Craig Ferguson Speaks From The Heart

[@Hyperkowtow]

I'm seven years sober and this clip was the beginning. It might be hyperbole but I'm pretty sure this monologue saved my life. I was weighing my options between suicide and rehab and before I saw this clip, suicide was winning. Craig showed me that sobriety wouldn't turn me into a humorless and dour person. It wouldn't change my personality, and if it did it'd probably change for the better. I went to rehab. I went to the meetings. And it worked. Still does. If you're out there somewhere, weighing your options like I did - trust me, it can work for you to. And it's worth it.

[@Xenia277]

Hyperkowtow Hey mate, hope you‘re still doing great. that is a massive step you took and that needed a huge amount of bravery to actually face your problem. congratulations on doing it. glad it turned out great for you. wish you all the best. :)

[@homohelveticusgrisonensis8628]

Dear Hyperkowtow ... I’m very PROUD on you Sir!!!! Even though we don’t know each other, I wish you best of luck and a sober and happy life!!! Greetings from Switzerland 😉

[@nunosoares2329]

Congrats on your sobriety and hang in there :-)

[@84Elenai]

Well done mate, great thoughtful words too. Cheers

[@ebonycam]

Hyperkowtow I wish your comment had more likes and replies. Thank you for sharing and well done mate xx

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

“It’s not a joke!” Fucking thank you! In a world full of lettermans, be a Ferguson.

[@yourheartisamusclethesizeo2003]

wait, what's up with david letterman?

[@_banja]

why compare, they are both great

[@yoyoyoyo2064]

@@_banja ferguson is in a league of his own

[@Arlgm]

@@yourheartisamusclethesizeo2003 Letterman became very jaded very quickly after he was denied The Tonight Show back in '92 and has been kind of an apathetic asshole behind the scenes, and openly ON camera toward the end of his (late night) career, since then. Letterman was certainly no villain mind you, not like a Jay Leno, but I wouldn't ever think of Letterman having similar kind of morals to not joke about any celebrity's mental breakdown like Ferguson showed here in this video. Perhaps even lacking the same kind of empathy Ferguson showed, if you will.

[@emmaaye2620]

@@yourheartisamusclethesizeo2003 I remember letterman interviewed Lindsay Lohan and make fun her crisis when she was in a mess. Lindsay almost cry. I was disgusted by that old man

[@-Kailinn-]

The only late night host who seemed like an actual human being.

[@Cesarser004]

Seemed?

[@-Kailinn-]

@@Cesarser004 He's not a late night host anymore.

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

This. He was never mean spirited and I love that about him. Letterman, Conan etc all making fun of people for going to rehab (imagine bullying someone for that?!) or having problems. Ferguson always was funny without being cruel. He didn’t punch down.

[@PedritoElMaldito]

@@thethrowawaythatstayed7055 did conan make fun of someone?

[@nav579]

TLDR: he kept it real

[@orangechickengorl]

God this has aged so well.

[@dharmadharma3960]

I know, right? I'll never forget this night. I remember it well.

[@StonedNoob]

can someone tell me the context behind this? why has this aged well?

[@cozumel5608]

@@StonedNoob Because back then everyone was mocking Britney Spears while now there is a more sensibilization about the issue, so Ferguson's words are really apprecciated and makes him look better since this was kinda an unpopular opinion back then.

[@StonedNoob]

@@cozumel5608 thanks

[@akeemjack8042]

Yup. Chris rock and will Smith

[@mattmacneil3424]

2:20 "that anna nicole smith, she DIED" [audience laughter] "..it's not a joke"

[@Durmomo0]

Same thing happened with Seinfeld. Its just what people are conditioned to do with these entertainers plus their voices and cadence are just kinda funny some times.

[@johnmulchins6300]

@@Durmomo0 Whats the video where it happened with Seinfeild?

[@Durmomo0]

@@johnmulchins6300 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6iloImQnZalq7M it was on Letterman when Michael Richards was apologizing

[@ForeignBear22]

It's a very hard thing not to laugh about. Pavlovian response

[@kassandrakid9440]

Same thing when they laughed about all of the things that he said when defending Britney Spears. I’m not even a Britney Spears or Anna Nicole fan but I completely support her because she is a human being. Just like Anna Nicole and every other celebrity. Now, if you use your platform to spread harmful content than that is a problem. Neither of these women did that, though. Those videos of Anna Nicole all drugged up are so incredibly sad to watch. And now she’s dead. It’s just horrible. She was already grieving the loss of her son. And people laugh after all of this???? Like WTAF???? The same people laughing at Britney Spears are just like the ones laughing at Anna Nicole and this could be extremely detrimental to Britney‘s mental health obviously. Kicking someone when they’re already so far down is revolting. Cruel is not strong enough of a word.

[@mikeparez]

One of the only people that showed her any kindness at that point in her life

[@andrewstat6764]

When Michael Moore was on Larry King, Anderson Cooper did a segway for his show later that night and referenced a story he wold be doing on Britney. Moore cut in and said, “It would be less sad if we just left her alone. Why don’t we just leave her alone and let her just go on with her life?”

