Thomas Lennon on Reno 911, The State, and playing doctors in Christopher Nolan movies

It’s been a while since we’ve sat down with Thomas Lennon, best known for his work in front of the camera, on Reno 911! and The State, and his work as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner Robert Ben Garant. So, in honor of his newest film, Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich, The A.V. Club decided to sit down with the actor for a video version of Random Roles.
Lennon opened up about his very first role in a movie opposite Jon Bon Jovi, and what it was like to spend an entire day on set with Terrance Malick for only one line of (off-screen) dialogue. He also tells us how Christopher Nolan convinced him to play a doctor in both Memento and The Dark Knight Rises, and just how tough the break-up of The State was for him.

[@HidetoraToujou]

Bring back Reno 911

[@deetonmcfinigan2882]

Let's start a petition

[@natster_]

They brought it back.

[@SeanEmman]

Reno 911 is the greatest comedy television show.

[@mmmyeah7]

I'm just goofin new boot goofin

[@EmJayBee71]

Only 3 payments!

[@mmmyeah7]

@@EmJayBee71 genuine ostrich :)

[@jackieacheson4928]

My fave dangle line. I still use it from time to time

[@heyblondie28]

All I hear is Dangle 😂

[@kelman727]

Nice to see someone else remembers he played a doctor in Memento, also directed by Chris Nolan.

[@MikeyBagofDonuts]

I love this guy, but he will always be Lt. Dangle to me. And while I'm at it...I'm ready for a Reno 911 reunion special so won't someone please grant me this wish?

[@natster_]

They brought it back.

[@Draliseth]

Granted. Hope you like Billy Ocean!

[@196cupcake]

This is great

[@jcoptimus]

Sheriff's Department!!

[@D4LM4R]

Bring back Reno 911!!!!

[@natster_]

They brought it back.

[@D4LM4R]

@@natster_ good for them

[@robertfincher8623]

But the hospital was evacuated.

[@meltman818ruiz9]

I met this guy in studio city

[@natster_]

How did it go?

[@jeremyeutis7245]

$240 worth of puddin'....
awwwwwwyeeeeah

[@bestusernameever1548]

Excuse me while I kiss the sky.

[@BizarroStormy]

not without my moustache

[@yummyjackalmeat]

I AM NOT FOOOD!!!

[@Jacob-ir6zi]

Yeah but didn't they evacuate the whole hospital? lol

[@dronexfun8469]

I wish my migraines would stop, they have damn near killed me. I wouldn't wish chronic migraines on my worst enemy, a toothache yes, migraine, no.

[@josephmarak7132]

Underappreciated genius! Thanks for the upload.

[@jennalyn6704]

I love Thomas sooooo much !! His work on Reno is absolutely inspiring! Please can we reboot that show? We’ve rebooted so many shows that I think this one would really have a good shot cause the entire cast is sooooo talented & so beloved.

[@dandrechesterfield5411]

fully agree 100%

[@jennalyn6704]

D'andre Chesterfield yesss🤗! 1 down 4 million to go lol 😪

[@jennalyn6704]

Scruggs haha are you an almost famous fan too !!?

[@natster_]

They brought it back.

[@chanchitovlogz3652]

Dangle takes over him all the way😂🙌🏻
#Newbootgoofinn🔥

[@littleteethkeith]

Dangle

[@ryanbmd7988]

Incredible bulk of work, viva variety was a goldmine of fun. Recent Pupoetmaster was quirky fun, perfectly cast along with Udo Kier

[@novustalks7525]

He was also in the best transformers movie