Alan Kalter Highlights Collection on Letterman, 1995-2015

In tribute to Alan Kalter, Dave's announcer but so much more. He passed away on October 4, 2021. This is a small sample of his work on Dave's Late Show. A more comprehensive collection is forthcoming.
I. Open
Prologue. October 14, 2014. Alan announces himself.
1. July 25, 1983 (taped July 11) Dave's "Don LaHerman" story.
2. September 4, 1995. Alan's debut announce and, later, Dave's welcome.
3a. Early May, 2015. Alan on his "first day."
3b. September 7, 1995. Day 4: The swim.
4. October 10, 1997. Visine with bleach.
II. Alan punches
1. April 3, 1998. Mailbag.
2. June 9, 1998. Top Ten.
3. October 23, 1998. Mailbag.
4. April 29, 1999. Jerry Foley.
III. Alan punched by Brian Donahue
1. July 11, 2001. Round the Horn.
2. July 12, 2001.
3. July 16, 2001.
4. July 17, 2001. Pizza, 1, and replay from last night.
5. July 18, 2001. Pizza, 2.
6. July 19, 2001. Pizza, 3.
7. July 20, 2001. Beaten up, a followup, and Billy Crystal.
8. July 23, 2001. Pizza, 4.
9. July 24, 2001. Beaten up and followup during Psychic Sandwich.
10. July 25, 2001. Audio guy.
11. July 26, 2001. Band sit-in.
12. July 27, 2001. Boy Scouts.
13. July 30, 2001. Lance Armstrong.
14. July 31, 2001. Rupert Jee.
15. August 1, 2001. Maria Pope, Rupert Jee.
16. August 3, 2001. CBS Page; Mailbag.
IV. Seductions
1. September 25, 1998. Mailbag: Big Red.
2. January 10, 2000. Seduction #1: Ellen Degeneres & Ann Heche.
3a. Alan discusses vamping with no light on cue cards.
3b. April 28, 2000. Seduction #2: Janet Reno.
4. March 13, 2001. Seduction #13: Camryn Manheim.
5. June 4, 2002. Seduction #22: Queen Elizabeth.
6. September 8, 2004. Seduction #34. Hillary Clinton.
7. November 3, 2004. Seduction #36: Laura Bush.
8. March 16, 2005. Seduction #38: Condoleeza Rice.
V. Campaign Round-Ups
1. October 6, 2000. Campaign Round-Up #1.
2. October 10, 2000. Campaign Round-Up #2.
3. October 13, 2000. Campaign Round-Up #5 with Calvert.
4. October 17, 2000. Campaign Round-Up. #9.
VI. The Kalter Twins
1. August 27, 2001. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart."
2. September 7, 2001. "Up Where We Belong."
3. December 12, 2001. Entertainment Tonight profile.
VII. Rants
1. June 5, 1998. Why Alan accepts Dave's insults.
2. September 18, 1998. Sailor skit cancelled.
3. January 19, 2001. Red Hulk.
4. January 29, 2002. Would You Like Something from Alan Kalter's Office?
5. February 6, 2002. Who Asked for It?
6. March 18, 2002. Liza Minelli's Wedding.
VIII. Alan Kalter Stars in Famous Fred MacMurray Movie Roles
1. April 3, 2002.
2. April 10, 2002.
3. April 24, 2002.
4. May 2, 2002.
5. June 10, 2002.
6. September 27, 2002. I Love Lucy.
IX. Will It Float?
1. October 17, 2003. Sewing Machine.
2. April 14, 2006. Deluxe Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner and Tarnish Remover.
3. July 13, 2007. Miracle Gro Plant Food.
X. Languages
1. July 7, 2000. Korean.
Carter Bays on Twitter 10-10-21: "So many of the things [Craig Thomas and I] wrote for Alan were just us trying to find the limits of what he was capable of, because he was such a showbiz pro. It was like, 'Do you think Alan could deliver an entire monologue in Cantonese?' 'I don't know, let's find out!'"
2. July 12, 2002: French.
3. February 7, 2003. Kurdish.
4. March 15, 2006. Arabic.
XI. Closing Clips
1. February 27, 2006. Kaltershank Redemption. Encored on the April 21, 2015 show. Shown here is the original broadcast from 2006.
2. October 29, 2012. Late from Hurricane Sandy.
3. April 1, 2015. Late again.
4. October 25, 2005. Lookalikes.
5. May 7, 2007. Rapprochement..
6. Costumes Montage.
7. Show close with Margaret Hall.
8. September 4, 1995. "A little more energy."
Note: The full collection of Alan Kalter's Celebrity Interviews can be seen here: • Alan Kalter's Celebrit...
All credit for first noticing the “Don LaHerman” echo years ago goes to Adam Nedeff.

