Episode 324: Jon Cryer, Part 2 | 80s television, Two and a Half Men and Lex Luthor
Welcome to our final Season Three episode of 80s TV Ladies! Hosts Sharon Jonson and Susan Lambert Hatem continue their in-depth conversation with actor Jon Cryer. In this second part, Jon shares behind-the-scenes stories from his television and film career, including his start in 80s television with "The Famous Teddy Z," the ups and downs of sitcom life, and his experiences working with legends like Charlie Sheen, Christopher Reeve, and Gene Hackman.
Read TranscriptThe Conversation
- Jon’s journey from 80s movies to TV stardom
- The making (and unmaking) of "The Famous Teddy Z"
- Working with one of his idols, Hugh Wilson (WKRP in Cincinnati, Frank’s Place)
- Lessons learned from sitcoms like "Partners" and "Getting Personal"
- The inside story of landing "Two and a Half Men" and working with Chuck Lorre and Charlie Sheen
- Favorite guest stars and the casting of Holland Taylor and Conchata Ferrell
- Reflections on the show’s humor, its approach to masculinity, and Lorre’s ability to write for women
- Jon’s Emmy wins and what they meant to him
- Playing Lex Luthor in the Arrowverse and being a lifelong comics fan
- Producing podcasts, including the award-winning "The Man Who Calculated Death"
- The importance of storytelling, speaking truth, and making art in today’s world
Plus:
- A special trailer for "The Man Who Calculated Death" podcast
- Fun anecdotes about the joy of making art and his involvement in the making of the k.d. lang and Roy Orbison duet, “Crying”
Our Audio-ography
- The Man Who Calculated Death
- Jon Cryer on IMDb
- Lawyers, Guns and Money Podcast
- Listen to Jon Cryer, Part 1 at 80sTVLadies.com
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SPECIAL MESSAGE
CREDITS
Credits: 80s TV Ladies™ Episode 324.
Produced by 134 West and Susan Lambert Hatem. Hosted by Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson. Guest: Jon Cryer. Sound Engineer and Editor: Kevin Ducey. Producers: Melissa Roth, Sharon Johnson, Richard Hatem. Associate Producers: Sergio Perez, Sailor Franklin. Music by Amy Engelhardt. Copyright 2025 134 West, LLC and Susan Lambert. All Rights Reserved.
