Crispin Glover on Johnny Carson 5/27/1987

[@REMChicagoBoy]

I like how Carson doesn't make fun of him at all and treats him nicely.

[@elvicare35]

+REMChicagoBoy He's the best there ever was or will be!!!!!

[@MegaNirvanacobain]

Unlike letterman

[@songojune]

It’s interesting to compare this to the infamous letterman interview which took place at same time. His nervousness combines with his intelligent strain of social awkwardness and inevitably becomes the center point of the interview. When pressed gently by Johnny, Crispin actually describes the experience of being on as “confusing”. When confronted by his own awkwardness in the moment, he has trouble responding or moving on. Many say he is intentionally trolling David a la Kaufman but I doubt it.

[@beeslaughter7674]

@michael Let's get real, Trump has nothing to do with this topic...

[@LordHaveMurcielago]

A true showman. Fine example of class.

[@CaptainBlaine]

He was so adorable. I love that Carson treated him with respect. I’m not THAT nervous, but I relate to the “losing my voice” thing when I’m in a high pressure setting.

[@jimmyj3440]

Some jerk yelled losing his mind. Crispen is a dork/nerd with anxiety and actually very intelligent obviously more intelligent than the heckler

[@SAUNITRIES]

I actually find him to be adorable, shy, and hilarious. Lol.

[@andycunningham3740]

Wheter or not it's an act is part of the genius of Crispin. After all here we are 28 years later still talking about his strangeness.

[@JulieRohloff]

Andy Cunningham I agree. I can't get enough. Just so *interesting* which is exactly what he say's he's trying to accomplish in a later interview with Letterman. I don't know if it's real or fake, but it makes for very interesting viewing.... (my life is pretty boring) lol

[@Claptonfan]

and I'm watching in September 2022---Gotta love him.

[@worldsgreatestimpressionis6462]

This was actually a brilliant " performance" by a gifted young a tor who grew to be one of the best ( but under rated).

[@benvad9010]

I’ve seen him in very serious interviews discussing legalities about using his image in shooting Back to the future part II and he was very astute and serious. He’s a performer first and foremost and this is displayed in his act.

[@MasterPerotinus]

If this is a performance, it's absolutely brilliant. If it's genuine, it's a heroic feat by an insane young man. Win either way.

[@RivieraByBuick]

+MasterPerotinus this is not a performance. this was his natural bahaviour, which changed over the years, as it happens to persons like him quite often. Let`s say that now he is almost as usual as most people, this is natural thing, as he lost some of his youth energy.

[@RivieraByBuick]

***** u know nothing about him. get facts and get back u lazy piece of useless shit.

[@whatthe5954]

This isn't true at all. You can look him up talking about it here on youtube.

[@AntonGully]

Andy Kaufman. Got big. People follow?

[@jkoz8821]

johnny carson was far above and beyond the talents of Letterman. it's not even funny. Carson embraced his guests and was accually interested in talking to them no matter how eccentric they may be. this interview went by much more smooth and had much better content than lettermans interviews. letterman basically shuts down if he decides he doesn't like where an interview is going. as you can see carson is so much more personable and gets much more out of his guests. he also doesn't insult them behind there back like letterman who called Crispin glover a loser dork among other things. you can't replace a charismatic guy like carson. R.i.p. johnny carson

[@the1stJZ]

Yeah I'm sure Carson would have been just fine if Glover tried to kick him. He's barely coherent here and it deteriorated with each subsequent...I don't think you can call them interviews. Letterman had him on twice after the arm wrestling and kick fiasco. Letterman tried to get him to explain why he did those things. Both times he began with gibberish and quickly spiralled into childlike drivel.

[@rcsinclair1]

Watch the Conan interview. Conan won’t shut the hell up long enough for Crispin to speak or answer questions.

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

@@the1stJZ Letterman got played. it worked. he got the attention he wouldn't have gotten if he did the interviews "straight".

[@kevinjones8929]

@@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out quit overthinking it. Letterman's charm was treating weirdos like weirdos. He shit all over glover every time he was on the show. Weirdos like you think the weirdo won.

