Mike: I think, especially with sitcoms, people seem to migrate toward shows that emulate their own life. For example: I've always had a fondness for "How I Met Your Mother" because I moved to New York City like characters on the show. Well, there are a lot of people out there raising families and I'm sure they want to watch a show where they can say, "Hey, I've had an experience like that."

Nancy Travis: Absolutely! And that's exactly why I think the show is such a success, too, because it's completely relatable. And I also find that when people come to watch a taping they'll come up to the rail afterwards and say "I can't believe you just did an episode about this; I just sent my kid off to college and I had to deal with that." Or, "My kid just got his license and he's driving me insane," and, "My husband is taking me for granted and you're doing an episode on that and I actually get to laugh about it." So, it's pretty relatable on a lot of levels.



Mike: Growing up as a little kid in the 80's two of my favorite shows were "The Cosby Show" and "Family Ties" ...

Nancy Travis: Oh, absolutely...

Mike: I'm not even sure those get on the air today.

Nancy Travis: Right ... that was appointment TV growing up ... It's not an easy show to do. To do that kind of show and to do it right, it's almost easier to do a gimmick than to do a show that is real and relatable where the humor comes out of some place organic. Not just about shtick.

Mike: That's a great point. I've always said that when it comes to shows, and even with shows with gimmicks, it usually reverts back to either a family or a group of friends hanging out and laughing. It's always about the writing and the interaction between the characters; the gimmick hardly ever works.

Nancy Travis: Absolutely! And I have to tell you, too, that in this medium it's all about the writing. I can pat myself on the back and say that Bill was really charming and wonderful to watch. But, if you don't have it on the page, it's really not on the stage. And these writers have written very real situations and what's a pleasure for me, as an actress, is the scenes are very full and multi-dimensional and the journey of the characters makes sense. The resolution is never something that's just abrupt. It's all earned.

Mike: I interviewed Nicole Sullivan who made a good point about "The King Of Queens." Even thought the show was set in New York, she said that they didn't do that well in New York or L.A. but they did very well in between and that's what kept them on the air...

Nancy Travis: That's true. That is totally... you know, people on the coasts, the critics, are not that high on [our] show. But the people in the rest of the country come out in droves.

Mike: That's exactly what I was going to ask. Not specifically your show, but shows that center around families. Do you think critics are to harsh on those type of shows? There's a lot of people living between New York and L.A.

Nancy Travis: I think sometimes, yes, they are. I think people sometimes are looking for the intellectualism in entertainment and, sometimes, entertainment just has to be a gut reaction or an emotional connection. And I definitely think that's where our show grabs you.

Mike: You know, about Bill, to be completely honest, I'm not the biggest fan of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour...

Nancy Travis: (Laughing) Right...

Mike: I know there not performing for the guy that lives on the Upper East Side. But, with Bill, I remember when I was 13, or so, watching him with my grandfather -- and both of us thought he was funny -- when he was on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." I think it was Bill's first appearance and he did the whole "here's your sign" routine and got the famous wave over from Johnny. Of all those guys on that tour, I do appreciate Bill. I think there's a little more cleverness in what he's saying.

Nancy Travis: Totally. And also a little more "regular guy" about what he's saying. I think those guys are a type and a brand but I think Bill is the one of that group that can easily be translated into a father raising a family in the middle of the country. I don't know if I could do that with those other guys.

Mike: You don't see Larry the Cable Guy pulling that one off?

Nancy Travis: No. (Laughs) Or acting opposite me, per se, but who knows? I'm not going to limit myself.

Mike: (Laughs) Right. One question I have to ask: What was it like working on "So I Married an Axe Murderer"?

Nancy Travis: It's such a cult favorite...

Mike: Yeah, what's it like being part of a movie that becomes a cult classic? Is it almost frustrating? You know, "Where were you guys when it was in the theaters? There could have been a part two."

Nancy Travis: That end of it is frustrating. You just never know when you're doing something what the response is going to be. I have such disdain for people who say, "Oh, don't you know we're making a masterpiece?" You don't know until you make it and people see it and sometimes the biggest ideas topple. But, making that movie... a lot was the brainchild of Mike Myers. There was a script and Mike Myers got on board -- and this is a testament to his genius -- he created that character of the father and he fought to play that character which is a standout character. And it's Mike, in the prosthetics playing the father. And just, sort of, the way the whole thing was set in San Francisco and gave it this theme and style. And shooting it was tricky. It was tricky to find out how far to go with the whole psychosis of the murderer.

Mike: Also, it was an interesting time in Mike Myers' career because this movie was sandwiched between the two "Wayne's World" movies.

Nancy Travis: It's the only time he's played a leading man. I mean, he's played a character in everything else. This is the only instance where he's actually Joe on the Street, everyman guy.

Mike: I thought he was really good -- thought not a leading role -- in "54" as Steve Rubell ... I think people might have showed up for "So I Married an Axe Murderer" and expected to see Wayne Campbell...

Nancy Travis: Also the title, I think, is misleading. "So I Married an Axe Murderer." What is this a a slasher film? I think that, sort of, put it off. But, boy, it's had a life on video. Everyone I know, when they see me, that's what they say.

Mike: I know, I almost feel bad asking about that; I know you get that every time.

Nancy Travis: No! I love it! Are you kidding? I'd rather that then, "Where do I know you from?"

Mike: This is the last question and it's from (Kathleen in Houston) and I'll word it the way she did because she was clever about it. Was your experience on "Almost Perfect" just that? Or, sadly, the opposite?

Nancy Travis: Oh, wow. It was, actually, just that. That was one of the few jobs that ended and it was a heartbreak. I will never forget when we got the call from the network saying, "Just hang out after rehearsal today. The head of the network wants to come down and talk to you." And we knew that was the end of it and, literally, we all came back to my house and, kind of, mourned. It was such a sad thing. I'm still in touch with all of those people.

Mike: That's a good sign. I'm sure if it was a bad experience you wouldn't still be in touch with all of them.

Nancy Travis: Yeah. If it's a bad experience you just, kind of, sort of, say, "Oh well. What a shame." Then you drive home, you know, cheering.


"Mike's Pulse" is a column written by transplanted Midwesterner and current New Yorker Mike Ryan. For any compliments or complaints -- preferably the former -- you may contact Mike directly at miker@starpulse.com or submit reader questions for celebrites to Mike on Twitter.

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