By Paul Salfen
In a refreshing break from the usual awards-season intensity, the new indie comedy Lost and Found in Cleveland is exactly the kind of warm, laugh-out-loud film we need right now. Directed by Marisa and Keith Cooper, this modern riff on The Wizard of Oz follows five strangers whose lives hilariously collide over one fateful day when the beloved PBS series Antiques Roadshow rolls into Cleveland. Each character arrives clutching an item they hope will be their golden ticket to a better life—only to discover, through a whirlwind of mishaps and revelations, that real treasure has been inside them all along.
Recently, AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen sat down (virtually) with two of the film’s stars, Tony Award winner Santino Fontana and comedy favorite Jeff Hiller, to talk about the sheer fun of making the movie, working with a dream ensemble, and why a feel-good comedy with heart feels especially vital today.
Paul Salfen: You both clearly had a blast on set. What was it like being surrounded by legends like Martin Sheen, June Squibb, Dennis Haysbert, Loretta Devine, Jon Lovitz, and Stacey Keach?
Santino Fontana: The irony is we hated every second… (laughs) No, we had an absolute blast. Jeff and I even flew to Cleveland together on the same flight, so the good vibes started early. The cast is ridiculous—every day you’d look around and think, “How did I end up here with these icons?” Everyone was so generous and game for anything.
Jeff Hiller: Getting to improvise with Rory O’Malley was a highlight for me. Marisa and Keith created such a playful atmosphere that those spontaneous moments felt truly joyful. And working opposite Astrid Savitskiy as my wife? We just got to run with it and have fun.
Paul Salfen: The film has this wonderful message about shared humanity and remembering what really matters—especially now. What do you hope audiences take away?
Santino Fontana: That people matter. It sounds simple, almost on the nose, but in today’s world we might need the reminder. Also, this is a little indie movie that could. It’s getting a nationwide theatrical release in hundreds of theaters—something that barely happens anymore, even for bigger stars. Keith and Marisa brought this one across the goal line (football reference intended). Celebrating a smart, funny ensemble comedy on the big screen feels like its own victory.
Jeff Hiller: The world needs a laugh right now. And if people walk out smiling, feeling a little lighter, and maybe texting someone they love, then we’ve done our job.
When asked for advice to aspiring performers, both actors kept it real.
Jeff Hiller: Be patient and stop comparing yourself to everyone else’s highlight reel. Easier said than done, I know—even younger me wouldn’t have listened!
Santino Fontana: Do what feeds you. The actual doing of it—the scene, the song, the craft—that’s the part you can control. Everything else? Let the chips fall.
And their personal “Hail Mary” moments that changed everything?
Jeff Hiller: Moving to New York. I told everyone I was getting a master’s in social work… then never enrolled. Total Hail Mary.
Santino Fontana: Coming from a tiny town where no one made a living in the arts, deciding at 18 to study acting anyway. Still feels like a Hail Mary some days—but I love it.
Wrapped in a cupcake sweater (Hiller) and boundless enthusiasm, the duo proved as delightful off-screen as they are on. Lost and Found in Cleveland is the rare comedy that leaves you laughing and feeling a little more connected to the people around you—exactly the kind of magic we could all use this holiday season.
Lost and Found in Cleveland is now playing in theaters nationwide. Go find some joy in Cleveland—you won’t regret the trip.