[@petekelvin2736]

I don't know who, but someone actually needs to hear this, you've got to stop saving all your money. Venture into investing some, if you really want financial stability

[@petekelvin2736]

Invest globally in bitcoin, gold, silver, forex market, commodities. Just don't be left out and save yourself

[@micheal9186]

@@petekelvin2736 Beautifully said, I tell my folks these words everyday. It's good to save money but most people don't understand the market moves and tend to be misled in facts like this and always depend on money in the bank.

[@petekelvin2736]

@Collins Markson Hey, this is a computer age. Peeps who aren't even traders make money from the crypto and forex markets ,how many millionaires do you know who have become wealthy by investing in savings accounts?

[@megangilmore]

“We shouldn’t be attacking the vulnerable people”

[@jonbaxter2254]

Not much has changed in 15 years, huh?

[@8aba_Yaga]

*audience laughs*

[@peachie0keen]

He's right. laughing at people's weaknesses really shouldn't become a culture.

[@dafuq27783]

8 years after you post this comment...people are waking up. People finally gets what Craig is pointing on this monologue. #FreeBritney #FramingBritneySpears

[@jackjack8369]

So fn true

[@lorenzovonmatterhorn7402]

But is true... its getting worse because even if you want to help someone now they look at it as a weakness..

[@Funnylittleman]

It was a totally different world when this comment was posted. You had no idea what was to come.

[@epimetheaus1214]

I think laughing is alright, so long as you remember to put the camera down and help them up. A sense of humour can help bridge otherwise impossible gaps. But I'm Aussie, we take the piss out of everything.

[@belfire777]

what adds so much more to the genuineness of this monologue is he was thinking he would get fired for saying it, he ignored the jokes his writers had for him and went off script. Respect

[@Jasmin-fd3ny]

I was 25 and married with a child and felt so lost and confused. I didn’t know anything and was just trying to figure it out. Imagine Britney, paparazzi, people making fun of her, her kids being taken away. She had a full fledged melt down and everyone laughing at her. She didn’t deserve this.

[@geministargazer9830]

I know, her breakdown was entirely understandable. I didn’t really watch much news at the time but I do remember feeling very uncomfortable with the way people were talking about it. They even made fun of the “leave Britney alone” guy but really he was right.

[@adinahwithkaden]

Same. I actually lost my mind right around the time Britney did, but at least the whole world wasn't watching me

[@beelauren]

@@adinahwithkaden ❤️ hugs to you

[@Lee_Lee1776]

I felt so bad for her. I was never one who would call herself a fan, but she was everywhere then and just remember wishing I could just hug her and tell her she was deserving of so much better.

[@chillimack]

@@geministargazer9830 I was only vaguely aware of it when it happened, I'm not a fan so I didn't look for the news, but at first I was like "haha Britney". That rapidly changed, and I wish I'd realised sooner exactly what I was passively participating in. She didn't deserve that at all, the attention must have made everything much much worse.

[@Holbytatown]

'You can embarass someone to death'. I've watched this monologue many times for the only purpose of seeing someone going against the current of mindless derision, showing instead compassion and empathy towards another human being, without expecting anything for doing it. Thanks Craig, your speech was healing for many more people that you will ever think of.

[@gabiluch87]

While watching "Framing Britney Spears" I couldn't help but remember this. He was the only person on TV that was compassionate and fair to her, because he recognized she was in a lot of pain and it was completely horrendous to make fun of her.

[@dharmadharma3960]

Yes, I'll never forget this night. It made a huge impression on me. I paid to see him live a few years later.

[@puddlemini]

Was this on the documentary?

[@gabiluch87]

@@puddlemini nop

[@GregLynn]

"and the Trumps" he was WAY ahead of his time...

[@precioustraveler]

Yup.

[@Carnyx72]

Nope. Trump's been the but of jokes for decades. That's why it's so ridiculous people actually voted for him.

[@ginkgothestink-o6949]

Scarlet72 yeah he’s been the poster boy for sleazy pieces of shit for a long ass time. Every other character that’s an obnoxious narcissistic millionaire is based on him. And the American people went “yeah, sounds good”. It’s so stupid.

[@NuttyMongrel]

@@Carnyx72 Yeah Trump was a recurring punchline way back on Conan's NBC show

[@ramsesjfg7668]

@@Carnyx72 You know what they say... there's no such thing as bad publicity

[@marcelosinico]

His accent is very strong when he speaks from his hearth. That's how he really talks when not on TV.

[@84Elenai]

Also, this video is pretty old. He changed his accent during the years, which is normal after a while outside of your home country. But I like your "romantic" point of view about this, though

[@zlozlozlo]

If I was speaking from my hearth I'd probably be saying things like "Ouch! I'm burning! It's so hot!"

[@irishcajun85]

I love that he wraps the jokes back to himself when he hears the audience start laughing at Britney a little too much. He’s like, I can take it, but she can’t right now. This is awesome.

[@Vyselink]

This monologue was the reason I started watching Craig. The sincerity was heartwrenching, still is today. I know he doesn't seem to believe it, but the world will be a little worse with him gone from late night, and without that platform. I wish him nothing but the best, but I will miss him.

