Craig Ferguson - Colorado Shooting Opener

July 20, 2012 - After a mass shooting at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater, Craig tapes a new opener to a pre-recorded show, choosing as well to eliminate the originally planned monologue.
He reflects my own philosophy of life - What you do, what you say can affect and diminish everyone, not just the immediate victims.
As always, Craig demonstrates what it means to be a cosmic positive.

[@DiegoAlvarezBeltran1993.]

You know, this is actually why I respect the hell out of him. Yeah, he acts like an immature anti-hero at times but...the eulogy of his mother and father, the coming out about his drug and alcohol abuse, the coming out of his near suicide...every bit of human bit of this man is what makes him so charming and why I've been watching the kind, Scottish man for the past 9 years.

[@liverpoolreds8]

He's immature, swears a lot, and he's hilarious, which is why we love him. But above all that, he's a class act.

[@buff4bcs]

Wasn't much of a fan of Craig... however After losing 2 dear friends in the shooting.... I greatly appreciate his candor, his decision to change it, and most of all being himself and letting his emotion's shine through. It was nice to see a real moment. RIP Jessica and Sully... I miss you both so much...

[@timeweaselproduction]

While funny, at times, this man can be quite deep in tragedies like this. An amazing man, he is.

[@obiwanobiwan13]

THIS is what makes Craig different from other late night hosts. Talking about his struggles with drinking, eulogizing his father and mother, talking about this... It takes a lot more effort and courage and class for a simple gesture like this than ten million Justin Bieber jokes. Kudos Craig, Condolences Colorado.

[@CoversInTheBrightRm]

100 percent Scottish 100 percent American 1000 percent Gentlemen!

[@gimmedatstick]

Yet another reason for me to love this man. True class, Mr. Ferguson. Kudos for the honesty, sincerity, and compassion you have shown.

[@monkeyaround92]

I am really honored that he considers himself to be an American. I truly am. He is nothing but an asset to this country, this community, and my life. Thank you Craig Ferguson, for being an amazing human being

[@Excaniber]

I live in Denver, an this means a lot to the people here. Thank you.

[@TheIceCaster]

the most genuine "I'm sorry" I've ever heard. 3:08

[@erinwood6682]

Mr. Ferguson - My respect for you has only grown from this endeavor. Thank you for your consideration, your compassion, and your efforts to help us all end the day with a bit of humor.

[@hiphoppa3658]

"We are all diminished by this." [3:35] Poignant truth.

[@optigers1509]

Classy, classy move, Craig. Didn't make a big deal out of it, didn't pat yourself on the back for being so caring, just said your piece and got on with it.

[@darkridr25]

I was going to note how disjointed his replaced monologue was, but after giving it some thought, I am under the impression that he deliberately did this in one take. Looking at it from that perspective, I find his difficulty to express his feelings that much more sincere, and I consider this to be better than if he tried redoing this take to get a more refined statement. He continues to impress me, and if I owned a TV, I'd watch him regularly.

[@kgillum]

How can anyone dislike this? This is class and grace, and sadly, missing in most of America's media these days.

[@hackworthiso]

Craig Ferguson is a good late night host, but an even better human being for doing this. Thank you.

[@kkktak]

I love when people show a little humanity on TV, and I also respect that he took the time to adress his audience and speak his honest thoughts.

[@DrMattDestruction]

my mom said "the world's a scary place" to me recently. i replied, "and you put me in it." we both laughed.

[@mmvrockerz]

Craig is one of the classiest guys in television, he is never afraid to speak his mind about what he feels he needs to talk about. I wish more people respected him and realized that he is a really good person, I wish someday I can meet him.

[@jtssexy]

How many other television personalities have the ability to make one tear up from laughter and at other times move one to tears? This is one of the many reasons I think the world of this man and why he is my hero. I don't think there is a more genuine and real human being in show business. Mr. F. - you have described many others this way, but the same can most definitely be said of you: you are an American treasure. Thank you for being the amazing person that you are.

[@MrCashdeline]

I have had the great pleasure of actually meeting Mr. Ferguson ( Montreal Just For Laughs Festival ) a few years ago, and he is an incredible human being. What a guy. Love him forever

[@SquirlGrrl]

Thank you, Mr. Ferguson. I've lived in Aurora for many years and still live in the Denver Metro area. It's been a difficult time for everyone in the state. It's good to know that there is still compassion and understanding out there. I have always been a fan of your humor and your work. You have heart and it shows.

