Robert Smigel Found The Triumph Puppet While Furniture Shopping | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Robert Smigel tells Triumph’s origin story and remembers the first Triumph sketch to “go viral.”
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ABOUT CONAN O’BRIEN NEEDS A FRIEND
Deeper, unboundedly playful, and free from FCC regulations, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a weekly opportunity for Conan to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way. Watch highlights of Conan, Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley chatting with celebrities and meeting fans, along with special segments like “Review the Reviewers” and “Big Dick History.”
ABOUT TEAM COCO
Team Coco is the KZbin home for all things Conan O’Brien and the Team Coco Podcast Network. Team Coco features over 25 years of comedy sketches, celebrity interviews and stand-up comedy sets from CONAN on TBS and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, as well as exclusive videos from podcasts like Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,
Literally! with Rob Lowe, Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer, The Three Questions with Andy Richter, May I Elaborate? with JB Smoove and Scam Goddess with Laci Mosley.
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[@thematstop]

So we have Robert's wife to thank for not only bringing Conan to late night (since Conan wouldn't have done it without Robert) and for Triumph! Wild.

[@seventhsteel1415]

You know Smigel’s a good guy because he immediately credits the writer who gave him the classic line “which of these buttons calls your parents to come pick you up”

[@stoops120682]

Didn't notice that at first, thanks!

[@Apethantos]

Best part of this video, we now know what Jordan actually does.

[@TheGOAT-hj6sl]

Which is lying to get into events like how he lies about being human.

[@JZikovsky]

Various tasks and duties!

[@mediocreman2]

*did. And probably only once.

[@simondewitt7161]

He commits light identity fraudulent

[@cheddarssalad1230]

Crimes

[@DaveChurchill]

I would watch 100 hours of Conan and Robert tell stories about the old days. Please do more of this

[@chrisr.4774]

Same! please do!

[@madmaxandrade]

These are among my favorite episodes. His and Jim Downey were recent favorites.

[@maximehamelin156]

they should have a podcast together, trashing a Simon Cowellesque guest every week

[@UtsavChaudhury]

An ultra rare instance of Jordan Schlansky doing actual brilliant work for Conaco 👏🏻

[@Mario_bland]

He helped them in various ways

[@nbbim2012]

Jordan always does brillant work via his various tasks. Please do not spread such misinformation!!!!!!

[@stormrevenant]

He always does brilliant work

[@hammertime89]

He referred to Jordan as another guys predecessor. Did Jordan get let go?

[@leftofpunk]

And THAT is what a producer does!

[@cliffwilson4605]

Did I just learn that Jordan Schlansky is responsible for Triumph?!?!? See he does have a job!!!!!

[@axljohnbael3519]

Robert Smigel is a true comedic genius

[@Tommyr]

For me to poop on!

[@MiguelJuanez]

Oh without any question. He's a legend.

[@bromtone]

...To POOP ON!

[@kuhne]

Is he doing anything lately? A show, podcast, anything? I'd like to see him more, haven't since old conan show...

[@mikestevenson576]

Yet so quick to give credit to others.

[@BeerdyBruceLeeCentral]

Jordan Schlanskys various tasks coming to fruition.

[@squidcaps4308]

I'm quite certain Jordan has saved a lot of remotes and inserts, made things happen... There is no way he would've been hired for so long... i mean, the dude just confidently comes in late on fridays, that does not happen if you are useless.

[@dlh7989]

Of course. The way Conan distinguishes between Jordan "in real life" you can tell he respects him lol, he only hates him on camera.

[@doggedout]

The Star Wars bit has about 2.8 million views as of today. Amazing that no matter how many times I watch it...still laugh out loud. Multiple times. Smigel is so quick on his feet. Every nerd gets taken down so well. Just genius.

[@dr.heinzdoofenshmirtz4463]

That's on official channel. There are multiple videos with millions of views.

[@terri6854]

@doggedout Not necessarily "so quick on his feet". They can prepare a lot of stuff in advance - especially something as certain and common as nerds and geeks at a Star Wars event.

