Paul Shaffer Talks 'SNL,' 'Blues Brothers,' and 'Seinfeld' | The Big Interview

Legendary showman Paul Shaffer talks with Dan Rather about his time working with artists like Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner on ‪@SaturdayNightLive‬, how he got a call to star on ‪@SeinfeldTV‬ , and more on The Big Interview!
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#snl #seinfeld #letterman

[@MrYatesj1]

Paul is, was and will always be The Man. A musical genius and one hell of a good guy!

[@richardhoff1626]

I was at Nick and Val's new place and he didn't say hello when I greeted him. Still kind of stings.

[@willymaykit1482]

Musical genius ?? 🤣😂.

[@fwfulton]

I was fortunate to see Gilda's show at the Winter Garden Theatre, not opening night but a few days later. It was wonderful, and I must say Paul's loyalty is to be commended. It ended up working out for the best, David Letterman.

[@leinie6683]

I always wondered why he wasnt in the Blues Brothers movie. Now I know he was keeping his word to Gilda. Good for him !

[@torontorox]

sticking with Gilda is integrity ✌🧡

[@tonykramer949]

Belushi had a certainly type of personalitie that his friends won't divulge because he passed, but had very little respect for women in his profession.

[@torontorox]

@@tonykramer949 so offering a job to a guy to tick off a woman? grow up!

[@TigerPalmer]

Paul Shaffer has been 60 years old for the past 40 years.

[@ManfromJapan12]

Yep. My first thought was that he hadn't aged a bit. Lucky bugger

[@krimke881]

😅😅so true

[@Rob_Kates]

He's an ageless cat.

[@xtrachrisb488]

That's what's Going bald does for your. Look at Doctor phil, he's been sixty for forty years, too

[@fastica]

Being bald makes you look old when you’re young and young when you’re old.

[@markmcmyn8967]

Paul Shaffer turns up everywhere. He was on a Joe Bonamassa's blues cruise. Ray charles in New Orleans.He was having a blast playing Jessica, with the Allman Brothers Band on Letterman.

[@jerryziegner]

I loved watching Letterman in the 80s. Dave and Paul were so funny. Gosh. Good times.

[@CatStanleySpaceDemon]

Thanks for not calling Jerry back. Jason Alexander as Costanza is LEGENDARY

[@banditjones3632]

Simply thanks Paul.

[@StevenMichels]

What a career. Smart, funny, and a decent guy. I'd love to jam with him!

[@pete5534]

‘This is Spinal Tap’ is perhaps the most clever film ever made. The cast is vast, the wit is razor sharp, and the scenarios oddly probable - a masterpiece.

[@ricksegal3065]

Love Dan Rather's interviews.

[@sveerdlov1917]

Luckily I saw the Gilda Show with Paul and 'Father Guido Sarducci' in Boston.

[@garygaden1130]

he should be in the r & r hall of fame.

[@scottbrower9052]

No, he shouldn't. No original talent.

[@Look_What_I_Did]

You can't even be bothered to type out or even capitalize... and you expect to be taken seriously?

[@jb888888888]

He and the CBS Orchestra were the house band for the Hall of Fame ceremony for years.

[@Look_What_I_Did]

@@jb888888888 So?

[@Little-Larry777]

The Hall of Fame is meaningless.

[@kevinstaggs5048]

The Shiv is one hell of a musician. Thanks to Letterman he has played with all the greatest musicians in the business.

[@MrYatesj1]

Artie…Artie Fufkin? Is that you!! :-)

[@maxiegrobner9018]

If anybody had a knack for being in the right place at the right time it’s Mr. Show biz.

[@ronwade5433]

Yeah!

[@charleskadletc2431]

I agree with Mr Yates, Paul is the greatest EVER eish i had him as a music teacher

[@Alsam]

Probably the only guy that can use the word cat in a sentence and it still sounds cool

[@mrman487]

For me, Paul playing the Harmonica on Train of Consequences for Megadeth on the Dave Letterman showed he's got the chops to do anything.

[@yeswab57]

I remember that! Blistering!