[@dongiller]

The Sailor/Apocalypse Now segment now has a lot of silence. It had been filled with Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit.” The copyright owners blocked the song, and thus the entire video. I challenged, they rejected. So the option chosen was to have YT mute the song, They did, and that’s what you now don’t hear.

[@alishaban7349]

Mr Don I would like to see completion of Dr phill on letterman if it’s possible ❤

[@dongiller]

@@alishaban7349 Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible.

[@greatmcluhansghost7134]

what if you yourself sang it, would that appease the greedy record company execs?

[@PatrickKeating]

Big Red!!! Such a legend and essential part of the show. Never breaks and was always so funny. "Back to you, duckface!"

[@jonnaking3054]

Unlike the other cast members, Alan is always in character on the show... I did enjoy seeing him for the first time as himself on a special, he seemed SO friendly!! I think maybe on Dave's last show he was out of character

[@ignorecorporatenews]

Kalter filled the void left by Chris Elliot

[@justinmacdonald321]

This must have been a challenge to put together because Alan had so many great moments on the Late Show over the years. Really, kudos to Don for a great job.

[@OFFICIALDJFLASHBACK]

I work in radio now. I'm 29 years old. I remember watching Alan Kalter and listening to his voice overs and he's been a big inspiration for me. He will be missed.

[@GDMFSOBlarg]

Do you have any work available I will work pro bono or Pro a few dollars owe I just want to get my voice out there Olay

[@ThePerradox]

Really, what an amazing multitalent he was. Miss you Alan.

[@icopaseticMHF]

I love Chris Elliot, The F U Guy, and of course Paul, but Alan Kalter was the best non-Dave person ever on the show Thank You so much Don Giller - you're basically the Library Of Congress of Letterman

[@icopaseticMHF]

@SEZWAH Did he stand you up for the prom or something?

[@bradleyscarton3931]

@sezwah1414LOL you thinking Jay Leno was superior! Ratings don’t mean a damn thing. Fallon’s Tonight Show wins in ratings but everyone knows it’s crap.

[@ajn465]

Alan was a veteran announcer, and VoiceOver guy who had so much more to give. And on letterman, he got to give it up. Big time!

[@purplefuku]

I’ve been looking forward to this one, albeit with a heavy heart. But I have no doubt this will be a wonderful tribute to Alan! As always, thank you, Don.

[@yohei72]

The "Alan gets beat up over and over" gag shouldn't have the staying power it did, but the execution gives it a sort of Kafkaesque quality that's fascinating. The way that, in the later iterations, Dave or Paul pointing out the pattern triggers the violence, has the feeling of a nightmare - it's almost like cut-rate David Lynch with a laugh track, especially with the bully turning up repeatedly in different identities. And none of it would work without Alan's wholesale commitment to expressing the physical pain and the fear and humiliation. His performance turns it into some of the darkest comedy the show ever did. Is it just pure luck they got such a strong actor in their announcer?

[@drrobert8678]

"A small sample of his work" is the description of this nearly three hour video. And it is SO true. One of the essential people that helped take The Late Show to the highest level. Another exceptional compilation, so well done.

[@samsungtelevision695]

Alan is one I remember directly from seeing him in the old days as opposed to the many Letterman “cast mates” I know mainly from Don’s channel. Point being Alan is an unforgettable talent

[@ObsidianXXX]

Rest in peace Alan, the legend.

