FLASH FRIDAY: Nathan Lane, Dana Carvey Promote 1982 Mickey Rooney Sitcom ONE OF THE BOYS

Though young Mickey Rooney was one of America's most popular film stars during the 1930s and 40s, his Broadway debut didn't occur until 1979 when he and Ann Miller starred in the smash hit burlesque revue, SUGAR BABIES.

Suddenly a hot property again, he tried his hand at sitcom success as a feisty grandfather in the short-lived 1982 series ONE OF THE BOYS. The premise had him leaving his retirement home to live with his college student grandson and his roommate. The two unknowns in those roles were Dana Carvey, four years before joining the cast of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and Nathan Lane, who later that year would make his Broadway debut in the George C. Scott revival of PRESENT LAUGHTER.

Despite the show's failure, this televised interview reveals the stars-to-be as having tremendous comedic presence, with Carvey's cheerful irreverence bouncing off of Lane's wry bon mots. (sound begins at :10)

Here's ONE OF THE BOYS' opening credits.

Co-author of the new illustrated book "Naughty Mabel," Nathan Lane is an award-winning star of stage, screen, and television. Most recently on Broadway in Terrence McNally's IT'S ONLY A PLAY, he has won two Tony awards, five Drama Desk Awards, two Obies, and the Olivier Award.

On television he has recently had recurring roles on MODERN FAMILY and THE GOOD WIFE. He has received six primetime Emmy Award nominations, and has won two daytime Emmys and the People's Choice Award. He has made over thirty-five films, including THE BIRDCAGE, THE LION KING, STUART LITTLE, and THE PRODUCERS. In 2006, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2008 he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Emmy Award winner Dana Carvey will star in USA Network's FIRST IMPRESSIONS as the "expert-in-residence" in a comedic half hour that pits America's best amateur impressionists against each other in a weekly battle of celebrity impression. The series will feature celebrity guests and Carvey himself will mentor contestants and participate in the game play. Each week viewers across the country will cast their votes to help crown a winner. FIRST IMPRESSIONS is from Renegade 83 and Gaspin Media. Carvey, Jeff Gaspin, David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe will executive produce.