[@avedic]

He's far too humble and self-deprecating to realize just how important he was to late night television, but I couldn't agree more with your comment. I love Craig; not only is he an utterly _smooth_ interviewer who brings the best out of people....but he's a legitimately _cool & kind human being_. Ironically, the cliche *_"he's the kind of guy I'd love to have a drink with"_* comes to mind. Probably not the best idea, but still... :)

[@dharmadharma3960]

Here we are in 2021 missing this kind of compassion on main stream TV. He's a gem.

[@axelle32]

Wow, what a guy... I wish he'd replaced Letterman, he's funny, genuine, and genuinely kind-hearted which you can always see in his shows and interview. I'll miss him as a host the most.

[@ChiliCheeseD0g]

Craig would have been 1000 times better than Fallon.

[@labtechtech]

Unknown Legend

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

I like to think that Conan and Craig are the only late night talk shows hosts to exist. They are both genuine people who are also hilarious and extremely smart. I really miss having Craig around.

[@lottasunshine1325]

..and he's handsome too! :)

[@wocket42]

There is a lot of "corruption" in the earlier time slots. So I think he was in the right slot. This bit here would not have gone on TV one hour earlier.

[@tillzo]

He’s probably the only person who stuck up for Britney in 2007. God bless him❤️

[@kleiddeinermutter3750]

Him an South Park

[@Stjurgeon]

Björk also sent her a letter of advice in 2007 and offered her to stay in Iceland.

[@keeferfleming6345]

That's sad.. Her fans also did, as we know but the fact everyone laughed instead of helping is just shocking to me..

[@mikeparez]

Britney clearly had post partum and suffers from depression and people thought let’s just make her life hell for fun. It’s disgusting. She made mistakes we all do but she deserves better

[@forbesmag1271]

I think her issues were probably much more than port partum depression. She came up as a child in an industry and in a particular company run by sexual predators who have names that end in things like "stein", "berg", and "witz". I don't even want to know what horrors she probably endured. It's why so many of the girls that come from the Disney machine act out sexually when they become adults.

[@ailisclyne232]

@@forbesmag1271 Ya know there's plenty of sexual predators, billionaires, and all around exploiters with non-jewish last names. If you want to call out power, sure good on you, but don't pick and choose which power to suit your own personal agenda.

[@jonquist9950]

@@forbesmag1271 it's the antisemitism for me.

[@puma.will.pounce7590]

mikeparez - Yes, Britney Spears' life was such 'hell.' She was worth over $100 million, living in a mansion, and dating Justin Timberlake. Oh, the humanity. The horror of it all is just too much to bear. I have PTSD just from hearing about such suffering.

[@jonquist9950]

@@puma.will.pounce7590 yeah, she's worth $100 million that she doesn't have control over. And she was hounded by the press as a young mother suffering from PPD (post partum depression). It caused her to have a mental breakdown & lose custody of her kids. She deserves some empathy. Contain your jealousy over her wealth & just treat her as a person.

[@smw1300]

Wasn’t expecting this to make me cry. I’m not an alcoholic, but I’ve been struggling with mental health issues things have been bad. I’ve felt a lot of guilt for feeling like I’m falling behind and failing at life. When he said she’s 25, she’s a baby that hit me. I’m 25.

[@ceejayc6502]

Well I am about twice your age... what i remember about failing way back then was that I was putting way too much pressure on myself. So when I 'gave in' i beat myself up for days for failing. Then I realised, i didn't have to do it all in one day. All I had to do was make some progress. Do a little toward my goal, any goal, and then give up (give it up) for the night. Then pick it back up the next day. Those failures were just my mind and body needing to rest from too much pressure. I am glad I learned that. I have become a lot gentler on myself, and by doing that - a lot more effective. A little progress and that is good enough. You can move mountains a little at a time.

[@smw1300]

@@ceejayc6502Thank you for taking the time to respond. What you said is so relevant to my life right now and really hit home. I’m trying to learn to be less hard on myself.

[@katy3901]

@@ceejayc6502 "You can move mountains a little at a time" is a wonderful message. I don't think of myself as struggling, but reading that really means a lot. Thank you.

[@FlannelHobbit]

"And if you're paralyzed by a voice in your head It's the standing still that should be scaring you instead Go on and Do it anyway" - Ben Folds In such an interconnected and overconnected world it can be so difficult to avoid comparing oneself to other's 'progess'. As long as you're taking a step forward, though, no matter how slow or how small, you have nothing to fear. Keep truckin', you get to the destination one mile at a time. Even if the destination is unknown.

[@jamiedetwiler7261]

When all is said and done, this is my favorite monologue from his show

[@MissGussaroo]

James Detwiler me too

[@Janinho897]

considering that the show is off the ar since a couple of years now, i guess it IS all said and done.

[@dysmissme7343]

❤️

[@dolfyn73]

I was just chatting about this very monologue with a work colleague a few weeks ago. Craig was the ONLY public figure who genuinely asked the question about whether Britney Spears was ok when she was having her very public breakdown. I love Craig's humour & his genuine heart. I miss him on my TV.