[@LNSLateNightSaturday]

Thanks so much for the time and effort you've obviously put into this retrospective. The line you follow from Dave's discussion w/ Paul & Art about his favorite ever introduction to Alan introducing Dave as "God, I hope I get this right: Don LaHermon!" is the kind of minute observation that makes your encyclopedic knowledge of the show so very impressive! We really appreciate what you do, Don... ;)

[@dongiller]

Thanks! Yeah, I had planned a much larger collection, but it became too exhausting. So I settled on this for now.

[@moaningpheromones]

@@dongiller the phrase 'labour of love' is made for you Don. Your efforts are astounding - you even taught me how to type 'LSwDL' - love it.

[@chriss1183]

A beautiful tribute. I just sat and watched the whole thing and am left realizing just why I can’t watch late night anymore and how awesome the show was and Alan was. Endless humor that really was such a big part of my life and so many others judging by the posts on letterman’s pages anytime he posts something.

[@UberNeuman]

It's shame Alan Kalter wasn't an actor because everything he did was so fitting for any bit they gave him to do. RIP, Big Red.

[@229BlackHat]

I gotta say, in the Alan Kalter’s Campaign Roundup segments, I really enjoyed Alan’s insight on each candidate. It’s interesting to see the discourse in that time period.

[@sira.scottascot8865]

This is packed full of gold. 😆😆 Thank you, Don Giller.

[@nikobatallones]

That’s my holiday Monday morning sorted. Alan’s a huge part of my Letterman upbringing (although I was too young for most of it!) so thank you for this, Don.

[@ronniebannister6746]

P

[@scotthawkins3946]

Man, I sure miss that don leherman!

[@gavinwb1]

This is so good, and makes me so sad that we lost this great talent. RIP Big Red. It also makes me miss the Letterman Show all the more....and makes it all the more evident just how much Colbert sucks.

[@chriss1183]

Well said!

[@moaningpheromones]

he's a catholic for a start. funny religious people? i don't think so.

[@tjkinsella1111]

Unbelievable post Sir Don. Some extra stuff we didn't see when this stuff aired. Alan Kalter was a beautiful addition to The Late Show. Said it before and I'll say it again... Thank you for doing God's work Don Giller! (Side note-thank you for the Peter Scolari post, a bit young to have seen it when it aired.)

[@Merstheman]

Don, you're a legend for having done this! Alan was great.

[@littlefabb]

This is a true masterpiece.

[@dimitrikorsakov2570]

Big Red was, IMO, one of the best parts of the late era show. I was very surprised by his personality when I heard him interviewed out of character. I would never guess that person could play that character or be funny in that way.

[@abelaberdeen3757]

"Big Red get's the job done the old fashioned way" 🤣 Fekkin' Legend.

[@michaelryley]

Wonderful and thoughtfully put together compilation (as are the rest). What a talent he was, finally seeing all of this together was such a treat. Thanks for this and your work on the others. Particularly love the Meg Parsont collections as well. Thank you!

[@dongiller]

Thanks, Michael!

[@jepe4537]

A beautiful collection of the one and only beautiful Big Red. Great stuff Sir Don! Alan was always a sure bet to have me in stitches with every one of his perfect deliveries on the late show. Constantly looked forward to his segments. Made for such great memories. May this unforgettable man rest in peace. Thank you for all the good times Mr. Kalter.

[@chrissager179]

2 hours and 49 minutes that I will never get back, and I am totally fine with that! I've been loyal viewer of Dave since I was 12 (1986ish- Monkey Cam days). My entire comedic sensibilities came from those early years (and Johnny). I'm 50 in March, and it is so good that my childhood hero is still contributing the the comedic, creative universe. Alan was amazingly talented- and fully committed to every performance. Chris Elliot was also amazing over the years. There is a great collection of his work with Dave, as well. Highly recommend!

[@MaskedOutsider]

Almost 3 hours of Big Red? Sign me up! Loved Alan so much, glad to see this up on youtube and to piss my pants laughing again.

[@matthaze]

Don, thank you so much for putting this together.

[@z.bongerman1062]

This is so good! I love how it just starts escalating from the first skit where he punches a guy. It's all to amuse Dave and the producers, and Alan completely nails every chance he gets.

[@aaronfitzsimons]

Thanks for sharing what you have for us so far. Alan was a true talent, and I’m glad we’re celebrating him all these years later now.