[@mikestevenson576]

@@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out It worked for Letterman too.

[@Serenityindailylife]

Watch this interview after the Letterman interview from 1990, you will understand why some call Johnny the classiest and best host in history. He doesn't take jabs at Mr Glover and truly is professional when his guest is unintelligible. This is what is missing from entertainment today, a sense of professionalism and leaving the jokes to the imagination, he hardly had to say the punchlines, he expected you to use your imagination to come up with them.... I really miss Carson, I grew up sneaking to watch his show and it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my youth.

[@treecibabi12420]

Omg fully agree. Refreshing to read this.

[@josephcalderon906]

How very true indeed! the only talk show host that acts and follows in mr. carson's style is conan o'brien.

[@josephcalderon906]

I mean currently.

[@Serenityindailylife]

conan takes his jabs too and he works too close to the line because its easy to get a laugh from a fart joke. I would say the closest person to Carson is James Lipton from inside the actors studio, but you need to add Leno's charm to him because he's dry.

[@RobertPeru2749]

Phu Vet I'm not sure if that's an accurate analysis. I kind of get the feeling that he's on a bigger stage so he thinks he needs to be a bit more reverant. I actually enjoyed watching the Letterman interview more. Glover felt that he could let loose on Letterman whereas, with Carson he had to be a bit more restrained.

[@whyyyyou]

I remember the first time Crispin Glover was on Johnny Carson. There was a priceless moment when they had to pause for a commercial. Carson introduced a new sponsor, read their slogan and then flubbed the last few words saying "You always get your monkey's worth er, money's worth." Realizing his mistake, Carson laughed at himself; that huge,contagious, booming laugh. God, I miss him.

[@yuriydisman6829]

Johnny was an incredible interviewer!

[@bbcasting]

Johnny Carson was really, really cool.

[@drodriguez3293]

+bbcasting unlike Letterman

[@donnamicci9996]

He had ample opportunities to embarrass Crispin Glover but took the high road. All CLASS!!!!

[@LadyFeverdream]

Johnny Carson was such a great guy. He made Crispin so happy interviewing him. Two amazing men

[@renhoek3851]

Johnny Carson could have a natural genuine conversation with anyone, you don't see it much anymore on talk shows

[@wickerman26]

Johnny was the ultimate pro. Whether Crispin was ""trolling", or just nervous, on drugs, a combination of all, Johnny handled it perfectly and managed to do a ten minute segment with him. Letterman was lost before Crispin even sat down on his show.

[@j4967p]

Hosts actually prefer these enigmatic personalities, they just don't have to work for the audience reaction. Just cater the insanity.

[@mikestevenson576]

Letterman did what was best for his show, Carson did what was best for his show. Different demographics, time periods, sensibilities.

[@smithsb]

Why am I not surprised his favourite movie is Eraserhead

[@AJScraps]

He also went on to work with Lynch which woulda been cool for him

[@jackieboyborden]

I love Crispin in interviews.

[@RaginCajun3]

I love how Crispin Glover is humble enough to be so star struck with Johnny. And love even more how "Johnny had no problem with his eccentricities". That's what was so charming about Johnny, he never left people to hang in their awkwardness. He'd help to relax them and put them at ease.

[@roberthoffhines5419]

i saw this back then, i still find it endearingly sincere

[@sofilaufeyson2554]

I love how Carson doesn’t make fun of Glover, but rather looks perplexed at times when he’s talking.

[@ZER0MACHER]

It does not surprise me the Crisping Lover's favorite movie is "Eraserhead." He's awesome!

[@TheAlexLang]

we're all apart of crispins acid trip

[@AJScraps]

This is a hilariously apt take😂🤣

[@tankhalffull]

Carson was, is and always will be the King.., and Crispin Glover is a great among greats...

[@DAYWALKERK]

I don't believe this is an act. I have seen him doing calmer interviews and yet he still has these traits to some degree. Like everyone else he has different moods. I can relate how he can get excited trying to explain things and the words elude him, especially when your mind races ahead of your ability to communicate it. I have known friends also who have this problem. This has no baring on his acting performance as he already knows what to do, and it is probably a more calming and familiar environment than a chat show. He's awesome. :)

[@whatthe5954]

He talks about the "act' in some interviews. So, perhaps it's him turning up some qualities he already has, but this is chosen. He talks about molding some of his interviews on these shows after a junior high boy he met who looked very much like him.

