Ben Falcone Explains Why Being a Dad is Weird to Melissa McCarthy

Live Talks Angeles presents author Ben Falcone in conversation with actress Melissa McCarthy to discuss his new book Being a Dad is Weird: Lessons in Fatherhood from My Family to Yours, Sunday evening, May 21, 2017 in Santa Monica. Falcone is a film director, writer and comedic actor.

The essay collection Being a Dad Is Weird is a funny and intimate look at fatherhood that combines stories about his own larger-than-life dad and how his experiences raising two daughters with his wife, Melissa McCarthy, are shaped by his own childhood. Falcone’s tales from his own childhood in Southern Illinois include stories about life with his father—an outspoken, brilliant, but unconventional man with a big heart and a somewhat casual approach to employment.

Ben Falcone isn’t a big shot movie star director at home. He is just an ordinary dad who has his share of fights with other parents blocking his view with their expensive electronic devices at school performances. Navigating the complicated role of being the only male in a house full of women, he finds himself growing concerned as he sounds more like his dad. While Steve Falcone may not have been the briefcase and gray flannel suit type, he taught Ben priceless lessons about what matters most in life. A supportive, creative, and downright funny dad, Steve made sure his sons’ lives were never dull—a sense of adventure that carries through this warm, sometimes hilarious, and moving memoir.

Ben Falcone made his directorial debut in 2014 with Warner Bros.’ feature film Tammy, which he also wrote and starred in alongside McCarthy. Falcone’s upcoming projects include the feature film Life of the Party (New Line) which he co-wrote with McCarthy and will direct. The Boss is Falcone’s recently released directorial effort which he also wrote and produced with McCarthy, who starred in the film. Falcone was last seen in Fox Searchlight Pictures’ feature film Enough Said and in Jason Bateman’s directorial debut Bad Words. Falcone also recently guest starred on FOX’s comedy hit "New Girl." Currently, he can be seen as a regular on the television series "Nobodies" (TV Land) which he executive produces.

Melissa McCarthy received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Megan in the hit comedy Bridesmaids. She also received BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and SAG Award nominations for this role and won the MTV Movie Award for Comedic Performance of the Year. Recent credits as both actress and writer include the feature films The Boss, Spy, St. Vincent, Tammy, The Heat, Identity Thief, This is 40 and Ghostbusters. On television, McCarthy is best known for “Mike & Molly.” She also starred in “Gilmore Girls” and “Samantha Who?” and has served as guest host on Saturday Night Live five times. McCarthy recently returned to Stars Hollow for the Netflix reintroduction of “Gilmore Girls.” Currently, she can be seen making guest appearances on the television series "Nobodies" (TV Land) which she executive produces along with Falcone.

Event Details The event takes place Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 7:30pm at the Ann and Jerry Moss Theatre at New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404. For tickets and more information, please visit livetalksla.org. Book signing follows the event.

About Live Talks Los Angeles Since 2010 Live Talks Los Angeles has presented over 250 talks featuring authors, actors, filmmakers, artists, musicians, comedians, chefs, scientists, and business thought leaders in various venues in Los Angeles. Videos and podcasts of its events are available on its website www.livetalksla.org.