[@dba4292]

Thanks a zillion for this. Must’ve been a lot of work 🤯

[@Genious.]

This collection starts out great and then just keeps getting better.

[@ralphklunder]

Never heard of this guy before never and I frickin love him. Thanks Don for these highlights.

[@chattiermike140]

You’re the man Don. Love seeing Alan progressively get more comfortable with Dave and finding his place on the show

[@drew2354]

Thanks Don! Was looking forward to this.

[@realtorrich]

Have things to do but can’t stop watching and laughing

[@roaminggnome6878]

Wow, this was just beyond amazing! It’s been a while since I’ve laughed so hard. Alan was incredible! This compilation really gives me a renewed appreciation for him. He was so talented & put absolutely everything he had into these bits. Thank you SO much for all the hard work you put into creating this, it’s just wonderful & truly appreciated! I miss these days and this show so much. It’s nice to be able to revisit!

[@antlerking69]

Thanx as always Don! 👍👍

[@addictstatic]

This was awesome. Thank you for the effort to preserve comedic gold.

[@adamchafetz2986]

Once in a while a REAL GENUIS comes along , alan kalter is one them.

[@johnsjohnson448]

Alan Kalter was a Scream, as in LAUGH OUT LOUD funny. LOL. Thanks for sharing more segments of Dave's Comedy Gold.

[@tad1980]

DELICIOUS. thank you for posting!!!! i can't wait to spend a very valuable 3 hours with this!

[@jmaxxtv9912]

Just fantastic! Thank you, Don!

[@whoamellie5610]

Thank you for taking the time to work on this! Sounds like a rip-roaring good time! :) Even if it's technically a 'small sample'. Still a good time. ✌ I'll look forward to the rest, too. 💜 What a dear man, our Alan. I bet he's enjoying his vacation house in the sky. ✨💕

[@thefunshow2024]

I never get enough of Big Red!

[@fiona4228]

This is simply fantastic! Thank you!

[@dashfatbastard]

Another great one, sir!

[@emilegeorge6225]

Great post. Thank you so much. I had so many laughs. Beat the clock at 56.00 😂😂. Too absurd.

[@s2cardinal]

I was just wishing for this. And here it is!! Thank you!!!

[@dhpbear2]

This Don LaHerman guys rules! He's freakishly similar to Dave! :)

[@musikerongpanday4237]

This is gold! The amazing Alan "Big Red" Kalter 👏🏾

[@mikekaupa9190]

Thanks Don!

[@joggingscissors632]

Just Googled Alan and saw that he passed away last year. I had no idea. But 78 years? That's a good run. Good on ya, RHF.

[@dhpbear2]

Thanks, Don. These are great. I took a ' TV hiatus' from Dec 1996 through July of 2000 when I moved to San Francisco. Many of these bits I had never seen before. One of my faves is from 1996: "Weird Guy in an Elevator" :)

[@dongiller]

I had no memory whatsoever of the Fred MacMurray segments.

[@schwarjm100]

Wonderful recap! (When late night tv was FUN to watch)

[@doderiolarkisso4038]

Man, rewatching this for the upteenth time. Always a delight, and Alan could act too lol

[@chattiermike140]

If I ever need to explain to anyone what made this show unique and words aren’t doing the trick I’ll just show them the compilation of alan Kalters campaign roundup. Perfect encapsulation of what made the show great.

[@ms6256]

Alan was my role model when I was growing up. So many life lessons to learn from.

[@SidelerMN]

Brings back good memories, including some that I totally forgot about. The two that stick out to me are the Campaign Roundup and then the Will It Float prize of "A TV!". Alan was clearly talented but I love how much he truly sold everything he did.

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Great upload.

[@thegrimyeaper]

You actually did it. Bless you.

[@dongiller]

Not really. This is just a tiny sample.

[@dongiller]

@@BomChickyBowWow I had planned to, but it just got too overwhelming. Splitting it up seemed saner.

[@MattScotttv]

Brilliant. Bravo.

[@charlyW34]

Super job.