[@SaintMartins]

*TV & Stage career as Musical Director* Godspell 1974 Saturday Night Live 1975 - 1980 Late Night/Show with David Letterman 1982 - 2015 *His own solo album projects* Coast To Coast (1989) The World's Most Dangerous Party (1993) Paul Shaffer & The Worlds Most Dangerous Band (2017) *Acting or music appearances in Film & TV* Gilda Live ! (1980) This Is Spinal Tap (1984) Scrooged (1988) Look Who's Talking Too (1990) Disney's Hercules (1997) voice/animation Blues Brothers 2000 (2000) Schitt's Creek (2015) TV series 1 episode *Appearances on other Artists albums* Robert Plant's Honeydrippers - volume 1 (1981) Diana Ross - silk electric (1982)

[@hellion7514]

Paul’s missed out on so much, yet he’s still had an incredible career spanning 50+ years. That’s success!

[@frankie3041]

Don’t worry, Paul. I think you did alright! 👍

[@esasoftware1900]

Paul Shaffer has a level 10 cranium. Wow. It puts Lex Luthor to shame. No wonder he's a genius.

[@alexander3543]

He didn’t know that Jerry had a secret weapon - Larry David

[@angie2017]

Man missing out on a show about nothing must have really hurt. Poor Paul.

[@gardenlover9663]

I love Seinfeld, but, for me, nothing tops I Love Lucy. A staple of my childhood.

[@dougfairchild7048]

YES!!! Seinfeld is a staple in our house. I have never enjoyed a TV show more. BUT, I Love Lucy is the most important and groundbreaking sitcom in TV history. Lucy is the platform for on which shows like Seinfeld and Friends are built!

[@brianglade848]

Fred Mertz and his high pants

[@gardenlover9663]

@@brianglade848 lol

[@OlesonMD]

As great as "Seinfeld" was, "Frasier" was better.

[@gardenlover9663]

@@OlesonMD I love Frasier, too. My favorite line is the one about poi ramekins.

[@grawakendream8980]

paul has been 53 years old for the last 40 years

[@Claude_van]

Good name dropping 👍🏾

[@PeteLX]

Which 'little part' was Paul going to play in The Blues Brothers? My bet is on the cheeze-wiz guy.

[@Little-Larry777]

Artie Fufkin? He finally made the big time! Good for Artie!

[@brianglade848]

In tbe mid 80s, Paul didnt own, or have a home, he spent so much time at cocaine fueled parties, he crashed at whatever house he partied at, went to work, then straight ro another party, tgat ladted until the early 90s

[@maddymud]

“a cameo?” Artie Fufkin is no cameo! Kick my ass!

[@dr.roberts4508]

Paul the Shive Shaffer

[@eddyspecter]

He is starting to sound like Doctor Detroit.

[@lenmessi27]

Back when people had substance,not the self censored ,sanitized garbage you have on late nigth television nowadays

[@tonykramer949]

God does late night television suck, and they make millions, dumbing down of society.

[@tonyfair487]

Wow, he really talks like that. I always did like this groovy cat.

[@runwillrobinson]

It is good to hear Paul, but hard to overlook the creep across the table.

[@roberts3741]

I find that Seinfeld story incredibly hard to believe. We are supposed to think that he would be George? No way. Maybe he was considered for like 10 seconds but no way did they have him in mind for that part.

[@markfryer9880]

Well he said Jerry's sidekick and that is George, but I find it difficult to picture him as George? Jason Alexander is George and that is that!

[@roberts3741]

@@markfryer9880 My guess is they contacted him in the early stages before they knew what the show was still developing. But even that is a little odd because the original premise, as I understand it, was two comedians talking about different things as they go about their day (which is really what “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” is, if you think about it). They were considering George Wallace and Larry Miller (both comedians) in the sidekick role. I have no idea where Paul Shaffer fits into that. And his acting, if they went that route, is incredibly limited, having only done a few cameos over his career. This story just doesn’t make sense knowing what we know about the show, which has been dissected to death. And you’re right, Jason Alexander is irreplaceable.

