Kevin Pollak Does Woody Allen, William Shatner, and Columbo | Carson Tonight Show

[@TraitofSiNN727]

Kevin Pollak still does the best William Shatner. ever.

[@donmoore7785]

Brilliant. These Carson clips are gold, and bring me back to my youth. He was such an entertainer.

[@bentorres4620]

Agreed 💯 percent!!

[@289cobra9]

Today's late night talk shows are garbage.

[@ricmatteson225]

I miss Johnny. Pollack had me in tears with the Arthur bit. Great stuff.

[@JeffRebornNow]

Carson was at his best with comedians. He truly enjoyed introducing new comedians and helping kick start careers. He was very generous in that regard.

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

Columbo was the best. That eye movement was unbelievable.

[@JoeLibby]

I can do it a little bit, but it's not comfortable. I guess you have to do it enough to get used to it.

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

@@JoeLibby And hope you don't get permanently stuck looking like that. lol

[@ms-vv2gg]

fact is Falk doesn't really do that eye twitch - artistic license

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

@@ms-vv2gg I guess it's harder to do when your DEAD.

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

@@ms-vv2gg In all seriousness though, Falk's eye twitch obviously wasn't quite that bad. It's funnier though when people like Pollak take mannerisms or quirks to the extreme.

[@victorblock3421]

The Peter Falk impression was great.

[@jamesfeldman4234]

I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Kevin Pollack at a San Diego Movie Theater. He was promoting a comedy film premiering there that he directed called "The Late Bloomer" (2016). The film disappointed many movie-goers, but I found it very funny and also touching. Kevin was a delight to talk to and was down-to-earth.

[@PaulinaAngel]

Nothing beats a really great Peter Falk impression, Kevin Pollack totally brought it

[@poetcomic1]

I wish he had done his Jimmy Stewart Waiter - that was my FAVORITE.

[@kenchristie9214]

Did you notice the second time Kevin did it, only the left eyed moved.

[@tomlemery8490]

@@kenchristie9214 He actually did it the first time too. Might have been hard to notice.

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

Your point?

[@689steve]

I worked at a liquor store in South San Francisco in the early 70's. Kevin delivered beer to us. He would always do his Colombo impression for me which was really funny because the name of the store was Colombo's Liquors.

[@jaymercha3859]

The Columbo glass eye was fantastic.

[@wddub9075]

The more of the Carson clips I watch the more I realize it’s Carson’s laugh and reactions that I enjoy in these exchanges. He had a great laugh, especially when someone breaks him up.

[@crusheverything4449]

Carson is The King. Nobody else in late night is even in the same universe.

[@BrokeTheSeal]

Conan

[@davidhutchinson5233]

If Johnny called you over, the next day you were in show business.

[@ayokay123]

I wonder if it's because he focused on his guests instead of himself? ;) Helloooooo, Fallon. :(

[@johnmc3862]

😂😂😂

[@thohangst]

@@BrokeTheSeal case in point. Nah, Conan is good enough, in his way, to be in the same universe. I'd allow it. He plays off the guests very well and has the empathy. Wow, I came around to your side, glad we had this discussion.

[@tycamtyson]

Kevin pollak is the best this guy is a great entertainer. I watch what ever he do

[@mxbishop]

I think Pollack was the first to do Shatner. Nailed it completely.

[@ltcolumbo9708]

Wow....Johnny really loved Kevin's Columbo So happy this happened

[@dominics6405]

the Columbo impression was perfect! 😂

[@tvb1020]

Pollack is a gem. Very underrated. He had some great lines in The Usual Suspects and knocked them out of the park

[@petermcdonald6299]

Totally! "I don't know...F your father in the shower and have a snack?"

[@monty3534]

His Woody Allen impression had me in tears from laughter. Kevin is BRILLIANT with his comedy skills.

[@DesertRockfall]

Peter Falk once walked up to Kevin and asked him, "How do you do that thing with your eye?".

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Ha! Clever.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Some of Pollack’s impressions - esp Peter Falk - were second to none.

[@billyeveryteen7328]

It's mostly drowned out by both Carson and the audience's laughter, but you can hear Kevin say "That's what he said when I met him!" when Carson asks him how he does the eye thing.