[@dogburndan]

Craig ferguson is the best late night television presenter. He is mad funny and very very classy. Also scottish.

[@LoganHenn]

He had to fill the time that the monologue was going to go, so he used it to express his sorrow for the victims and their families. There is no "moving on with it" in television, time has to be used once its been paid for. He showed a lot of class here, and I could tell he meant every word he said. "I am sorry" - had me in tears.

[@lendavoice60]

Very well spoken Craig, Condolences with a heavy heart from Connecticut.

[@Tailkyn]

This is why I love Craig. Unlike some comedians, he knows when to step back and lay off an issue.

[@wendyperry7358]

I wish I could give him a hug. He spoke with sincerity and honesty which is so refreshing. Thank you Craig for this and for what you give your fans every night…laughter and relief from the stresses of everyday life.

[@76not84]

These 4 minutes of watching a man--naked in his humanity, naked in being humane--after the inhumanity in Aurora offer us a chance to see how to be present in--and share--a moment of great pain. This kind of being present in pain and being courageous enough to bare those difficult emotions in the company of others is what keeps us humane. And sharing our human experience, the good and the bad, might, just might, help some of us suffer less and create suffering a bit less.

[@Witwikki]

This is one of the reasons why I like this show and him. I really like people who can be funny and hilarious, yet still keep a serious and normal attitude about things. :) thank you Craig :)

[@IAmBenBeck]

Seriously, how can this video have over 150 dislikes?

[@markpkessinger]

Mr. Ferguson's simple humility about his role as an entertainer in the face of such a horrific event is truly a breath of fresh air! Thank you, Craig!

[@petrucciphan]

this was so nice for craig to do, this is why i love him more than any other late night host!!!! You'll never see letterman go out of his way to do this. Magnifique

[@Sebambi]

I so appreciate that he did this. I love his show but only have the time to watch it every now and again so thanks for sharing this moment.

[@TeliaOrenda]

Thank you, Craig Ferguson, for helping me with my own spinning shock yesterday. You absolutely did the right thing.

[@LeonardSultana]

My admiration for Craig Ferguson continues unabated. How else could he address the tragic events in Colorado, how could he? This was a dignified acknowledgement of the shows purpose and I congratulate Craig and the team with screening the show as recorded - this opening declaration set the remit of The Late Late Show whilst recognising the terrible sense of tragedy felt by the community directly affected and by observers and viewers around the world. Well done, Craig.

[@thegreatcheesedemon]

Well, you see, he's actually kind of silly in a few of those talks, talking about the funny aspects of his parents, and his recovery from alcoholism.. This is him being completely serious. I get it has happened before, but it is rare.

[@tdhconceptanddesign]

The grace of Carson was seen tonight. A place to turn to when we are as a nation are troubled.

[@TheFred3733]

I was showing this to a friend who innocently said: if the show was recorded the day before, wasn't Craig coming in on his day off to record this? I bet he was. What a great American and human being.

[@xILMMxMagicx]

Craig Ferguson is the epitome of class. I adore this man.

[@gumbumsee77]

I already had respect for Craig and his show, but this out pouring of support and sympathy for the victims and families of this tradgedy has made my respect for him go up 10 fold if not more. Thank you Craig your a great man!

[@gravityblast-f3q]

I agree with you completely. Craig Ferguson is one of the most genuine, untarnished men I have ever come across. Not only as an entertainer and comedian, but a personality who speaks from the heart.

[@FeelMyRath7]

I've never really paid attention to Craig Ferguson's show, but with the amount of class that he just showed, he definitely has my respect. Being from CO, it's been a tough summer for us, and although I was not directly linked with the shootings, it still hit too close to home. Glad to hear that the rest of the world is as upset by this event as I am.

[@rezfan]

My heart goes out to all the victims and the community. I had a relative killed at a workplace shooting many years ago so I know what they are feeling. God bless them all.

[@TheFred3733]

8/17/12 I know that Craig is on hiatus so you haven't had much to upload or download (computer illiterate here) so there has been a lot to thank you for.....I don't want you to think you're forgotten while Craig's away. We still love you!