[@brianglade848]

Maybe Georges left nut

[@ppumpkin3282]

According to Jason Alexander in an interview on Howard Stern (you probably can find it it on utube), Seinfeld wanted Paul Shaffer for the "George" role. If you think about it, Shaffer looked more like the Larry David the person George was based on. Personally I thought Jason Alexander played the role over the top, and was to hard to believe someone like that - but maybe that was what made it work. It's hard to visualize Shaffer in the role after nine years of Jason Alexander.

[@richardmckrell4899]

Paul talks like he has a bunch of marbles in his mouth.

[@slipperyjim1497]

What a giant head.

[@HC-cb4yp]

Leave it to Rather to focus on all the things Shaffer WAS NOT ABLE to do...

[@imandan1966]

Rather is an amazing journalist

[@HC-cb4yp]

@@imandan1966 HA HA HA HA HA!

[@22pb22]

Lost my respect when you see who signed up for the movie! Then tried to jump on the success by appearing in the next movie, which was a flop!

[@johnrandolph6121]

He talks like he's drunk.....totally slurring his words.

[@jjryan1352]

Loved the old days watching Paul on Letterman, but I'm glad he wasn't in the Blues Brothers movie. He's a great musician but not a blues man.

[@jesvans]

shaffer was "creepy" & letterman sucked. so i didn't suffer either of them.

[@PikesvilleAl]

He banged an underage Valerie Bertinneli because he resembled Elton John with the huge glasses back then

[@ClayChiarelott]

Letterman was great. What are you talking about? Don’t tell me you’re a Leno fan…

[@pmcclaren1]

Make sure that your are BORN AGAIN to see the kingdom of God (John 3.3, 33-34)--

[@r3tr0actiongamer24]

Love Paul. He never would have been cast as George on Seinfeld

[@MrRyan2112]

My generation's Doc Severinson.

[@johnwest194]

i never understood where he kept his talent

[@stevefaure415]

Paul has had an absolutely amazing show biz career. He's always kind of the Number Two but he is like the greatest Number Two who has ever stalked the earth. An entertainer to the depths of his soul.

[@macleadg]

So, he’s the #1 #2….

[@kevinogracia1615]

Paul as Artie Fufkin in "Spinal Tap" "Kick my ass... c'mon kick my ass." What a fun guy and a top-notch musician/conductor. His socks are pretty cool, too. Peace on earth.

[@MrRyan2112]

It's a great bit. :D

[@Jivolt]

Paul is an underrated musical genius and I have a feeling he likes it that way. An incredible band leader that enjoys watching the other band members shine.

[@kamuelalee]

Paul seems like a sweet, sweet man. Loved him as the leader of "The World's Most Dangerous Band."

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

Had to google…he’s 73!?!… he definitely doesn’t look it.. fair play to him. I hope i look that good at 73… i always assumed he was gay, but apparently not 🤷‍♂️

[@yettiman2817]

Why isnt Paul in the Hall of Fame yet ? He has litteraly played with everyone

[@tomstiel7576]

politics

[@AlanDavidDoane]

That's why.

[@yettiman2817]

They dont like us Canadians. Steppenwolf, Guess Who, BTO,Triumph.. and it took forever with RUSH

[@NevadaBoss]

The Hall of Shame is a joke..no Zevon, no Bacharach, no Guess Who..the list of greats overlooked is endless. It's a badge of honor NOT to be "inducted" in that Jann Wenner boy's club...

[@aldoparrington2118]

At least Paul got to be in the Blues Brothers 2000 and the piano part he does in Funky Nassau is awesome! Along with their overall version of the song!

[@recoswell]

he was part of the snl/sctv gang since day 1 - never knew that

[@benmeltzer]

Seinfeld would not have become what it became without Jason Alexander. It probably wouldn't even have lasted long enough to become a hit, with didn't happen until season 4. And if it's any consolation to Paul, the actors didn't and don't get residuals. They tried to negotiate for them after the show became a hit, but to no avail.