Check Kevin out on the Rich Eisen show... hilarious stories about Jack Nicholson on "A Few Good Men"... it's on KZbin.

[@LQOTW]

I have loved this man's work for many years. What talent and legit acting chops, too.

[@TheClonemenot]

I've heard it said that "no one does a William Shatner impression. They do an impression of Kevin Pollack doing a William Shatner impression". High praise.

[@malcolmdrake6137]

His Shatner wasn't very good.

[@stevescofield7806]

@@malcolmdrake6137 His Shatner is decent. Better than any others that I've heard.

[@hankkingsley2976]

Just like back in the day. Nobody did a Harry Caray impression. They did Will Ferrell doing Harry Caray.

[@hankkingsley2976]

@@stevescofield7806 Oh, come on, ensign Ricky on Family Guy was pretty good.

[@stevescofield7806]

@@hankkingsley2976 Consider me chagrined.

[@surebrec5113]

His Columbo is spot on.

[@thomastrout9997]

Part of the appeal is Johnny Carson enjoying the talent. It was always a good night when John laughed at the comedian or the guest or both. When Johnny was happy all of Stage 1 was happy.

[@cahg3871]

Johnny let the guests be the stars of the show,he was just along for the ride.The late night hosts of today are more concerned with making political jokes or hogging the camera.

[@TRockett55IRISH]

When late night shows were actually good . Johnny Carson was simply the greatest.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

No comparing anyone to Johnny.

[@poweraccountabilityleague6877]

We know who has been trying to kill comedy for over 50 years, and they are close to succeeding.

[@Gman6755]

Late night TV now is unwatchable. Fallon, Kimmel the rest, a bunch of lightweights and not even funny..

[@briankane3905]

I grew up watching Johnny. He was the greatest. Now, it's not talk shows but bitch fests with bad forced comedy and fake laughter.

[@jonhohensee3258]

Trevor - You are a bore.

[@leemcintyre9490]

This was the PIVOTAL interview for Kevin. He was in The heart of The Hollywood Machine with this interview! If you could Make Johnny Laugh, you were in! And with That Peter Faulk impression!?? Johnny liked that so Much, he Asked Kevin to do it Again! 🤣😂 Too Funny! 🤣

[@douglasmcintyre3297]

That's what I call nailing your shot on Carson.

[@alphabeets]

Man, these uploads look GREAT!

[@ghanasoul]

If you’re making Johnny laugh, you’re doin it right. I always liked Kevin. He’s smart for goin the movie route. A lame sitcom would’ve never shown his talents. Glad to see him on Marvelous Miss Maisel.

[@swskitso]

He actually turned down an appearance before he ever went on carson. He says he was invited on to do a 5 minute set as many stand ups do but he said he wanted to wait until he could be a guest on the couch because it would be better for the audience to watch the banter.

[@ghanasoul]

mike dutdut oh ok. Didn’t know u could decide whether u do the panel or do stand up.

[@swskitso]

You cant decide really. But those on the panel are generally promoting something so he couldnt be on panel until he had a movie or tv show to promote. He turned down his first invite saying he wanted to be on panel but knew he needed something to promote so he would rather wait till he earned his spot on the panel.

[@RoadCone411]

His best movie was definitely A Few Good Men, ironically not a comedy.

[@swskitso]

@@RoadCone411 you mean his best role? Cause i think willow and the usual suspects are both superior movies.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

I love Kevin's William Shatner.

[@JoseHerrera-vs8nv]

Johnny Carson made stars ; Jimmy Fallon has guests.

[@marmaly]

Fallon is not even close to the greatness of Carson in terms of modesty, personality and interview skills . No one has come close to having the full package that Johnny had. He had his personal faults but his professionalism is unmatched.

[@dusthue]

Jose Herrera 👍🏻

[@DanielDemers]

I dont really watch jimmy but he is pretty good. But you nailed it.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

And a drinking problem

[@masoodvoon8999]

TV isn't what it used to be is part of it.

[@marksolarz3756]

A gifted man! Fantastic in Grumpy Old men!

