Still, her joke-writers sensibility managed to find its way into her work.
(Her editor cut the line.)
She was the showrunner onSabrina the Teenage Witch.
Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images; HarperCollins
Shes written jokes for Jane Fonda, Mark Zuckerberg, Bette Midler, and even former President Barack Obama.
For a wannabe TV writer, Scovells book is equal parts memoirs and essential how-to guide.
But Scovell the co-author ofLean In,with Sheryl Sandberg also tells an essential story about sexism in Hollywood.
Two things are astonishing: how much has changed, and how far the industry still has to go.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Youve had such a long and varied career.
But afterSabrina,Murphy Brownwas the most fun room and the most productive room to be in.
And Christine was a really strong character she was a newscaster, so she had this big job.
And I decided to speak up and say, You know, I dont buy it.
I think she would need more of an explanation and I dont think she would accept it so blithely.
And all the guys shot me down.
Even when youre the only woman, it doesnt mean you get listened to.
Because theyre more of an authority on women than you are.
It is kind of the ultimate mansplaining:let me tell you how a woman would feel.
Writing a memoir means going back and looking at your life through a magnifying glass.
Do you have any regrets with regards to your career?Oh, a ton just a ton.
I did a lot wrong, but I did a lot right.
One regret I had: In 2008, I had a script calledLet Gothat I really wanted to direct.
We had some offers for money and actors attached but the deal wasnt coming together.
My husband said I should just make it with our own funds.
I couldnt bring myself to do that.
You talk about the harassment you faced while working onThe Smothers Brothers Comedy Hourfrom head writer Jim Stafford.
And the other hope for telling it: we need to narrow the gap between transgression and reporting.
No one writes anything that comes out perfectly full-blown from their head.
So whats next for you?Who are you, my father?
Isnt a book enough?
Just the Funny Parts … And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking Into the Hollywood Boys Clubis available now.