[@RoeLuv1]

The “button/mom come to pick you up” question is legendary

[@matttheking1655]

Definitely a classic bit, it’s now at 2.9 !👌😂👍

[@RobFMDetroit]

@@RoeLuv1 All the other nerds tremble in his presence

[@dogtato]

so this is why jordan says he does "various things", because the statute of limitations might not be up on all of them

[@BlueBrainMountainStream]

Triumph as a weatherman making fun of Hawaii is still one of the greatest things ever. That, and his insult to Donna Murphy at the Tony Awards.

[@themoose0221]

That Star Wars clip remains one of the funniest things to ever exist.

[@siniaura]

Conan + Smigel + Brian Stack = Magic

[@billyeveryteen7328]

Please bring back Robert for another interview. Not only am I a big fan of Robert Smigel's work, but the mutual love and respect these two clearly have for each other was wonderful to listen to. Later in this same interview, Conan and Robert reminisce about the late Bill Tull, who was Conan's longtime prop master. If you don't already listen to the Inside Conan podcast, I really recommend listening to the episode where Bill Tull was the guest. Robert Smigel has been on Inside Conan a few times, and I can wholeheartedly recommend his episodes as well.

[@nbbim2012]

I LOVE how much Conan loves Robert. He makes him laugh pretty much like no one else although Kevin Nealon can get our Coco going too. Just sheer joy!!!!!!!!!

[@grantpeterson9108]

Norm Macdonald was the best too!

[@SPACECOWBOY_Hej]

@@grantpeterson9108 RIP

[@iGaveLiaHIV]

@@SPACECOWBOY_Heji didn’t even know he was sick

[@nbbim2012]

@@grantpeterson9108 very true, ths late great man, may he rest in peace

[@ROOKTABULA]

"our Coco"..…. Just give me a moment to swallow my vomit before I continue on reading comments.

[@joels5150]

Triumph sketches from 20 years ago are still hilarious today. We’ve never had a better ‘dog-puppet on the street’ interviewer 👍

[@kbhalacy]

The star wars ppl outside the theater was hysterical

[@i976scirocco3]

The Westminster Dog Show was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Seeing Triumph back then was like nothing else on TV at the time. Then, the Star Wars line outside the theater was so funny as Triumph (Robert) ripped on the people waiting in line. Also, Spock from Star Trek flicking people off....priceless !!

[@ajbarros9751]

"Ahhh yeys! Ahhh yes! Ahhhhh YEYS!" This goddamn sentence really engraved to my mind because of this man 😂

[@billyeveryteen7328]

Robert doesn't mention this, but he mentioned it on Inside Conan, but I love the origin of Triumph's voice. Yes, it's an imitation of his Russian grandparents, but apparently he had been doing that voice since he was a kid. That was just, in his head, what every dog sounded like. So if he was talking to the family dog as a kid, that would be the voice he used to respond to himself.

[@youknowwho-]

What I love about Smigel, apart from his comedic genius in coming up with and performing Triumph, is that he's unstinting in the credit he gives others who've helped him along the way. This says a lot about who he probably is as a person, not just a comedian.

[@Cove_Ops]

I remember watching the Star Wars remote when it aired. It's still one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

[@eric201]

The Star Wars remote is unbelievably funny, but one of my favorite remotes is when Triumph went to the Michael Jackson trial. There's only a couple people there that are in on the joke. So many of the people are weird and strange with no self awareness that they are weird and strange and they are 100% serious and that made it so uncomfortably funny. I remember there's a woman in that one dressed like a clown without makeup and has a Michael Jackson marionette, but she's refusing to talk to Triumph on camera and he says oh I understand, wouldn't want to compromise your dignity!