[@johnfoster4244]

Kevin should be a household name. Besides impersonations, he can do any genre...from comedy to heavy drama.

[@SuburbanSavage]

100% agree!

[@rtflone]

Kevin Pollack was brilliant at everything from comedy to impressions to drama. He was underappreciated for sure but not underrated. Not trying to be a smartass just saying underrated and underappreciated are different words with meanings..

[@patriciarichards7273]

I couldn't agree more. Kevin is very versatile in that respect

[@jimperry4108]

Long time Carson fan. Since the 70s as a kid. THANK YOU FOR HAVING A PLUTO TV CHANNEL! That and Carol Burnett are pure magic for nostalgics. Leave the problems of the world outside. :)

[@brendameyer4976]

I just discovered this video. Old school humor,love it!

[@انت-صلي-عالنبي-بس]

Ohhh .. I Really Miss Those Golden Simple Days 💙💚💜

[@samsoncrosswood7259]

That’s pretty cool. Carson says, “Do that again!” You do Columbo again.

[@mikecrider8478]

His Columbo kills me every time.

[@stevenstanicki2289]

I saw Kevin Pollack at Rooster T. Feathers in San Jose. It was Christmas time 1985. He read Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with all those characters. Awesome.

[@TralfazConstruction]

What a time. I feel privileged to have lived through it.

[@kevinobrien2735]

Don't see many great impressionist these days. It's a great talent, And hilarious.

[@AnomieTrain]

It's interesting to see Pollak's early impression of Shatner because he has absolutely perfected it now.

[@greglapointe1311]

Johnny was the ultimate late night host. He was funny, polite and seemed genuinely concerned in what his guests would have to say. Not to mention he was very talented himself. His Carson Arts Players and his Carnac bits were funny.

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

It was the Mighty Carson Art Players

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

And a curious man. He really liked having on interesting people he could learn something from. And Nova Scotia where I live was mentioned too, over the years. Tony Randall did a play at Neptune Theatre.

[@jnnx]

Johnny was a rude drunk who was insufferable when he wasn’t on screen…

[@barniaburton1205]

The very best.❤

[@johnmc3862]

And nervous! 😂😂😂

[@catnekokotyonok5180]

Absolutely timeless! If I had not seen the date of broadcast, it could have passed for. .. recently? Johnny Carson was a real class act. You just don't get that anymore. ✌ & ❤ from 🐱

[@mark83175]

His argument with Demi Moore in “A Few Good Men”, and his talk with Tom Cruise after Cruise gets drunk and practically throws the trial, left an impression on me to this day.

[@dttruman]

Everyday of the week and twice on Sunday!

[@keitheglinton7565]

"I strenuously object..."

[@mark83175]

@@keitheglinton7565 how do you object to a subjective personal experience?

[@keitheglinton7565]

Re: his reply to her objection in court "strenuously".

[@mark83175]

@@keitheglinton7565 I get the reference. Using it in reply to my personal experience still doesn’t make sense though.

[@yuljohnsoj5602]

Kevin pollack is absolute talent,if i could ever afford it id definitely go see him in concert which he is presently in the process of doing.

[@BenTaylorAttorney]

What a great start to a great career ... love these guys ... Johnny was so generous ... making room

[@OGdadpool]

His Peter Falk is amazing

[@cosmicallyspeaking871]

Very underrated actor! Loved him in " The Usual Suspects "

[@robb1761]

Few good men

[@auntiesemite9295]

@@robb1761 ZERO good men.

[@kevinmoore4887]

Very good actor. A Few Good Men and Usual Suspects are just outstanding movies. I read during the lineup scene, they went off script and angered the director, but it was so good he had to use it.

[@auntiesemite9295]

@@kevinmoore4887 Apparently one of them kept farting during the lineup but I don't recall which one.

[@kevinmoore4887]

@@auntiesemite9295 LOL. it was the over the top reading of the line. But considering they were playing a bunch of who gives a rats ass criminals, it fit.

[@johnking5174]

2:35 - When you hear the sound of Carson's laugh like this one here, you knew you were on to a winner and he liked your comedy work. When Johnny belly laughed out loud, was the one thing every comedian and comedy performer wanted to hear.

