Four decades after Chevy Chase first donned the Lakers cap as Irwin Fletcher, we're celebrating Fletch's 40th anniversary by exploring its remarkable cultural footprint that continues to expand across generations.
In this episode, we reunite after a long break to share Jake's pilgrimage to Fletch's actual apartment building (still standing at 827 4th Street in Santa Monica) for his 50th birthday. We also unveil a bittersweet surprise: George Wendt's final recorded message, created just days before his passing. The beloved actor who portrayed Fat Sam shares memories of working with Chevy and delivers birthday wishes in his characteristically warm, humorous style.
The news isn't all celebratory, though. Director Greg Mottola confirms that plans for "Fletch's Fortune" starring Jon Hamm have been shelved by Miramax's new leadership despite positive reviews for "Confess, Fletch." We dive into Matthew Perry's autobiography, where he reveals how Fletch fundamentally shaped his comedic approach, declaring after seeing the film: "I'm going to talk that way for the rest of my life."
We explore Fletch's surprising connection to Ace Ventura, originally conceived as "the Fletch of the 90s," and track Fletch's appearances on fictional movie marquees across media from Stranger Things to Cocaine Bear. Plus, we highlight the new special edition Blu-rays that finally give Fletch and Fletch Lives the physical media treatment they deserve.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Fletch through its cultural ripples, this episode captures why Irwin Fletcher's legacy continues to resonate four decades later. After all, the influence of Fletch proves what true fans have always known – you can't keep a good investigative reporter down.
FLETCHCAST VOICEMAIL HOTLINE (# CURRENTLY TBA)
Leave us a voicemail with a comment or question: - the voicemail is open & available 24/7
FletchCast is Your Ultimate source for everything Fletch: the books, the movies, & the latest news about our favorite journalistic reporter, Irwin M. Fletcher.
... making sure Fletch Lives forever!
Host: James "Laker Jim" Kanowitz (@webguy911)
Co-Host: Jake Parrish (@jakelparrish)
Co-Host: Robert "Big Bob" West
Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfletchcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfletchcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/imfletchcast
P.S. Have a nice day.
Fletch & Fletch Lives are Copyright 1985, 1989 Universal Studios and distributed by MCA/Universal Pictures. The Fletch Soundtrack is Copyright MCA Records. Confess, Fletch is Copyright of Miramax with Paramount distribution. All images and sounds are the intellectual property of Universal Studios. They are used only with the intent of public appreciation of a great film and possible publicity for its place among the great comedies of our time. We imply no rights to the characters or intellectual prop...