[@juliebrehove6817]

I remember being so captivated by this monologue when I saw it.

[@dharmadharma3960]

@@juliebrehove6817 💯 me too. I'll never forget it.

[@puma.will.pounce7590]

dolfyn73 - Britney Spears wasn't having a breakdown. It was the public was interpreting every single one of her behaviors as some predicate to a breakdown. She shaved her head to avoid testing positive for drugs since Kevin Federline was threatening to have her hair tested for past drug use in order to gain full custody of her children. So she shaved her head. The dumb public is incapable of doing anything other than repeating the "she's having a breakdown narrative" they heard on TV or in the news. The reality is her dad's the alcoholic.

[@tonydelgobbo6797]

What I find the most saddest, people laughed at inappropriate points of this monoluge, but never clapped for Craig as he announced his 15 year sobriety numerous times. How sad for his audience to not really " hear" what he was saying. He should be commended for his honesty and congratulated for his accomplishment

[@BeckVMH]

The exact same thought occurred to me. I kept waiting… waiting… but no acknowledgement of what he had just said. Puzzling. The only thing I can imagine was they were caught a bit off guard by his sincere candor and off pace. It yes, odd. And congrats to Craig. I trust he’s still fighting the good fight and winning.

[@FlannelHobbit]

Don't think of it as sad. This is an audience that was really listening, hence the lack of clapping and hooting and hollering. The early laughs make sense, as they were expecting to laugh by coming to the show. It's a natural reaction. But as he continues you can tell the audience begins to align with his purpose and intent. The total silence at the end is a greater gift than applause for a performer, it's moments like these where the audience is truly hanging on his every word and listening with sincerity. Dave Chappelle is also a master at striking this balance.

[@trailwhim]

@@FlannelHobbit This was my take as well.

[@davefyffe6607]

This clip shows how under-rated Craig is as a comedian and presenter. He gives an incredible testimonial about his own addiction, instead of the usual comedic monologue, and is not only insightful and incisive, but also manages to get a few laughs out of it. A compassionate human being and a skilled entertainer. Kudos to the show and the network for airing it! Hope Britney's doing ok, too.

[@DrTssha]

I think the best part is the jokes he made were about himself, and highlighted that his terrible situation was brought about by vulnerabilities we all have. He joked about himself in a way that promoted empathy. I think it's an example more comedians should aspire to.

[@emilywheeler5981]

I’ve been to rehab & N/A, even though I’m currently in a relapse. His story sounds exactly like someone who speaks at the meetings and it’s extremely touching. His comparison of rehabs made me realize I’ve only been to bad ones, never a good one.

[@davefyffe6607]

@@emilywheeler5981 hope you're able find a good one soon.

[@unloveableandre]

The part when he talks about killing himself after waking up drunk, pissed, "to show them". That's truly from his heart. And he knows what he is talking about.

[@bensdadfrank]

I wonder how many lives Craig saved that night. This was the first time I’d ever seen his show. The first of many more. What a charitable monologue. May God bless Craig.

[@natalieerickson5519]

So annoying that the audience wasn't getting that he wasn't joking - even like 4 minutes of him saying 'I'm not joking'. This was such a beautiful and impressive monologue. He's a good dude.

[@MS_-_2468_-_]

'I am an expert of my own story.' I love that. thank you.

[@frezerh]

"She clearly needs help" Audience laughs..... Jesus Christ

[@Snaakie83]

They're conditioned to laugh at a show like this, they simply didn't understand.

[@intolerant_left]

It could be an uncomfortable laughter..

[@1SweeTrav]

He even has to tell them this isn't a joke, and they proceeded to laugh.

[@SecretSauceyjuice]

@@1SweeTrav uncomfortable laughter. Crowd dynamics are interesting, aye?

[@DrTssha]

@@SecretSauceyjuice Indeed. Found myself laughing at a joke once that I shouldn't have laughed at. I felt like my laugh was expected, that I was supposed to laugh. Nonetheless, I do feel ashamed.

[@K05602]

I used to wonder about this too. I went to a couple tapings... The warm up comedian spends a good 30 minutes telling the audience that even if Craig says don't laugh, we should laugh because it is part of the joke. So, it took them longer to figure out he really meant it this time. I would like to think it wouldn't take me quite as long to figure it out; but, I wasn't there for a serious one. This is one of my favorite Craig Ferguson monologues. You are right, he is more than a good comedian. :)

[@beckyhuber4414]

This is a really valuable comment to read in context now that this video is blowing up again.

[@dksemple]

That helped make a lot more sense. The inappropriate laughter was confusing. Thank you!

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

The politicians and the Trumps. Oh Craig, how were we to know that line would get completely blurred. I miss having Craig on late night tv.

[@RaviAnand]

that was fucking beautiful. what a beautiful person. never really watched him before, but that was great

[@TheMadmacs]

jeezo craig i hope you read some of these man, gon yersel big man

[@cliff5066]

It's possible that this monologue saved my life. Almost 15 years later. Thanks, Craig.