[@YazziB15]

When I tuned in to this episode last night and saw Craig speak about this tragedy, visibly shaken, it deepened my already profound respect for him. I am glad that he dealt with it in a simple, yet impactful manner. Much love and respect to Craig. And thank you Fergufool, for uploading this. I just had to watch it one more time.

[@beccahostilo07]

THIS is why he's my favorite late night host. I'm so glad I watched last night!

[@JEMacProductions]

KZbin needs more people like you- the WORLD needs more people like you...

[@bombebomb]

Craig never stops to impress, class act indeed.

[@pieceofcake2008]

This actually brings a tear to my eye. Such consideration by him is very profound.

[@haleysdad2004]

This is exactly why I keep coming back. Thanks Craig for your sincerity and for your genuineness.

[@chumshot1]

i almost cried when he talked about it, i was a little unaffected at first hearing of it, I was shocked but not as shocked until after this opening, it just did something for me..he was perfect in addressing it

[@gobux113]

You're a class act, Mr. Ferguson. You can tell this was truly heartfelt and not prepared.

[@dangcucu]

I love his show & appreciate his humor after putting my kids to bed. That was heartfelt & sincere. God bless & healing to the victims.

[@Emorkia]

He sounds Scottisher here

[@TKgeek]

A difficult introduction about a difficult event. Nice to see a thoughtful pause before a show. Also nice to see someone standing their ground and putting their foot down and moderating hate on their channel. Nicely done.

[@rubenstein]

thanks for posting. craig ferguson has impressed me on many occasions, this being yet another.

[@TheFred3733]

Spoken by someone who has yet to experience tragedy...to hear of it is one thing, to know it, is another. May you be blessed to be allowed to avoid that knowledge for a long time. And when you do experience it, may you have others around you who bear it with you. Craig has shown us what it means for all of us to share one small thought or kind word to let others know we are sorry for the pain they are suffering.

[@ryanwschmidt]

Craig Ferguson has some of the best monologue's around. Props on this one.

[@wowthungsten]

The guy's a class act. Intelligent and compassionate, he's a credit to his profession.

[@MyHumanLife]

This is why you're awesome Craig. Thanks for being who you are.

[@probate2000]

This is why Craig Furgeson is one of the best....make that IS the best late night television host in America. Thank you Craig for your heart and your words of encouragement and your style and grace. You are the best.

[@hailmary7283]

Craig as a Coloradan who went to a midnight showing, (not the theater which the violence happened) I thought this was the perfect way to handle the situation and you remind me why you are my favorite late night talk show host.

[@LBrobie]

Thanks for that, SIr. Very eloquent and obviously straight from your heart.

[@jakeyjake123abc]

This was well done. Craig you did a very respectful thing by taking out what you thought would be disrespectful. You replaced it with your own thoughts and feelings on the subject and gave your regards to those in Aurora. That was a very honorable, Scots thing to do.

[@ShalkaDoctor]

It's moments like this one are why I love and respect Craig Ferguson.

[@taylor22222222]

This has got to be one of the more heartfelt moments in recent television history; I must say I was taken back a bit when he opened the show with this.

[@27mizukage]

Man out of all the drew Carey shows and this show I have never seen him do serious, but thanks Craig that was awsome of you to do that for them :)

[@TheMizzinator]

I knew I liked watching your shows for a reason, Such an awesome thing for you to say and do.

[@dtvfan15]

Thank You Craig, My favorite host. Well handled at CBS. Good Bless everyone and hope everyone stays safe

[@nonstoprofling]

It was so hard for me to even watch this. Craig is such a great man. I personally have family out in Colorado, and my best friend is moving there soon. So when I heard about the shooting I was devastated. As it happens I don't know anyone that was involved, but my heart truly goes out to all the victims and families and everyone involved. I am so sorry for all the loss and heartbreak caused by this event. I hope nothing but the best for you all, and know that the victims are in a better place.

[@dianamarie3910]

what a truly beautiful person

[@syntonos]

Class act, If you ever saw Craigs opener regarding his battles with alcohol he sets an example on how people with a voice in entertainment should handle these situation. Thank you Craig- your the best.

[@SuperDelamancha]

in a time of mourning sometimes laughter will get us through it. Thank you for always being a proper gent, Craig. You're a great host. Im a fan for life

[@daringdandelion]

I love and appreciate Craig even more after this. He's the only late night show comedian that I bother watching, let alone enjoy. I thought that this was a beautiful move and a more beautiful talk that allows him to express his compassion to those that have been lost and their loved ones. Reading through the comments, I have also gained a respect for Fergufool, who have answered comments with intelligence and eloquence. Thank you.