[@justin_opportunities]

he was my favourite, always nailed it. RIP Big Red

[@JPJones03223]

2:02:40 I never realized how much he looked like Fred MacMurray. Uncanny.

[@anthonykrause2966]

Fantastic!!

[@byamrcn]

Thanks for stitching this together; well done. Only thing I can add is that you really should dig up Weird Guy in an Elevator, from two episodes in 1996. The funniest thing I ever saw on Late Night or Late Show.

[@dongiller]

Unfortunately, I’m no longer able to upload additional Dave-owned or -licensed content. And thanks!

[@jaybone58]

Alan Kalter - Legend. RIP Big Red.

[@MarkKanaster-ev6pq]

So good 😊

[@jockejocke1]

I totally forgot about the 'Alan punches' skits, I really enjoyed those when I used to tune in to the show back in high school.

[@ThePerradox]

So sorry to hear this, Alan was just amazing. The one bit I'll always remember the most will be his 'nervous breakdown' R.I.P Teve's Uncle Jerry. 😥

[@cefcat5733]

Wow, it's like getting lost in somebody else's bad dream,while just joking. Watch him now! Alan Kalter is fantastic! That is really a riot, esp when you have seen the originals!!!

[@davidbspamboy]

Notice the clock at 2:41:20 lol These videos are absolutely fantastic. THANKS!!!!!!!

[@fabule29]

omg I love this video so many memories

[@mcbillygoat]

Don Giller is an awesome being.

[@muckrak3r]

I loved Alan Kaltar bits back in the day.

[@Mangioninc]

It’s elsewhere on YT, but the helium bit in the commercial free show is iconic. As Don said, this is the tip of the iceberg of his brilliance.

[@LanternArson]

Alan was unbelievably funny on the Late Show. Sometimes, he outshined Dave and Paul. Some of my favorite bits from him come from "Will It Float?" I haven't seen the whole video yet, but there's one moment from the Late Show where I think either Dave or someone from the audience would win a prize and the prize, as Alan announced it, was "100 damn dollars!" He's still missed to this day.

[@peterddb1593]

I loved this compilation. I especially appreciated including the asides that helped explain and enhance the skits. Thanks for putting this together.

[@dongiller]

Thanks! Someone gets it. :)

[@dansavik7137]

Just so good

[@occiclean349]

Can't believe this compilation. This guy used to kill me. The fights with Dave HAHAHAHA

[@ticherteaching7517]

2 hours 49 minutes later.....much better than Disney+!!

[@fosbury68]

¡Bravissimo El Grande Rojo!

[@operator35]

In the clip of Alan Kalter's first day with the show, it looks like he truly had no idea what was in store for him for the next 20 years.

[@bigduke5150]

Don, you are a saint!

[@danpatrick9080]

Just great. The late show really followed and expanded on the template set by Jack Benny and then Carson.

[@spensert4933]

Don you are the man.

[@francescoaugello6957]

2:21:37 might be my favorite Alan moment

[@rickleblanc8900]

I never saw these skits of Alan punching out people before lol ! I remember his Celebrity Interviews and getting beat up but not this ! Wow thx

[@davidstair9452]

I came here looking for The Allen Kalter, Fred Mcmuray segments. Such an odd thing to do for Dave but so legitimately good!

[@garydavidderby]

GREAT. THESE VIDEOS WILL BE AROUND FOR 100 YEARS OR MORE

[@dongiller]

We hope.

[@robstegall7834]

This is gold. I wish they would have had the guy the beat up Alan come back for the last show.

[@hydranine]

At around 1:14, his segment talking up the Queen, I died. I physically hurt myself laughing.

[@dba4292]

"Not now! ✋" 🤣

[@seraphus1]

So great

[@Lynxdoc]

Always thought of Alan Kalter as the Mad Magazine version of Fred MacMurry!

[@steveprudell9976]

Alan was fantastic

[@lysippus]

thanks don. shame about alan. a great pro, he was

[@jamesrobins2586]

You’ve got to love Big Red!

[@rha101]

Ed McMahon had the laugh but Alan Kalter had the talent.

[@jonnaking3054]

I totally see the resemblance between Alan and Fred MacMurray , I wish they'd continued that bit, putting Alan in more of Fred's movies