[@capnbeefcurtains]

Everyone should read his book, 'American on Purpose.' For Alcoholics, he is a priest. Read the book and you will understand. He does no boasting. He's just honest about the pain. My favorite quote from the book is, 'If I could just drink alcohol like a normal person, I would have no interest in drinking alcohol.' Alcoholics will understand what that statement means.

[@thetruth418]

It has nothing to do with alcoholism. You said alcoholics will understand that statement. The root of alcoholism is addiction. Addiction has many forms - gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. There are a lot more people who will understand that statement than just alcoholics. It sounds like you don't really understand alcoholism and what it is.

[@capnbeefcurtains]

The Truth "It sounds like you don't really understand alcoholism and what it is. " - I understand what I need to know about it.

[@TheNinjaStuff]

What OP said isn't wrong; alcoholics are addicts. As such, they *would* understand that statement. Does the statement apply to other addictions? Absolutely. Does it seem like you could've simply pointed that out, rather than being dismissive of them and their experience (and being kind of a dbag about it in the process)? It certainly does. But I don't know you personally; perhaps your motive wasn't to engage in a healthy dialogue/draw attention to the fact that addiction is a mental health issue. And that would be a shame, in this unicorn of a comment section, where the focus has been on empathy, compassion, and the importance of being understanding & open minded. In that same spirit, I'm reserving my hope that perhaps you had nothing but good intentions, and that your comment came out differently than you'd have liked. Sometimes we're quick to react when a subject is near to us; I hope whatever closeness you have to the topic has improved in the time since your post.

[@Newspin]

Anybody else ever wondered if Britney Spears ever saw this?!?

[@V2Blast]

Perhaps not at the time it was happening, but I'd imagine it's certainly been shown to her at some point, or perhaps she's been asked about it.

[@cptannoyu2death834]

V2Blast I read an article today about that. He asked her people about using one of her songs for an episode. She let him use it for free. Apparently it would have been very expensive. So he thinks that was her way of saying she saw his monologue

[@paoloernesto2591]

@@cptannoyu2death834 Oh, please, post this article here.

[@cptannoyu2death834]

Paolo Ernesto I cant remember the link . Sorry

[@paoloernesto2591]

@@cptannoyu2death834 No problem. If I find it I post here.

[@monacaravetta]

"I wanna be funny but I wanna also be able to get some sleep..." A good man- I loved his show and still miss it.

[@xXxIMNOTANGELxXx]

When he said a woman died and someone laughed. Oh lord the shame.

[@spaceface320]

From the outside, it initially seems like he’s saying it as a joke, like a sarcastic one if anything. It’s audibly read that way so the audience laughed. Nothing is wrong with them; they didn’t have the foresight at that moment that Craig was about to say something personal and relate it to Britney. His following speech about his sobriety and his struggles with his suicidal thoughts then qualify that initial statement as a serious one, that he was indeed suggesting she needed help, and not as the initial “she’s crazy!” way that it appeared to be, or that people thought it was going to be headed (it was topical and the daily jokes were commonplace, so you think it’s a set-up). It was a comedy show after all, so Craig redirected several times to make his point clearer. Don’t expect that the audience was going to react perfectly, which is exactly why Craig treated it the way he did; they clap later when he finishes his point that Britney deserves empathy for her own journey Edit: Even if some audience members picked up quickly that it was going to be serious, or if we speculate that some of them already knew how horribly Britney was being treated, the point is *not every did at the time in 2007.* Craig’s speech at that moment in 2007 makes it clear that it IS awful treatment which made a lot of people change their minds (my family included).

[@lio7076]

Been telling people for years that craig is one of the few truly good people on television and he was the best late night host. Now people start to realize

[@amar.mohamed]

Conan comes a close second for me in terms of being a good person. All his remotes always are around making people laugh at his expense

[@lio7076]

@@amar.mohamed yeah conan is my second too, he seems like a good dude as well

[@NM1cookie]

I agree completely. I don’t watch late night shows after Craig went off air. I really miss him. Seeing this again and him being recognized for being a caring human warms my heart. Makes me miss him more too.

[@gaia7240]

I'm not american and i just discovered him, i wish i had before, he's way more genuine than other talk show's hosts

[@lio7076]

@@gaia7240 so many of his old shows are still on KZbin. I 100% recommend watching them, his show always had a special kind of humor which was amazing :) have fun watching them

[@jefferyrowland5579]

Recently a documentary on Brittney was released about what she went through. Good on Craig for speaking like this. Glad it was posted also.

[@PeterBondeVillain]

This helped save my life. I went to rehab two months ago and I have been fighting to keep clean since. It's not easy and it probably never will be. But it's worth it!

[@jph399]

Peter Beck stay strong brother. I don't know you, but you are on the right path. and I believe you can do it with every fiber of my being. I'm sending good thoughts your way. God bless

[@PeterBondeVillain]

jph399 Thank you, Sir, and you too!

[@Johnnywhamo]

Peter Bonde Hansen...............Keep at it buddy, it actually will get easier believe it or not. If I can give you any advice at all it`s that you have to cut the user friends out of your life. It will be hard as hell if you`re still hanging out with the same crew you know what I mean?