[@davidhutchinson7888]

His shatner is unbeatable

[@md-uf8kq]

Love Kevin Pollak on Johnny Carson!

[@kendawa2918]

Johnny Carson was amazing

[@dangeroreilly2028]

I really enjoyed his Dudley Moore as "Arthur" but that would be lost on many young people today.

[@fiandrhi]

I got it, and I'm a youngster of only 54.

[@jimdavis2385]

Kind of shows how quickly fame fades when life or the spotlight ends.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

@@jimdavis2385 or when somebody has been dead for almost 20 years...

[@christopherchamberland7321]

They recently had the entire country carpeted..this is not a big place

[@crikker9447]

Same with reverend Jim ignatowski from taxi

[@MrDarrelln64]

One of my favorite comedians. He is one of the greatest of all time! So funny😄

[@derrickludwig]

Miss you Johnny !!

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Amazing impersonation of Peter Falk especially the eyeball movement ! 🤪😅

[@rjkral]

Heck you can’t beat that first impression!! Above and beyond!!!😂😂👍

[@makj1229]

I miss Johnny so bad.

[@davefordavefor]

Kevin Pollack is AMAZING!!! He even does Peter Falk’s eye thing. That is incredible. He was very good in Angel from Hell with Jane Lynch and he’s also great in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

[@joe-vz6hx]

has long been under appreciated IMO - not just a great impressionist but comedian and actor

[@danafriedman]

Wow! Best Woody Allen ever! Not overdone...just...perfect!

[@photo161]

I enjoyed the brilliantly talented Kevin Pollak greatly, especially his Woody. An easily overlooked aspect of his performance, because the impersonation is so funny, is the writing, which is terribly clever, way more intelligent than is typically used in impersonations

[@davidwolf226]

LOL... I'd forgotten just how really funny he is.

[@BeausQuest]

I will never get how he does that with his eyes. Remarkable.

[@Dick_Dawson_Rad]

If you can cross your eyes it is not hard at all. First cross your eyes, which Kevin does in this scene. Then look left. Then cross your eyes again. The effect is the right stays centered midline but the left eye moves side to side. It is really most effective when you start cross eyed then look left, back to cross-eyed, then right. Then repeat. It gives the appearance of your eyes independently bouncing from side to side. Mind you, the world will be a blur for you during your performance.

[@johnfoster4244]

This guy is one of the all time underrated. He can do serious as well as comedy

[@jnnx]

Your mom is one of the all time underrated, SON!

[@blackbird5634]

Why did he get passed over after A Few Good Men? The role should have been a vehicle to bigger things.

[@johnfoster4244]

@@blackbird5634 Very good question. "Casino" as well.

[@captcorajus]

Carson was a fairly accomplished impressionist himself, and thus was always in awe of the extremely talented ones like Pollak.

[@deedeegreen8338]

Johnny dressed as Willie Nelson, one time and sang with Julio Iglesias, he looked and sounded exactly like Willie.

[@mjcruiser4238]

I saw an interview with Kevin where he recalled that night and cracking up Carson being one of his career highlights!

[@christopherscroggin1236]

Just marvelous!

[@presto709]

That's got to be rare. Carson asking a comedian to do a voice again.

[@pbailey232]

I'm sure that Rich Little has been asked again by Johnny. He's had Rich on his show many, many times and that's the same thing.

[@StarRiders100]

@@pbailey232 Yes, and among Rich Little's many imitations, he did an imitation of Johnny Carson right on the Johnny Carson show. He had Carson in stitches.

[@tonym994]

Johnny seemed a bit distracted, as he missed KP's mention of his home town. SF. he's usually very sharp. that Shatner is spot on.

[@straycatttt]

Tony M , agreed. Carson also asked Kevin how he’s doing twice in 15 seconds early on.

[@headshotsongs9465]

About half a dozen times. Very rare.

[@jeffreytaylor3031]

We need more of Kevin doing Jim from Taxi!

[@leegreene5148]

the follow-up with Jim is what kills after Columbo. Great timing 🔥

[@drussthelegend3919]

Haha Christopher loyd was spot on.