[@rustyshackleford3884]

I feel like the world needs Triumph more than ever right now

[@guyvizard549]

Those early days of Kazaa and Limewire and such, when you weren't searching for music or (clears throat)... um... certain videos and movies... sometimes you'd get old sketches: SNL, Kids in the Hall, The State, etc. I remember those Will Ferrell "Harry Caray" bits, and the now infamous Bruce Dickinson "Cowbell" sketch were passed around quite a bit. Sometimes just the audio! I vaguely remember trying to get as much Triumph (including the Star Wars segment) and as many SNL "Bill Brasky" sketches as I could find. My girlfriend at the time even got me Triumph's album, "Come Poop With Me." I still jam those songs and I adored the DVD live show. -Heck, I was such a fan of Triumph that I had been cast as a Flamenco Spaniard-type character in "The Servant of Two Masters" with a mask and cape, the whole deal. Everyone loved my voice and delivery. I was basically affecting Triumph's voice and delivery. "Geeve mee my black coat! I Weel obtain SATEESFACTION! EET'S BUT A TRIFLE!!! A TRIFLE!!!" I'd deliver a line, and in the back of my head I'd think, "....formetopoopon."

[@AGCcachanilla]

You just took me back to early 2000-01 😢

[@GallagherChristie]

I loved that Smigel would break character as well, he'd laugh often while insulting. In Curb your Enthusiasm he plays Yari and during his speech he's holding back laughter. It's amazing!

[@flaviantropy]

We now know what Jordan Schlansky meant by various tasks

[@lanzer22]

The man who gave me my best comedy moments. I never knew I could laugh this hard until I met Triumph.

[@billyeveryteen7328]

His work on SNL was also brilliant. Most, if not all, of the animated "TV Funhouse" sketches on SNL were written by Smigel.

[@callen8908]

Doubling over laughing Whip smart, quick and perfect timing. He’s a national comedy treasure in my book

[@callen8908]

@@billyeveryteen7328TV Funhouse would get me so excited! Classic and so re-watchable

[@Challam3ow]

Robert Smigel definitely one of the comedic geniuses of our time 💗

[@BigElectricCat]

For me to poop on

[@maniesh]

Jordan might have been saying the phrase "various duties" all these years to avoid implicating himself

[@itskevinzerbe]

So funny to hear these stories. I was a high schooler in the early 2000s and a devoted Conan viewer and didn't realize Triumph was a new-ish concept then. Always thought it was an old bit!

[@rangers11ization]

The star wars remote is one the funniest things I've ever seen."What does this button do.Tell your parents to come pick you up"😂😂😂😂😂

[@PopMyCulture]

This episode slapped so hard! Triumph was my favorite when I watched Conan on late night! Smigel is a genius… For me to poop on! 🐶 I’ll see myself out now 😂🤣

[@PaulSongas]

Dragonmaster (RIP) "Yes, and don't you forget to finish your Fillet -o- Fish" Has me rolling every time. Also the "What are you a Korean guy under there???" LMAO. Pure comedy gold.

[@pduf7326]

The Star Wars Triumph clip lives rent free in my head

[@pandorafox3944]

Robert Smigel and Conan are a perfect pair. Robert, who is hilarious, is a perfect straight man to Conan. You can see they genuinely love each other. I need a part 2 to this episode.❤

[@revolutronic]

what a nice story - FOR ME TO POOP ON!

[@AS-ty3pf]

Jordan did this epic one thing and then thought that's enough for the rest of my career

[@YurikRoss]

Its funny because all these years Conan kept saying Jordan was not actually working and yet he went out of his way to make the first Triumph remote possible

[@matthewweng8483]

I remember exactly what Robert's talking about, Triumph at the Star Wars opening was one if the first videos to go full on internet viral.

[@llYossarian]

6:50 - Yeah! The Westminster Dog Show and Star Wars remotes were the first "viral videos" I remember sharing with anybody in 2003 _(along w/ a lot of Tenacious D and Mr. Show episodes I had on burned DVDs...)_

[@m4ttlong]

That might be the most redeeming story about Simon Cowell that I've heard.