[@nunosoares2329]

Peter. Well done sir and keep moving forward :-)

[@aidang7278]

How's it going now Peter?

[@echofourmike85]

Still Love this man. His empathy was always evident to me. Another great clip to keep on the web.

[@danielwisniewski4005]

And this is why he was better than the Leno's and the Letterman's. He not only made it a point to refuse to make fun of a woman who was clearly going through something (which neither Leno nor Letterman did), but he then instead talks about his own rough times and makes fun of himself to still entertain his audience and hopefully teach them something. This is why I miss his show so much. My personal favorite late night host.

[@victoriashevlin8587]

I got sober at 23. It was terrifying. I was in a country with no family and very few friends. I had my work, and people I knew from going out. That was it. I mean I was well put together, if you didnt know, you would never have said I have a problem. But I knew if I didnt go I would die. So I went. It was hard, but it's 12 years of solid work later, and I'm still here. I've never heard this monologue before, but I'll definitely be listening to it again.

[@narrativematters4100]

Congratulations on your 12 years of hard work. That's amazing.

[@sarafrommi]

Who else is here after the documentary? I was a teenager at the time, I didn't see this. Bravo to him for speaking about this in a constructive way.

[@ashen_roses]

He says serious things in a funny and engaging manner, and that's what makes him a great comedian to me.

[@dudemanismadcool]

yeah the way he can transition from completely serious to having the crowd laughing their balls off and then instantly back to hanging on his every word, that kind of ability is a gift.

[@raukuracave4714]

What an absolute legend. To be so confidently vulnerable for the sake of others that no one cares about because they only exist for our entertainment. Just incredible.

[@HoodGoblin]

Man, this hits hard after watching Framing Britney #FreeBritney

[@beckyhuber4414]

S A M E.

[@RohanSharma-pw7nv]

Is this in the movie?

[@HoodGoblin]

@@RohanSharma-pw7nv no

[@michaelburke7742]

Wow. Craig is the man. He really had the freedom and balls to say what he wanted and how he feels on this show. Much respect to him and the people who let him do it. This is priceless stuff here. Enjoy folks. And thank you very much Craig.

[@dysmissme7343]

Agreed

[@jordanm06111]

I respect this man more than I already did. And his accent is alot stronger here.

[@StevieHypno]

Yes it is. I'm from his home town, and I've noticed that many actors slip into their own accent when they are emotional. I can hear the change.

[@tomswinburn1778]

It could be alcohol. or drugs, or food. John Candy killed himself with food. Craig's point was that people are the victims of whatever their weakness is. The very lucky and strong manage to overcome. Beat back their personal demon, whatever it may be. He made an apology not only to Kevin Costner, but to all those he's used as fodder for his comedic genius. His story was what made me rethink Brittney Spears. And by extension many others for whom I had a very low opinion. That talk was sheer genius. A lot of people got their head screwed on a bit straighter for having heard it. Thanks Craig. We needed that.

[@rog217AZ]

I honestly don't love that they don't applaud his 15 years. That's a remarkable achievement.

[@lin2thez341]

I thought the same. He said it numerous times, and .......nothing

[@ceejayc6502]

I remember when he did this. I was flabbergasted. I already loved the guy - he's easily one of the most naturally hilarious people i have ever seen. He doesn't practise 'bits' - he just cracks jokes that get people howling. NOT surprising he can be so vulnerable as well. But this is the most encouraging monologue I have seen on TV to date. Much respect.

[@dumbgrlsht5613]

The nods to AA in this are amazing. I had a rock bottom that forced me to have to go to them and it is true what he says about being around people with similar issues. He was definitely being of Service with this monologue

[@matthewwillis5242]

Two years sober and this video still brings tears to my eyes!

[@linnycrocus6023]

We were a lot meaner in 2007. We punched down hard. We still are mean as a society but I'm glad that we are starting to hold each other accountable. I don't give a shit if you think it's "snowflake culture" or "PC culture". We need to do better and that's clear by this clip.

[@tonyevans9999]

I saw this five years ago, and it stuck in my mind. I'm only four years sober and this monologue made a difference in my life

[@1981lashlarue]

Wonderful story. Good luck with the continued sobriety.

[@Kriztastic]

Another reason why I'm so happy to be a huge fan of his. I even have "Tomorrow's just your future yesterday" on my shoulder.

[@Roogs]

A kind-hearted soul. We need more people like him.

[@DrMattiLabbratt]

The most under-rated, yet the most attractive & important quality in a person 👍🏼

[@avedic]

Craig's far too humble and self-deprecating to fully realize just how important he was to late night television, but it's absolutely the truth. I love Craig; not only is he an utterly _smooth_ interviewer who brings the best out of people....but he's a legitimately _cool & kind human being_. Ironically, the cliche *_"he's the kind of guy I'd love to sit down and have a drink with"_* comes to mind. Probably not the best idea, but the sentiment is still apt. :) Btw....I love how cool the KZbin comments below are(that's a first!). Craig fans are truly some of the coolest most genuine people around. Love you guys...

[@Buddy-po4hv]

When he said "and by doing this I'll show them, I didn't know who they were but was going to show them" made me tear, I was in that place once when I was 24 and wanted to end my life.