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

nah. he's doing a conceived bit, for notoriety, and attention he wouldn't get if he did the interviews "straight":

[@srldwg]

​@@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_outI don't believe that for a second. It is him. He is simply not trying to conform to what is expected and isn't hiding his real self. The genuine rawness of it all may have attracted attention, but I really believe he enjoyed the acting, and was extremely uncomfortable in spontaneous, unpredictable interviews. His nerves are real because being contractually obligated to appear on talk shows to promote movies left him no choice. He was genuinely socially awkward and nervous. However, if you read between the lines and fully listen to what he is saying, he has a beautiful, unique way of looking at life, his art, and people.

[@redweathers793]

With the respect a young artist deserves.

[@jackieboyborden]

He's a genius, just not able to talk on talk shows. Understandable. Makes him honest, probably.

[@trcsonic]

I agree with that

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

nah . he's playing everybody, and they fall for it. he's good. watch his recent interviews

[@elvicare35]

Francis Blackwood 2 years ago I love how Crispin Glover is humble enough to be so star struck with Johnny. And love even more how "Johnny had no problem with his eccentricities". That's what was so charming about Johnny, he never left people to hang in their awkwardness. He'd help to relax them and put them at ease. Well said!!!!!

[@josephcalderon906]

Well, he had what many in the business today lacks: courtesy and class!.

[@jaiguru9538]

It was an act. Get your shit together.

[@trevor5O4]

tell me why he shouldnt play "The Joker"

[@ciabones]

Joaquin

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

@@WhatFilmProduction he's playing' , fool. just doing a "performance art" bit. duh. He acted so well he fooled you.

[@Norman-Bates-60]

Heres JOKER !!!!!!

[@alydematti]

I hate how the audience laughs at him when he's trying to speak. I'm sure that only made him more nervous. :(

[@elvicare35]

+Aly Dematti I was thinking the same thing, it was rude or thoughtless!

[@Cahin-ic1ej]

Aly Dematti He was acting ,you dumbass

[@stevenlennon12]

nothing wrong with the audience response..his eccentricities almost demand a response..it doesn't come from a hateful place

[@j4967p]

Artist actors, can be so mental. This guy's manic presence,.. is nuts. But you hang on his every word. Mental brilliance.

[@macroevolve]

Letterman was really immature when he interviewed Glover. Granted, Glover is not the average guest, but Letterman seemed more interested in making fun of Glover.

[@manystar]

He´s gorgeous...i love crispin glover

[@thunderpeel2001]

Hehe. Carson knows he's acting and just goes with it. Nice.

[@JohnnyWalker2001]

***** Watching that video, you can see why he was the king. Effortless.

[@jsmithers.]

***** Conan brought back the craft.

[@tripjet999]

John Smith Conan who?

[@monkeywad8562]

***** The Barbarian.

[@jsmithers.]

Nope. Conan Johnson, my next door neighbor.

[@williamwoodfin4060]

John was a class act! Nothing more to say!!!

[@SleepyRPGsuperCharged]

Joker bit off this heavily lol

[@Billy_Lenz]

You could say that about every scene in that movie. There was nothing original about that movie. It was just a watered down imitation of several other movies.

[@TomDavidMcCauley]

Johnny Carson had a first-rate mind. He read everything and had catholic tastes; you can tell his appreciation for Crispin’s art is genuine. That’s why he could roll with Crispin and Letterman couldn’t. I mean, can you imagine Dave reading a book or going to an art exhibit? Me neither. But Johnny, definitely. He was super fucking cool

[@Billy_Lenz]

River's Edge is one of the most underrated movies of all time. Crispin Glover was great in it!!

[@TT-zi7hi]

Carson. What an old pro.

[@Christian-qu5ye]

I love Chrispin so much! He's like.. My bro.