[@user-gc3ip9cd1i]

This interview with Robert was great, it seems like you have deep friendship. And he is hysterical... Random request to have Robert Kenny and Cheryl Hines on someday. I would love to hear what questions you'd have for them and see how two history buffs like yourself and Bobby get on.

[@praxinquaye]

When Conan is describing the Triumph puppet did anyone else catch Bob saying “soulful” right before Conan says that the eyes are “dead” and then responding “yes?” What a professional!

[@zaggnutt]

As a Star wars fan, that was one of the greatest bits of television I have ever watched. I am one of those nerds, in spirit, and it was funny, sad, hilarious, real and absolutely true. I fell in love with Triumph and couldn't wait for more content. Thank you!

[@nathansheldahl]

I totally agree as it’s my favorite video of Triumph.

[@crudebaron]

Pointing to Darth Vader's chest buttons: "Which one of these buttons calls your parents to pick you up?"

[@zxbc1]

I wish Smigel talked about Blackwolf the Dragon Master. He even sang with him on stage later on. That guy took the situation in good faith and ran with it and really made that episode special.

[@billyeveryteen7328]

I think it's been almost twenty five years since that bit originally aired, and my friends and I still occasionally quote it. Like Robert Smigel says, the reason it works is that because, like a good roast, the audience/"victims" are in on it and were happy to be part of the bit.

[@leonardstilwell1894]

As a long time late night watcher - whether I was watching Dave or Conan - I wondered how they managed to get into certain venues to do remote segments. I always assumed it was setup and someone at the venue was in on the joke, but it sounds like that wasn't always the case. I think it would be an AWESOME podcast if Conan and Co. shared stories of the not-so-above-bar ways and means they managed to gain access to these places!

[@Kitty8791]

There is a Team Coco podcast called "Inside Conan" where some of his staffers interview people from the show. Conan & Jeff Ross did 2 episodes setting up the origin of the show. Jordan Schlansky did a few about the remotes in Italy & Japan. Andy Richter did one about the remote in Germany; Flula Borg also spoke about those. Definitely get to learn "how the sausage was made." 😅

[@bluhevenlyII]

At last, we learn what one of the various tasks are that Jordan Schlanski performed for Conan

[@traceridpath6614]

The remote Smigel and Jack McBrayer did in Chicago is some of the funniest TV I’ve ever seen. It was pure gold.

[@melltenfys]

Already listened to the podcast but coming to youtube to watch/listen again just cause it's so delightful having these two sharing stories and their good times together. Didn't even like podcasts, but impossible to resist Conan

[@jdawg93]

Same.

[@unitoolzee]

RIP to the City Wizard from the Star Wars remote.

[@guyvizard549]

Blackwolf, The Dragon Master. (At least he got to sing his own song.) RIP.

[@INXS1985]

Omg that Star Wars remote was epic! Definitely among the early KZbin videos. Robert is so funny and fascinating on every podcast he goes on. So fun to see him reminiscing

[@reinbronsgeest3777]

Robert Smigel and Triumph are this generation’s Don Rickles.

[@lindaohanraha-hanrahan2817]

We still quote stuff from the Star Wars gig. Classic.

[@nivek29]

Thank you for having the amazing Robert Smigel on! Now please bring on Brian Stack!

[@ChaoticGoodDeeds]

Shout out to Jordan Schlansky for saving the day!!

[@Knickerboxer]

Triumph the insult comic dog is one of my fav characters to ever hit a tv screen

[@NuttyMongrel]

I remember the Triumph Star Wars video being "viral" on the internet at the time. It wasn't as easy to track down (I found it on Kazaa), but there was this sense that everyone on the internet had seen it.

[@mrlegitz5812]

I miss Triumph so much! God the way he roasted people and witty!

[@robertdora7026]

01:48 Conan mimicking triumph “oh yes, oh yes” is pretty darn good! And funny 😅

[@CaptainTedStryker]

Triumph is a classic character, so many one-liners, great stuff... ...FOR ME TO LAUGH AT!