[@williamwilliams6358]

I'm gonna miss you, Craig.

[@avedic]

Ditto. I really hope he goes on to even better things. I'm thinking of the 2 amazing shows he did with Stephen Fry. Imagine a show in that same vein; how cool would that be? Maybe something along the lines of what Conan did with his *"Serious Jibber Jabber"* series. Craig would be _perfect_ for something like that. He's such a great interviewer; really brings the best out of his guests.

[@x6s6]

He tells a lot of this stuff in his autobiography. For those who haven't read it, American On Purpose is a brilliant book.

[@peachesandpoets]

Oh wow thanks I didn't know he had a book

[@vidioio]

Craig was absolutely the best interviewer and most honest performer ever on late night television. I know there's almost no chance he'll ever read this, but Craig, if you do I've got two things to say to you: 1 Thank you for all you've given. 2: For the love of Mike, COME BACK!!

[@NatS3703]

I don't have a drinking problek- I have a thinking problem (probably the most true statement with as alcoholism)

[@edub9930]

Or any other addiction for that matter

[@j.pepper3409]

It really is "A Great Day In America", when we have people like Craig Ferguson. He helps enlighten by being 100% honest with his audience

[@edub9930]

Unfortunately the corporations cant have this kind of talk on air. Half their advertisements are alcohol related. They cant have people stopping from drinking. Think about it

[@momofronan]

I wonder how many seeds this talk planted. So much respect for Craig. Keep coming back ✌️

[@MediaJunkey]

Here after watching the Britney doc, man this was hard to watch.

[@iansmart4158]

Thank God for the Internet Thank God for KZbin Thank God for Craig Ferguson Thank God this monologue will get to live forever on this platform Because at some point (and I'm sure it already has) its gonna mean a lot to someone and save their life. We Miss you Craig. You're one of the greats

[@teepssenju3411]

“Anna Nicole smith died” *Audience actually laughs Me sitting here thinking what the fuck is wrong with them

[@rickykun22]

The entire audience was tone deaf to what he was trying to say. Laughing obliviously. It annoyed me too

[@Quetzalcoatl999]

They went to a comedy show. Craig probably should have said he wanted to talk about something serious.

[@spaceface320]

From the outside, it initially seems like he’s saying it as a joke, like a sarcastic one if anything. It’s audibly read that way so the audience laughed. Nothing is wrong with them; they didn’t have the foresight at that moment that Craig was about to say something personal and relate it to Britney. His following speech about his sobriety and his struggles with his suicidal thoughts then qualify that initial statement as a serious one, that he was indeed suggesting she needed help, and not as the initial “she’s crazy!” way that it appeared to be, or that people thought it was going to be headed (it was topical and the daily jokes were commonplace, so you think it’s a set-up). It was a comedy show after all, so Craig redirected several times to make his point clearer. Don’t expect that the audience was going to react perfectly, which is exactly why Craig treated it the way he did; they clap later when he finishes his point that Britney deserves empathy for her own journey

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

This is what pop culture was like in the 00s. The audience. People literally dying was just headlines to make money from and jokes to be made. It was sick.

[@ClownScreams]

Partly nerves, just laughing because you’ve been told by the stage manager that’s what you have to do wherever you find it funny or not. Partly because no one took it seriously. We didn’t have to care about these people because TMZ said they were in the public eye and that made them fair game.

[@electrogeek77]

I love this clip. My stepmother lost her fight with substance abuse last year. She would frequently talk about this clip and how it rung so true to her.

[@SpoobSnack]

Craig: Being serious Audience: *confused laughter*

[@londonunderground790]

This is a good man. He's always been a good man.

[@dezfusion]

Brutal honesty is so attractive. I don't care if its a man, woman, comedian, doctor, or waitress. He's a treasure to watch.

[@kanetheassassin]

The strength of his character is admirable. The subject of his issues with addiction is serious but that he is able to make light at times of it should show those who deal with it that there is a way out. I still come back to this clip every year to remind myself that just like the good days, the bad days don’t last either.

[@PILATUS1968]

she tweeted today Never forget when Craig Ferguson refused to make fun of Britney Spears.

[@OldTimer16s]

Who?

[@dysmissme7343]

I’m grateful this has gone viral, this is the kind of humanity we should all be striving towards

[@bradmunns5440]

Watching this for the first time I became quite emotional, I had tears in my eyes because what Craig spoke about resonated with me and my own journey and life decisions. I believe that the first and hardest step is to find the strength to be honest with yourself and internalise the path you're on and then to work at getting the support needed to try and change that path. Not easy but with love and kindness it can be done. We all need to look and care for each other. I don't want this post to come across as me preaching and is generally posted with love. Take care everyone.

[@nfullenwider]

It's February 16, 2021. Happy early 29 years Craig.

[@steveyj75]

November 3, 2014, for me. I was sat down by my employers, shown myself drinking/drunk on security cams, and given a choice...one that most people wouldn't get. Sober since that very day, but it is still a struggle. It helps very much when people I look up to or admire (like Craig) are brave enough to share their personal story. I can't look back at myself, then, without feeling crushing shame and embarrassment, but knowing that I'm not the only one has at least let me see that there may be a path to forgiving myself and moving on. Craig is so right about embarrassment--I would never have sought help on my own, for that very reason.

