The Writer Speaks: Robert Schiller and Robert Weiskopf
1,686 views · Published 19 October 2018 · 55:27 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: Writers Guild Foundation · 2018 · Entertainment
Writers Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf left an indelible mark on TV comedy during their writing careers spanning the 1950s through the 1980s. Best known for I LOVE LUCY, they also worked on shows such as FLIP, ALL IN THE FAMILY, MAUDE, and THE LUCY SHOW. In this interview, they talk about how they got started in radio and how they met through their wives. Schiller, who was in the military during WWII, shares how writing sketches and working with other soldiers to put on shows improved his craft. They discuss working on I Love Lucy at length and how talented Jess Oppenhimer, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were. They also talk about their work on TV shows All In the Family, Maude, and Desilu Playhouse. Finally, they discuss how their partnership works, their writing process, procrastination and advice for new writers. Interviewed by Julia Brady Jenner. Filmed on August 7, 1998. 00:00 Introduction and learning to be funny 2:15 Putting on shows for service members while in the Army and getting hired for radio 4:32 How Schiller and Weiskopf met and work together 7:55 Stories about working on the show I Love Lucy and the great talent of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz 22:00 Describing the producing achievements of Desi Arnaz 27:00 Stories about writing on Maude, including about Norman Lear and Bea Arthur 32:45 Stories about writing on class sitcom All In the Family 35:45 The pair describe their writing process and their favorite work 51:33 Advice to aspiring comedy writers
