“The Imaginary Invalid” by Moliere is opening at New World Stages in Manhattan on Monday, June 2, starring Mark Linn-Baker. Stagebiz was lucky enough to get a few moments of his time to discuss the play and a few of his past triumphs.

Stagebiz: How did you come to be a part of the “Imaginary Invalid”?

MLB: I had been talking with Jesse Berger, artistic director of Red Bull Theatre for a couple of years about finding a project to do together and we decided on “Imaginary Invalid”!

Stagebiz: Was this part of your work with New York Stage and Film?

MLB: New York Stage and Film is devoted to new work and new writers so when I am looking to do something from the classical cannon I have to reach outside the world of STAGE AND FILM…

Stagebiz: What appeals to you about the show or role in particular?

MLB: I have a fondness for French comedy…. The first show I did in NYC in 1978 was an evening of Moliere comedies, “Sganarelle”, directed by Andre Serban and produced by Bob Brustein and the Yale Repertory Theater and toured to the Public Theater in NYC…

Stagebiz: Where does the show go after this run?

MLB: Straight to B’way? National Tour? European Tour?  I know it will NOT be at the Kennedy Center….

Stagebiz: Looking over your career and credits, you appear to prefer working on comedies? Why? Or have I missed something?

MLB: I may appear to prefer comedies but the truth is I simply prefer to WORK!

Stagebiz: As a comic actor, do you find certain sorts of comedy, e.g., farce, easier or more fun?

MLB: “Dying is easy; Comedy is hard…” I trust you know the quote…. I love the precision and the math of comedy… If you do it right, you get the laugh…

Stagebiz: If we could turn to TV briefly, “Perfect Strangers” ran 8 seasons. Did that become a drudgery over time or did you find ways to stay enthusiastic about it? What were they? Would you work with Bronson Pinchot on another project?

MLB: “Perfect Strangers” was joyful from beginning to end! Bronson and I were obsessed with finding the physical comedy and making it work…. I believe that “Perfect Strangers” was the last physical comedy done for TV…. I would be delighted to work with Bronson again!

Stagebiz: Briefly on “My Favorite Year”, how much of Mark is there in Benjy Stone?

MLB: Remarkably, Benjy Stone and I looked exactly alike!

Stagebiz: Was working with Peter O’Toole intimidating in any way? And is there a good Peter and Mark story that the press might have missed?

MLB: I was young and naive when I did “My Favorite Year,” so I fortunately did not know how scared and intimidated I should have been? Instead, I just had a great time working with and learning from O’Toole who was one of the greatest actors of his time!

Stagebiz: And the big question, what is next for you?

MLB:I have learned over 50 years of a professional acting career that whatever you think is next is NOT what is next….

Stagebiz would like to thank both Mark Linn-Baker for his time, and David Gersten and Associates for arranging this exchange.

“The Imaginary Invalid” is opening June 2, 2025, at New World Stages and will run through June 29. For tickets, please visit New World Stages for more information.