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Demolition Day
Executive Producer Danny Salles explains how he and his fellow producers reacted to Kathy's unplanned renovation.
Jul 27, 2010Since the second episode aired, many of my friends have asked me, “Was that real when Kathy tore her house apart without having a plan? It’s just so hard to believe. Did you make it up for the show?” I know. It’s hard to imagine someone tearing out her floors and kitchen cabinets without having a rock solid plan – but that’s exactly what happened.
One of my most vivid memories from producing the show was arriving at Kathy’s house the morning after she told us that she had decided to move on from working with designer, Kenny. It was 9 a.m., and I was finishing up my coffee as I walked up Kathy’s long driveway. I started hearing noise coming from the house as I approached. The booming sound grew louder and louder. I entered the front door to find eight workers with sledgehammers and crowbars cracking the floors and counters. Dust was everywhere. The producer in me panicked – We’ve got to start shooting this now! And the homeowner inside me was screaming, "WTF!" There’s no plan. Needless to say I got cameras up and rolling in minutes.
My next call was to Lisa, my fellow executive producer. My voice was faltering. “Eh, Lisa….It seems that Kathy has started demolition.” “When will they get started?” she asked. “Oh, no. It’s already started. The fireplace in the kitchen is gone.” “Are you…?” “Yes, we’re rolling cameras.” In reality TV, you’ve got to be ready to move on a dime, because, well, that’s the reality part.
I found Kathy in her bedroom happily planning out her day, blithely ignoring the boom, boom, boom of destruction in the kitchen. She was acting like nothing was happening. But she must have seen the shocked expression on my face because she added, “Oh yeah, that.” “Yes, that.” She started laughing. “I told you I move fast.” She explained that since she only had enough money to rent another house for a certain timeframe, she figured she would just get rid of what she wanted gone and plan it out as she went. In the meantime, her friend and decorating enthusiast, Lara Spencer (also known to many as the host of The Insider) would help her out with the creative ideas and with finding workers. Between Lara and Team Griffin, Kathy was confident it would go well.
Having had work done to my own house, I was privately predicting disaster. Who's ever heard of a renovation going well under the best of circumstances? As a reality producer, I know that disasters often make for great episodes, so figured this could lead to some good comedy. You might think I had a moral dilemma. Nah. The comedy comes first.
Leave it to Kathy to be the first person in history to have a successful remodel. Lara came though and Kathy’s crazy “improv-a-renovation” actually worked. Her house is gorgeous! I may not have gotten the home disaster episode I dreamed of, but Kathy got gay man’s Palm Springs bachelor pad she dreamed of. And that’s what counts.
Tom's Ambien eating is a serious side-effect of Ambien. In very rare cases, Ambien can cause Amnesia. I took it at a very low dose and did some crazy stuff around my apt. and made some phone calls with no memory of any of it the next day. I later learned that this was a very rare and unamusing side effect. Some people drive their cars under these conditions. Kathy - give this guy some weekly time away from you! I love you dearly, am one of your greatest fans - but we, type-A's can be a bit much to take in regular doses. I am a humorist also (writer).
I bought my mom tickets to see your show in Palm Desert and she LOVED it. When I saw her after the show, she bought $60 worth of your merchandise including a shirt that had something to do with "sucking it." Thanks for that. As her son I must say you are hillarious and I love the "Palms Springs Gay Man House" because I was born in Palm Springs and there are tons of gays. Thanks, Julian S.
Sincerest condolences for your beloved Chance. This is the second time you have made me cry (for sadness) while watching your show. I usually have tears of laughter streaming down my face. I love your show, you, Team Griffin, Pom Pom, Larry and your lovely mom. Can't wait to see your show in Cleveland September 10. My daughter went with me last year but she'll be back at college this time so I'm either going with my boyfriend or a wonderful life long friend. Either way the show will be amazing.
You are just too funny! You are my weekly dose of comic relief. I think you, your team and your Mom give people something to smile about every Tuesday night. Thanks for all you do, including your support of our military and gay rights. I was so sorry to hear about Chance and your heartfelt tears made me cry. Larry looks like a great dog and hopefully he can give your some comfort and he will be great company for Pom Pom. Keep doing what you do!
