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The walls ofKenya Barris Burbank office are lined with framed script pages from pieces by his favorite screenwriters.
The two met years ago, and that encounter quickly blossomed into a friendship.
Lear even visited the writers room on season 1 ofblack-ishand pitched a couple of ideas.
You managed to write about seemingly every different kind of person.
I [was a pilot] in WWII, and we were stationed at Avon Park, Florida.
We were living in a ballpark while we waited for the B-17 to fly us overseas.
I was bored to tears.
I saw an ad to work in a manure factory.
I was the only white guy there.
There was a giant wood wheelbarrow.
That was like a love letter, every time.
And some of that traveled with me, you know.
Who was your toughest character to cast?LEAR:Ive been really lucky.
Im in awe of what an actor can do with a role.
When I wrote Archie Bunker, I didnt have Carroll OConnor in mind.
An actor had to walk in and sit down and show me what I had in mind.
For more revelations from the past four decades of entertainment, visitew.com/untoldstories.
BARRIS:When did you know you wanted him?LEAR:The minute he uttered the first line.
I had seen 30 to 40 people in the East, and I came out West to read actors.
I probably saw a dozen before he came in and sat down.
Why dont you talk to him!
You got the Mick!
Mickey is gonna be out there, can I see you out there?
Ill be out there Tuesday.
You got something for the Mick, just tell him!
I can never forget this speech.
You wanna do something with the Mick?
Listen to this: Vietnam vet.