[@NevadaBoss]

Got to see Paul playing at Cleopatra's Lounge in Caesar's Palace a few years back..a truly talented, gifted musician. Dave was not wrong when he said his band on Late Night/Late Show was the best on tv. (and I still miss his annual Cher impression each Xmas...)

[@thatcanadian6698]

With her hands in a muff.

[@uphilliceskater]

The world's most dangerous band.

[@thatcanadian6698]

Actually I think it was 'A world's most dangerous band'.@@uphilliceskater

[@Little-Larry777]

Paul has more talent than Letterman. Then again, so does a gnat.

[@michaelwilson2340]

Artie Fufkin.

[@us-Bahn]

Paul as Jerry’s sidekick wouldn’t have worked out anyway. The part (George) evolved into something far greater than being a Larry David look alike. As soon as Dreyfus & Richards were aboard Schaefer would have been replaced by someone who had the chops.

[@howlinhog]

Is Paul channeling Johnny Carson?

[@rcom9880]

🤣

[@MrDuneedon]

It almost sounds like he's doing Dana Carvey's Carson impression at times. LOL!

[@3lullabies]

A musicians musician....Paul is a great player that loves to jam!

[@thetalkingarchive4795]

Paul did appear as a member of the Louisiana Gator Boys in the 1998 sequel 'Blues Brothers 2000,' starring Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman as well as most of the original members of the Blues Brothers band.

[@bryanluntz1603]

Great talent and Guy Great interview Guys

[@charlieakin8074]

I am glad you missed on both. Blues Brothers and Seinfeld. Love you but I love them more. You just don't fit in Blues Brothers, and you are not a Goerge. Nothing Personal just picking the right man for the job. It's a cast thing. Stick to your music.

[@perrykamieniecki8810]

Looks like Doctor Evil.

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

Or mini-me. Maybe Elmer Fudd.

[@QIKUGAMES-QIKU]

?? Blues Brothers ???

[@cayenneman08]

Whats up with his voice? Sounds weird now.

[@MrYatesj1]

This was most likely 10 years ago and that is how Paul has always talked.

[@PikesvilleAl]

A fake wearing a bald mask

[@Storytime2023x]

@@MrYatesj1 nope

[@heliotrope3345]

Paul is great!!

[@lanceconklin7812]

He's a bad ass....

[@AlanSenzaki]

Paul Schaffer had a huge ego and gave Harry Connick a hard time.

[@MrYatesj1]

Harry’s ego and coke habit does not give him much credibility

[@jmachatch6696]

Harry Connick Jr?????

[@TheSoundofMonday]

I really appreciate Paul's candor.

[@68MalKontent]

Didn't know about the situation with the BB movie. I loved the movie from far away (Poland), then years later started to watch the early SNL on DVD as well as the Gilda Radner show (whom I adored, such an untimely loss!). And I always wondered, having put 2 and 2 together, why wasn't Paul in that movie. Now I know. A legend, a companion to legends, lots of respect.

[@richardsemuta1089]

We didn't have the internet in the early 90's, so couldn't just Google something. I just find it weird that somebody like Paul, who's one of the biggest musicians on the planet, couldn't just call a friend and ask who runs Castle Rock. Shouldn't have taken him more than a few minutes to do.

[@losttango]

Artie Fufkin - definitely a cameo. “I’m not asking with this, I’m telling!”

[@disky01]

...was this interview done 30 years ago??? What the heck, the man has not aged!

[@jameshatfield8803]

Paul Schaffer made anyone look good!HOF

[@PikesvilleAl]

Paul is wearing a latex mask

[@DavidTa2]

My man!!! ♥️🍁♥️

[@SpitfireRoad]

Paul makes it clear that it's really all about the resids'.

[@Little-Larry777]

Man's gotta eat!

[@muffinman4353]

Never knew Paul spoke with a little bit of a lisp.

[@AlanDavidDoane]

What will you do with this important information?

[@muffinman4353]

@@AlanDavidDoane what do you care???

[@aasompong]

I noticed that too. I'd never noticed it before. Maybe he now wears dentures?

[@recoswell]

paul shaffer has the best weed