I am so sorry about your dog Chance. As a dog lover and owner myself I know how hard it is to loose one. Dogs truly are man's best friend. You should also know that straight's do like you, at least I do. I am straight and married with a beautiful baby girl. I love watching your show, it makes me laugh everytime.
Kathy - I'm so glad you chose Larry. That was just perfect. I rescued a dog that reminded me of my pet that had passed. She has been a blessing and helped heal me. I've not forgotten my Jasmine, but Daisy sure has helped heal my heart. Hugs and kisses to the poochies!
I'm sorry for your loss of Chance. Over the years I have lost four greyhounds and all have been difficult. But the fact that you have taken in another dog that needed a home will make your loss a little less difficult. I think Larry "the insurance salesman" is a great new friend. I also love how your house turned out. It looks fantastic! Keep up the good work with the show. You really make me laugh.
I'm so sorry for your loss of Chance. I love you so much, your laughter is contagious. The piece on your loss brought me to tear of such sadness; we too have our dog Chance, he will be 15 in December and can not get around anymore like he use to. This part really hit home. You gave us all such wonderful memories of your Chance and he is so proud of his mama right now. Thank you Kathy for being so real.
Kathy, I am another straight guy who really enjoys your life on the D list. You are a funny and right to the point lady. I can't wait to see you in Houston this Saturday at the Verizon Center. Team Griffin needs to be out hustling merchandise in the lobby after the show so we can meet y'all (and buy stuff).
I am so sorry about Chance's passing. I hope Larry and Pom Pom have hit it off.
Kathy, I, too, was so had to hear about Chance....you had me totally bawling here. My two girls mean the world to me and I dread the day that I will lose them. I think Larry was a great choice, BTW :)
Here's wishing you and Team Griffin, as well as Maggie much happiness and continued success for the year to come!
Just one thing-why in the heck is your season so short! I wish it were longer, as you are completely entertaining...the cameras must become a burden, though, I bet.
Well, that's it my dear-now you can go SUCK IT or something
Tipping it here in your honor =)~
I've been watching your show from the beginning and adore you, Team Griffin, your mom, and your sweet dogs. I was so saddened that you had lost Chance. He was a good boy : ( . I'm glad you got a new pal for Pom Pom and you...it seems that Larry fits right in! Thank you for entertaining us and opening your life to us every week and for making us ROTFL!!
Hi Kathy, I'm almost finished reading your marvelous memoir. I too am a fan and I am sorry I have yet to see the D-List. The only extra TV cable I have is the BBC channel. I'll try to rent some of the D-List episodes. I want to relate to your book comments regardng Steve Martin, Conan Obrien and that sadsack AndyDick None of these people are worth your salt. Save your sanity and stay away from the Dick man. I would like to comment further about Steve.M and Conan who I have no use for. However, I compliment you on being tactful in their company. I think all three are NO TALENT people and I'll never understand how AndyDick even gets work! When you had to be in Steve Martin's presence, and he was that rude, he must have been on powerful drugs. I think Steve M and Conan are pathetic when it comes to entertainment and I have never appreciated the output from either one of these people. I find S.Martin's performances lacking in wit and talent. I reckon I'm an older version of you so I can relate my Take one on one. I'll be sad when I finish your book. I take it with me to doctor and dental appts and on my getaway to a Cafe for a pot of tea. It entertains me, and you must write another one. If you can find time to be in touch, I'll give you some material because i have a lot of it. Shite, that is. Many of us admire your talent and feel you deserve all the breaks that come your way. You have been more than generous to your friends and I am sure they appreciate you for your marvelous wit and honesty. You were fortunate to have the strength and support of your parents all these years. I was disappointed I was unable to see your recent appearance in Berkeley but know you are my favorite Comedienne. m
Hi Kathy, I have always loved your comedy, but, politics, religion and comedy dont belong together. FUBO YOU!
i offer my condolences in the loss of your beloved chance. our love and prayers are with you.... i lost my standard poodle romeo on 7-21-10 to lymphoma also.
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