No matter which late night TV talk show you watch, viewers expect something from these comedians- humor and good guests. But which interviews can be called “the best?” Kyra Kyles is a pop culture reporter, columnist and blogger for the Chicago Red Eye. She says what makes interviews memorable are the guests’ “sheer disregard for the audience, insistence on doing whatever they wanted to do, and [the hosts’] reaction to it all.”
1) Barack Obama goofs up on Leno-
President Obama was the first president in office to appear on a late night talk show. But it was a certain slip up that got attention. Obama used the term “Special Olympics” to describe his bowling scores in the White House. Hours later, Obama made a formal apology.
- Air date: March 19, 2009
- Memorable quote: Obama: “I have been practicing all…I bowled a 129.”
Leno: “No, that’s very good. Yes. That’s very good, Mr. President.”
Obama: “It’s like — it was like Special Olympics, or something.”
2) Blagojevich can’t redeem himself on Letterman
The ex-Chicago governor, Rod Blagojevich, accused of selling a senate seat, appeared on many television shows, the Late Show being one. Letterman grilled Blagojevich, challenging him about his self proclaimed innocence. He even threw in punch lines about the governor’s hair. Kyles said this interview proved David Letterman has “turned out to be a tougher interviewer… than some of [his] news peers.” Letterman seemed in total control, while the Blagojevich was tripping on his words.
- Air date: February 3, 2009
- Memorable quotes: Letterman: “Why exactly are you here, honest to God?”
Blagojevich: “I’ve been wanting to be on your show in the worst way for the longest time.”
Letterman: “Well, you’re on in the worst way, believe me.”
Dave: “Do you use shampoo and conditioner?”
3) Drew Barrymore does a strip tease on Letterman
In honor of his birthday, Drew Barrymore got on Dave’s desk and gave him an unsuspected present. She is the sole late night TV guest to flash a host. Kyles says, “Drew Barrymore’s antics were amusing on the show. What I like best is Dave’s dry response to the shenanigans.” According to Kyles, this interview is a classic because of Dave’s refusal to be surprised by his guests. The combination of Letterman and his guests makes his interviews unforgettable.
- Air date: February 2, 1995
- Memorable quote: Letterman: “I enjoyed that, I wish more of our guests would consider that sort of thing!”
4) Joaquin Phoenix weirds out Letterman
Phoenix appeared on the show sporting his new beard, and was uncooperative with Letterman’s questions. He stuck his gum under Letterman’s desk and became very hostile towards the audience when they laughed. The interview got even stranger when he announced he was retiring from acting and becoming a hip-hop singer. “I think that Letterman’s reaction to Phoenix was classic, as he refused to let him off the hook for being a stumbling, mumbling fool,” says Kyles.
- Air date: February 12, 2009
- Memorable quotes: Letterman: “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.”
Letterman: “What can you tell us about your days with the Unabomber?”
5) Hugh Grant comes clean on Leno
A poll taken by MSNBC and news magazines revealed Hugh Grant to be the most memorable late night TV guest. After being arrested for picking up a prostitute on Sunset Boulevard, Grant appeared on the Tonight Show the next evening. His interview helped him clean up his reputation.
- Air date: July 10, 1995
- Memorable quotes: Leno: “What the hell were you thinking?”
Grant: “I think you know in life what’s a good thing to do and what’s a bad thing, and I did a bad thing…and there you have it.”