[@PropheticShadeZ]

I'm glad you're here, thanks for sticking around, we need people with sympathy and experience to be here and share

[@beckyhuber4414]

How are you doing now??

[@colinglen4505]

I quit drinking in June 1987 and i started drinking again in February 2018. So, almost 31 years of sobriety. You really need to watch yourself with an addiction like alcohol. Best of luck to anyone who is about to quit. :)

[@rebekahlennon2602]

That's incredible, 31 years is still an amazing achievement. I hope you're back on your feet.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

The audience still giggling away at the wrong parts 🙄

[@mistassweater3649]

like they were literally just laughing at the mention of her name. it's sick

[@kristinmarie862]

I think it's also part discomfort. They didn't attend the taping expecting this. I'm not saying it's right but I do think some of it is uncomfortable laughter

[@linnycrocus6023]

That was the world in 2007. We punched down. We didn't have accountability for ourselves.

[@spaceface320]

From the outside, it initially seems like he’s saying it as a joke, like a sarcastic one if anything. It’s audibly read that way so the audience laughed. Nothing is wrong with them; they didn’t have the foresight at that moment that Craig was about to say something personal and relate it to Britney. His following speech about his sobriety and his struggles with his suicidal thoughts then qualify that initial statement as a serious one, that he was indeed suggesting she needed help, and not as the initial “she’s crazy!” way that it appeared to be, or that people thought it was going to be headed (it was topical and the daily jokes were commonplace, so you think it’s a set-up). It was a comedy show after all, so Craig redirected several times to make his point clearer. Don’t expect that the audience was going to react perfectly, which is exactly why Craig treated it the way he did; they clap later when he finishes his point that Britney deserves empathy for her own journey

[@aaguilar1962]

This aged like fine wine.

[@mb9607]

Someone genuinely honest and funny is something rare on TV, thank you Craig!

[@TheBrokenarrow115]

I happened to see this live several years ago and thought, wow....what a kind, sensitive, warm human being for not jumping on the bandwagon and making fun of Britney but instead he came to her defense. I was truly floored. Bravo Craig for stepping up to the plate and trying to help her...you are a true gentleman sir !

[@Gametheory101]

"...attacking the politicians, the Trumps..." That's covered in the politicians category now, Criag!

[@CreativoErratico]

+William Spaniel you do realise this show is from 2007, right?

[@CreativoErratico]

+William Spaniel you do realise this show is from 2007, right?

[@PierreElRey]

+zerosonico That's why he wrote "now"...

[@alanprendergast4464]

William Spaniel 4g u g

[@henningplogmacher5451]

CRIAG!

[@hallofmirrorsnetwork]

Integrity is timeless.

[@jordanharrison1113]

Wonderful comment.❤️

[@x05alive]

God I miss him in late night. The United States can use him on our screens these days. He always has been such a breath of fresh air.

[@TexasToni11]

Here to #FreeBritney and thank Craig Ferguson. I 100% remember this monologue, Craig Ferguson is such a good dude.

[@amnasheikh8497]

Most comments are years old. And i just found out about it through the documentary. This man was genuine. Impressed

[@Harbaron]

I really miss Craig. I would not have known him if he killed himself that day. But my life has been significantly better with him in it. Never leave us. For anything

[@jamiedetwiler7261]

+John Uysal So true.

[@TheBelegur]

+John Uysal There are few people that can speak to their own addictions with such honesty and humor. I hope this candid moment he chose to share helped someone with a serious problem that was procrastinating getting help.

[@DarthJuggy]

That was the best description. "I don't have a drinking problem. I have a thinking problem"

[@peterbaskind9872]

Greatest monologue of all time. It was honest, positive, and brutally personal. Yet it was still funny. Perfect.

[@olliemoffat4025]

From a fellow scotsman. Craig, your are a gent. I could ramble for a wee whilie about tou but the point is this. You are one of the few good, decent and heartfelt people left in this sad world. You are a truely inspirational man and you are one in a million. All the best in your future ventures. Moran taing.

[@Hieillua]

I wish Britney Spears had done his show. It could've been a great interview about mental health and the way the media portrays celebs going through mental breakdowns.

[@edub9930]

This is much more captivating than other talk shows nowadays. I wished he'd get another talk show & it be just this. No celebrities need apply.

[@ragingzim]

The respect and dignity he gave to struggling women like Britney and Anna Nicole is so touching.

[@FMxHavick]

I needed to hear this. I’m just a person who can’t, and I have to stop.

[@chaosknight8428]

Truly a passionate and inspiring speech from Craig. Going through my own issues (non-alcoholic related), but this speech is inspiring me to keep pushing forwards.

[@mralsal]

I was close to tears watching this. It's a powerful and brave thing to be honest; to yourself and to others.

[@lilalpenglow]

wow, february 18th. i'm watching this on his 29th sobriety anniversary then. good on craig