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

Kevin Pollak Does Impressions of Woody Allen, William Shatner and Columbo on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Original Airdate: 10/19/1988
#JohnnyCarson #TheTonightShow #KevinPollak

[@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! 🤣

[@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.

[@ltcolumbo9708]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@dominics6405]

the Columbo impression was perfect! 😂

[@ricmatteson225]

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

[@jaymercha3859]

The Columbo glass eye was fantastic.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@monty3534]

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

[@mxbishop]

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

[@mikecrider8478]

His Columbo kills me every time.

[@CurrentlyOnLV-426]

Making Mr. Carson laugh goes on your resume.

[@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

[@douglasmcintyre3297]

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

[@samsoncrosswood7259]

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

[@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?"

[@victorblock3421]

The Peter Falk impression was great.

[@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.

[@jeffreytaylor3031]

We need more of Kevin doing Jim from Taxi!

[@kevinobrien2735]

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

[@TraitofSiNN727]

Kevin Pollak still does the best William Shatner. ever.

[@OGdadpool]

His Peter Falk is amazing

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

I love Kevin's William Shatner.

[@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.

[@makj1229]

I miss Johnny so bad.

[@lcaceci43]

Very talented guy!

[@tycamtyson]

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

[@user-nw6qp1ki2n]

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

[@marksolarz3756]

A gifted man! Fantastic in Grumpy Old men!

[@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.

[@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.

[@kendawa2918]

Johnny Carson was amazing

[@SweetChicagoGator]

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

[@ultramaximusreviews]

The golden age of talk shows

[@RTH-xo6gl]

Carson was the King!

[@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 🐱

[@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.

[@davidwolf226]

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

[@rogerdorn38]

His Shatner is legendary.

[@mrbrianmccarthy]

Jesus this guy is good. Amazed.

[@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.

[@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.❤

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@brendameyer4976]

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

[@bindig1]

Hahahahaha! Columbo's crazy eye. LOL

[@AnomieTrain]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@MrDarrelln64]

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

[@MattmanLovesMusic]

Just fantastic!

[@TralfazConstruction]

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

[@hifispock]

That Shatner impression is hilarious 2:16

[@sandywheeze3505]

Love your hamster!!🐹♥

[@fiandrhi]

Simply great.

[@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. :)

[@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...

[@toddentenman]

That is the best Columbo impression you will ever see.

[@jameshughes6049]

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

[@md-uf8kq]

Love Kevin Pollak on Johnny Carson!

[@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.

[@theearl1477]

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

[@headshotsongs9465]

His Kirk impression is at the top of them.

[@barrygioportmorien1]

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

[@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.

[@ictpilot]

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

[@hyacinthlynch843]

Best Shatner & Falk impressions ever. Pollack is great.

[@kateromney4418]

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

[@markkeneson6806]

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

[@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

[@kenbrownfield6584]

Best Peter Falk impression ever !

[@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.

[@austinteutsch]

Pollack is a good actor, too.

[@abrahamfroman246]

He was so good in “The Usual Suspects” ... dies at the MacGuffin

[@BenTaylorAttorney]

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

[@deanladue3151]

Pollack's impressions are amazing! (and very funny!!😂) he could give Rich Little a run for his money!

[@drdr76]

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

[@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.

[@rjkral]

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

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

That Shatner is great. Taking away the comical arm movements and slightly exaggerated cadence the actual sound of his voice was spot on.

[@robertmiller3381]

He is really funny.

[@russellbrown1068]

Pollacks “Walken” is Spot On.

[@DangerousDavies2008]

Good impressionist fair play. Never seen a good Colombo before.

[@earnestblofeld7905]

Ed Begley Jr.

[@zq9m3xh8]

Saw him live at Rascals comedy club in Jersey back in the early 2000's. He brought the house down. Hilarious.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Oh man....I haven't laughed this hard in a while.

[@crash8563]

Pollak does THE BEST Christopher Walken impersonation

[@johnnyhammer]

@phosphorescent wave Walken the park.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

@@johnnyhammer I'LL KILL A PUNNER!!!

[@rosshewage6893]

Actually, he originated it - Walken got it from him. His Woody, on the other hand, was the weakest of the bunch. Probably not his best go.

[@boxcarwillie167]

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

[@DigitalOrigami]

Reverend Jim FTW! :D

[@gibreys23]

Funny thing about Johnny Carson being so entertained by the Columbo impression is that Johnny played Columbo in a parody sketch back in 1975. Hilarious 😂.