[@TaladarkieJJ]

I really can't tell if Crispin was just nervous or if it was part of an act or something else, but he's cute and it's not a bad interview despite being a little awkward. :)

[@Nigaromia]

Sandra Bervoets It's an act, he's an actor. People who have never pursued an acting course or career will never understand

[@bryankelly335]

Nigaromia Would you care to enlighten us despite our ignorance , oh great one ..?

[@JulieRohloff]

Nigaromia I think you are probably right on the money here. It certainly makes ME want to watch! If that's the goal, then *good job!*

[@elvicare35]

+Nigaromia Chris Farley was naturally hyper and nervous going on talk shows!!!!!

[@uncletony6210]

I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle, I think Crispin was/is uncomfortable doing stuff like this (as most of us would be), and as a result was very nervous. but, rather than go out and make a fool of himself, he "embraced" his nervousness, if you will, and, took it a step further by making his nerves into a nervous character. Don Knotts, from the Andy Griffith Show, would do the same.

[@celestialhand8544]

I love how Mr. Carson is so respectful. He shows such composure and professionalism. Unlike Letterman's rude arse.

[@joes.949]

Carson had class....

[@twohamburgers]

Carson: "You oughta be here" - I love Crispin, but that just proves Johnny's brilliance with his interaction with guests and commentary

[@totigerus]

my left ear enjoyed this

[@karekorn78]

🤣

[@born2grooveu]

he was great in rivers edge.

[@christinemagee2882]

Johnny was a class act and very respectful, unlike Letterman, who was a condescending ass. Johnny knew how to control an interview.

[@chrishills2427]

They ought to be a documentary about Crispin. A fascinating man and a true acting great

[@BiffJackson-o4i]

Lets not and say we did.

[@buzzlightyear6796]

This was a couple months before his famous letterman appearance

[@govinda102000]

Andy Kaufman-ish. Why must he explain himself. Genius.

[@barfcoswill]

Compare this to Glover's interview around the same time with Letterman, when Glover did an Andy Kaufman like innovation (Letterman's show is the place to do it) but Letterman was cruel, playing an ironic straight-man. Glover seems overwhelmed here but Johnny is a pro, keeps his cool, almost fatherly to Glover.

[@iancurtisspectre3744]

that McFlyboy ain't right... he's right on! and he handled the John frontation beautifully... loves me some Crispy

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Johnny a class act.

[@dadbot4114]

He Makes Toys Like Sid From ToyStory

[@thesoundunit]

HE IS A SHEAR GENIUS -- MEGA UNDERATED

[@olegdepapa]

Its like the Joker on the Murray show

[@Chrisjbennett89]

awww he is so nervous, he is so cute

[@derekcampbell537]

I've seen him on letterman he was the same way.. either he's pulling a type of Andy kofmen .. or he was some kind of hyper active disorder .. I seen a kid on Ted talks he was a genius and 10 years old with for the life of me I can't think of the name of the Condition he had but it reminds me alot of this

[@ulrikemayer6911]

I can't believe that this nervous "voice loosing" guy is the same person who plays Mr. Foster" in 'The Donner Party." I really like Crispin Glover

[@iancurtisspectre3744]

brings to mind memories of the late great Andy Kaufman, crazy kindred spirits

[@whitewitchoz]

What a great actor...his character was bad ass in The River's Edge.

[@elvicare35]

+whitewitchoz I like his reaction when he lost the game, when he was planning something sinister, no wonder he thought it was a funny scene!

[@lucienrising]

Oh my god I love him. so. much.

[@alexkx8599]

Wow! Thank you so much FatEarth88! He was hot! :) I've never seen that before or knew his history with The Nazz!

[@farikiraff]

Crispin Glover is 100% Comedian and enjoy to fool people around. most of people don't realize that (Remember Joaquin Phoenix when created de "hip hop character" and most people believed he was real).

[@olegdepapa]

he was perfect in Where the Heart is 1990 as a fashion designer

[@GuitarWithBrett]

Crispy

[@elvis316]

Johnny was the best.

[@ChichOOC3lin3]

i love crispin !!!

[@Texturas75]

He's just like his character George McFly in the 50's! Totally adorable!

[@candythompson9863]

Adorable!

