Show Notes
Melora Hardin, best known to millions as Jan Levinson on The Office, joins Steve Kmetko for a funny, revealing, and surprisingly wide-ranging conversation about her life and career in Hollywood.
Melora looks back on working with Steve Carell, the improvisational magic behind The Office, and why the legendary “Dinner Party” episode still makes her laugh. She also opens up about her early years as a child actor on Little House on the Prairie, working with Michael Landon and Clint Eastwood, her thoughts on AI and creativity, and what it was like seeing Miley Cyrus at 15 during the Hannah Montana movie.
Beyond acting, Melora talks about dance, directing, cabaret, parenting in Hollywood, Transparent, Dancing with the Stars, and the creative energy that still drives her after more than 50 years in the business.
This is a smart, funny, and honest conversation with one of television’s most memorable performers.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Cold open, Steve Carell and AI tease 00:49 Intro, Melora Hardin joins the show 02:05 Melora’s colorful outfit and new scarf collection 02:43 More than 50 years in show business 03:23 Little House on the Prairie and first screen kiss 05:48 Working with Michael Landon 06:50 Clint Eastwood stories and singing for him 09:24 Did the cast of The Office get along? 10:01 Greg Daniels, improv, and the collaborative set 12:08 Does Melora watch old episodes of The Office? 13:29 The “Dinner Party” episode and breaking on set 15:37 Melora’s lifestyle brand, wallpaper, and scarves 16:16 What kind of a kisser was Steve Carell? 16:38 How much improv happened on The Office 19:05 Miley Cyrus at 15 and the making of Hannah Montana 19:35 Melora’s thoughts on AI and creativity 23:58 Acting, dancing, singing, directing, and creative energy 25:04 Why ballet didn’t become her career 27:34 Playing Baby in Dirty Dancing 29:41 Biggest influences, her parents, and growing up in Hollywood 32:04 What she still wants to do next 34:17 More on Miley Cyrus and child stardom 36:32 Cabaret, singing, and getting through Covid 38:37 Social media, parenting, and raising kids without phones 42:18 Raising grounded children in Hollywood 44:54 Emmy nomination for Transparent 48:14 Why film and TV is the ultimate team sport 50:07 Directing, editing, and her documentary Hunter’s Thunder 54:11 Melora on going to the movies 55:30 Dancing with the Stars and loving dance 55:50 From Jan on The Office to Tammy on Transparent 57:03 What she wants next in her career 57:50 Where the name Melora comes from 58:31 Jan’s breakup on The Office 59:32 What still “flaps” Melora 1:00:46 Gratitude, family, and staying grounded 1:02:30 Final moments and ruby slippers story
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