[@60s70sVintageRock]

Craig is one classy guy...wanting everyone to understand why this particular show was edited. And like many decent human beings, he felt the need to express himself over the horrors of the day. So why are there almost 80 dislikes? Trolls, I'm sure. If this were my post, I'd have disabled the ratings as well, just saying.

[@larrybagby]

well acknowledged and classy. I am impressed with his angle on this. I appreciate him taking a moment to share his feeling we all feel and i do have a deepened respect and admiration for him , i love his sensitivity to life. its what makes a comedian great... a fine line between comedy and tradgedy

[@TheAbstruseOne]

For those wondering why this tragedy deserves a new intro while other tragedies have been addressed through his show, I'd like to remind everyone that sitting next to him on his desk is a TARDIS. Many in the geek/nerd community are hit hard by this as going to midnight screenings is a common occurrence. You can tell it affected Craig just as much as all those who, while not directly affected as the victims and their loved ones, still feel as though this is too close to home.

[@Sodor156]

Craig Ferguson with a "Golden Heart".

[@jamieohjamie]

"I can't talk about it in front of an audience with the skeleton robot" I know he's being serious, but in describing it in that way, his show sounds so goofy.

[@mikeejay63]

I saw this last night, it was on my homepage today so I stopped by to give a TU and say I thought it was a touch of class on Craig's part, and send thoughts and prayers for the victims and families.

[@capitanazul1]

man i've watched craig for about two years so you could say im new to the show but in those two years he's always opened the show with "it's a good day for America" and for the first time he didn't. this was a bad day for America....

[@Dolphinbebe3632]

People always ask me why I like Craig Ferguson. He's not that famous, his guests are at best average, and his show is on past midnight. So why do I go through the trouble of following him? This is why. I watch him because he does something that no one else does on television. He puts himself out there, for everyone to see: pure, raw, and unrelented.

[@jsullivan05]

Grade A Class act this man is. Craig I can't say I watch your show, it's out of sync with my particular schedule, but if by some crazy miracle you read this, I'd like you to know you brought this 25 year old grizzled bouncer to tears. You sir are a gentleman, and I am going to make room in my schedule to start watching your show.

[@dubsteptechhp]

Craig...you're a great guy! Being from Colorado, this was really nice to see before the show.

[@jojoplin2003]

You took the words right out of my mouth.

[@breezin25]

A rarity in television land...an actual sincere public figure speaking from his heart. You can tell he's a great guy. A subtle nod to you Craig!

[@mischieviousbohemian]

His sensitivity is much appreciated. Thank you, Craig.

[@carterbritt327]

Thank you Craig Ferguson, for being one of the best people I someday hope to know!!!

[@Zurassh]

Thanks Craig, I have much respect for you as a comedian but also, as a human being. Well done.

[@customstratguy]

This Ferguson guy shows class, real genuine unrehearsed sympathy and compassion... not seen much in TV land. Hey Craig..... well done man.

[@MinisterAilingTongue]

Craig is an outstanding man.

[@ABSjazz]

Extremely classy and eloquent, Mr. Ferguson. Many kudos to you for doing this.

[@keobeo610]

i can agree to this. I have a rather Celtic family and my dad plans on having a party for his funeral rather than a sad and depressing wake. Why focus on the bad when you can remember the good times you spent with the people you care about.

[@davidnassau3560]

I thought of this video after the shootings yesterday at the Connecticut elementary school. Why do such horrible things keep happening? I can only hope that a change will come soon.

[@assassinscreed00]

The wisdom behind your words is refreshing in this anti-intellectual cesspool we call the Internet. Thank you for being you.

[@pamelasimmons4030]

Thank you for your decency and respect. You should be commended.

[@ThayerCranor]

Craig Ferguson is not only funny, but a good man with a heart, too. He deserves to be famous.

[@wortwortwort42]

Craig Ferguson is my favorite late night talk show host, even more so now. Classy man, he is!

[@viktorcpu]

Such a special person and such a comedy balance in difficult times is unheard of ! Giant of a man!

[@neos1234125]

This is Craig Ferguson. He is on our telly if you want to check out his show. It is the late late show and on fairly late on channel 11 I think.