[@toekick1]

Johnny is great.

[@rschmidt9495]

"I am your density"

[@straycatttt2766]

Wonder if Crispin was an influence years later for the nervous Chris Farley SNL interview of Paul McCartney?

[@GlobalTubeTruth]

"Do you know your name??" - Uh, well... um... yeah, um... ha ha ha, ummmm.... he, um, what?, Um he he, umm... ha. My name?? Oh, ha, yeah, um... uh, well... hahaha... um... haha, um....

[@olegdepapa]

um yeah..."what do you think it is?"

[@meiyeelee7064]

When I was his age, I don't know what am I doing exactly.

[@trcsonic]

Black to the future

[@christopherseat9871]

"RIVERS EDGE" is a very good movie. Based on true events.

[@rudygracia5573]

Seems like he's STILL in Back to the future character!

[@davidmerlin3344]

If they ever remake “One Flew Over the Koo Koos Nest” he would make a great character!

[@MissChupacabra]

Crispin is the best

[@vezner]

It’s like watching Joaquin Phoenix in Joker!

[@DeclanTKatt]

Classy interview.

[@kentjosemateo]

Well said

[@deadstrider]

Eraserhead! Yesssssssssssssssssss

[@RobertEllis-e7p]

Im a headcase, too. But. Unfortunately I wasn't born in LA. If I were, maybe I could be a rich actor and appear on the Tonight Show!

[@chrisarseneault5617]

He is definitely on something. I don't know what it is but it is affecting him

[@brevardpro1655]

I want that music box 😍

[@legasiguy551]

This was before the Letterman appearance. I guess he was filming Rubin and Ed at this time based on the hair. (Rubin and Ed was "in the can" for six years before it was released.")

[@kyaraluna]

wow never seen this!!

[@SaintsIV]

Thanks for posting this. Do u have his other appearance on the show?

[@sifugurusensei]

I wonder if Crispin did a pre interview for this show or letterman. I thought that was the standard in appearing on talk shows.

[@TJ-di1iq]

Sorry but I think he's very eccentric and intelligent with a touch of LSD.

[@Ladeliciadelinda]

Reminds me of how Lea Thompson was saying she went to his apartment and it was all black.

[@RandRandolph]

when glover went on letterman... what the fuck? dude tripped me out so bad.

[@Themilkmanskid.]

The art piece: I think that is what a caged animal in waiting would feel like.

[@REMChicagoBoy]

My boyfriend and I want him to do a Comic Con so badly…

[@adamwmichaels]

Go check out his website. He is touring the country on a very underground circuit. Far more personal than ANY comic con experience. It will be one of the most intriguing experiences or your life. I just went last night. Amazing.

[@REMChicagoBoy]

adamwmichaels He was here LAST NIGHT. DAMN. :-(

[@drainmudvayne27]

he is me when im just getting started on my 4th bourbon, talk to much and to quick, nothing wrong with that, give the guy a break..... oh this was 35 years ago..... yeah give the guy a break. ; )

[@JesseWright68]

I thought it was Paula Poundstone.

[@by2004]

he can't really be like that can he? i mean even with the letterman shows he did and the weird characters played on screen is it really possible? or is it just an act like the whole joaquin phoenix thing from a few years ago. i think glover is a genius in his own right. i guess i'm just repeating other people's thoughts here. anyway if you go to the 2nd letterman interview he did those art pieces he brought out were kinda cool.

[@jedijones]

The pieces were very disturbing. It shows this guy is not normal.

[@WheresPoochie]

I knew a peer who started out normal but would get attention and admiration through eccentric behaviour. He would then devolve to a point where that’s how he would add all the time and then, with the addition of gloves and bad influencers, he got stuck in that habit. I think he is now a homeless harri krishna (if I recall correctly). Humans are weird creatures.

[@sorcerybird]

Crispin Glover & Gore Vidal. Please tell me the rest of this show is online somewhere

[@chrism76]

I don't think he's weird, he's Acting weird.

[@DarkNemesis4300]

That dude is barking mad

[@meiyeelee7064]

Still don't know now?

[@jacov127]

glover is so cute