr]

..."and polish sausage." Why mention that when he's trying to talk about the origins of "da?" I'd like to see more of this guy in a proper interview.

[jameserer]

this interview could have definitely been conducted in a better way, work on your questions and let HIM talk