[@jaywilley955]

Excellent.

[@RTH-xo6gl]

Carson was the King!

[@boxcarwillie167]

One of my all time favorite actors! Master impressionist too.

[@Vaderd2k926]

When the Tonight Show was the Tonight Show. Not Hollywood game night.

[@ChirpyMike]

It was funny back then. Now....garbage.

[@fiandrhi]

Oh please. Who are you? They'll be writing biographies of Whoopi when your grandchildren can't even recall your name.

[@gizzyguzzi]

When it was Late Night TV. Not Hate Night TV.

[@crikker9447]

You spelled Lame wrong

[@sun622]

@@fiandrhi It will the first one page biography.

[@mrbrianmccarthy]

Jesus this guy is good. Amazed.

[@hyacinthlynch843]

Best Shatner & Falk impressions ever. Pollack is great.

[@davidlofdahl2875]

that was incredible.

[@headshotsongs9465]

His Kirk impression is at the top of them.

[@KevyNova]

God, I remember watching this the night it aired. I’m old. ☹️

[@erict.5724]

That's awesome 🤣

[@hizgrase]

Me too

[@stevenknefelkamp6514]

No you're not Kevy but this crazy ass world is making you feel it.

[@jamesedwards2237]

I'm 65 years and still feel young, most days...

[@drdr76]

Didn't realize he was so talented. Great impressions!

[@directedby100]

I loved how Johnny often really reacts to a guest, surprised, amazed, appreciative. Seeing his reaction underlines my own reaction. That really brings alive what the guest presents. It's such a contrast to all the current hosts who sit back & don't get involved, look detached, laugh & just move on. I'd never realized at the time how enjoyable Johnny's reaction would become in retrospect. The Scottish host has the same quality of humility & curiosity & self-effacing hilarity. Pollack does Shatner so well. No one else does Shatner, I'd not realized how many pauses & ticks & mannerisms he had. It really brings the show to mind. He was a Shakespearean actor for years in Canada, & that expressiveness helped the show, kept it from becoming an SF soap.

[@kateromney4418]

Kevin & Larry Miller together had me in tears. Both totally underestimated!

[@theearl1477]

Not only does he do great impressions Kevin doesn't get enough credit for how good an actor he is.

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Always liked Kevin in whatever role he played. Never knew he was such a talented impressionist.

[@ultramaximusreviews]

The golden age of talk shows

[@rogerdorn38]

His Shatner is legendary.

[@TroyConvers5000]

His Shatner is...OK. Nothing special.

[@asifkhan4822]

Kevin Pollak's impressions are amazing his Peter Falk as Columbo is spot on.

[@markw3598]

.... as WHO!?!?!?!

[@jwh475ezc]

In the late 70s I was at a house party in San Jose and the host called everyone's attention and announced that he had a treat for us, a comedian friend of his was there and would like to do his routine for us. It was Kevin and he did the famous actor football huddle and actors doing current commercials. The latter iirc was impromptu upon request. He was great, we were rolling.

[@fiandrhi]

Simply great.

[@bindig1]

Hahahahaha! Columbo's crazy eye. LOL

[@BolofromAvlis]

I loved his podcast. you can still find reruns of it on KZbin. His episodes with Bill Hader is probably the best.

[@toddentenman]

That is the best Columbo impression you will ever see.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

Carson's reaction here is what made him great...i see none of this today...he did not joke to make himself the spotlight after Kevin's routine but enjoyed the success of his guest...sorely missing today. Letterman never learned this from the master...humility goes a long way and it demonstrates confidence and security...you are on MY show and I am secure in who I am...so now you can shine! We wont see another Johnny....

[@krisscanlon4051]

Pollak must of been in heaven with this memory

[@Clayjon-z3c]

When its all said & done, Kevin to me is the best at impressions

[@jameshughes6049]

When you made Johnny laugh like that you knew you've made it.

[@MattmanLovesMusic]

Just fantastic!

[@markkeneson6806]

He was really funny as a Brownie in Willow as Johnny Carson mentioned during his introduction.

[@ictpilot]

They need to have every one he does impressions of on the stage at the same time.