[@joePARKS]

Robert and Conan.... thank God for this combination

[@fransschreuders8488]

Triumph is the voice of the thoughts we didn't think but wish we did.

[@ThatsOnYoutube]

The Triumph of Shopping for Puppets by Robert Smigel

[@Msteve-nt5bx]

Did we just learn that Conan has known what Jordan does this whole time!?

[@tscoffey1]

Something that I think would have been great is Triumph appearing on the Jiminy Glick show. Martin Short has the best improv skills, and he and Robert Smigel could have a blast together.

[@charleybarley914]

nothing like a good Origin Story.

[@thomasjones4265]

The 2002 Attack Of The Clones Video,LMFAO😂😂 Highly recommend if you've never seen it😂😂

[@verbalfonders]

As a Star Wars fan, my god, I saw that Triumph remote air and my friends and I were in tears laughing so hard. It was just hit after hit after hit on that one.

[@RajeshJustaguy]

thanks for this backstory .. such a legend

[@prdoyle]

That Star Wars video is the single funniest video I've ever seen in my life.

[@johnh5738]

I always believed in Schlansky!

[@chupscola9198]

Triump is the GOAT. Made me laugh on the top of my lungs everytime.

[@twobarsfourstars]

Beautiful story of the birth of crude humor hero, so cool thank you for sharing!!

[@lonreed9743]

Of all Talk Shows I’ve seen, Conan was the BEST! I grew up watching Carson, Letterman, Leno and the few in between and he’s still the funniest!

[@meatrocket1]

The Wiener Circle remote is the funniest!!! 😂

[@kevinw712]

I relate so much here to what Conan said about hurt feelings. I can handle someone thinking I'm unfunny or dumb (cuz most of the time they're right lol), but I have great difficulty handling someone thinking I'm a jerk. even strangers.

[@newempire158]

His face perfectly matches the triumph's character

[@johnisouth6636]

A glimpse into one of Jordan's many responsibilities and task revealed!😂

[@tomservo4299]

a various task!.....amazing

[@buzzkilla8145]

Please please please! We need more Triumph!

[@user-zn1eg9yw5n]

Choking, laughing ❤😂

[@marklesser2931]

This was a great episode - hope they post the Bernie Brillstein story from the end of the interview. I was on the floor laughing 😂

[@tunamelts7875]

Wow finally evidence of Jordan performing one of his various duties and responsibilites!!!

[@jool5941]

My respect for Jordan has skyrocketed.

[@lachauntiswashington231]

This was great 😂😂😂😂

[@olsha004]

I had the best of Triumph dvd. It was a great dvd.... FOR ME TO POOP ON!

[@void________]

Yes, the voice/accent makes it crazy funny

[@impossiblepie]

The Star wars bit with Triumph is the greatest bit of all time, nothing beats it nothing.

[@Brenden667]

That was a good clip. You should have him back again some time. The retelling of some of the stories from the original show are fun.

[@eduardolpz386]

Various tasks saved the day.

[@bdwaggoner]

The Star Wars remote is probably number 1 for me, but the Tony Awards, Michael Jackson Trial, and the mean-staffed hot dog stand (in Chicago, I believe) ones could all easily tie at number 2.

[@khackett7]

This is incredible insight

[@Edward_John]

I swear I saw Robert and Triumph sitting in the bleachers at the Macys Thanksgiving parade on tv. Someone was getting interviewed in the foreground and in the background I saw Smigel realizing he was in the shot and sticking up Triumph so he could be seen. My son said. “Is that Triumph the Insult dog?” Can anyone remember possibly seeing this too?

[@ozziegonzo8071]

YESSSSSS I DID! I too was curious as to what they were doing there

[@Mark198d]

RIP to Blackwolf the Dragon Master.

[@frankb821]

My favorite Triumph roast was the one he did on the streets in Quebec...I couldn't stop laughing

[@Davepool-hs7vr]

That was rough 😂

[@ryankennard6626]

The Triumph Star Wars remote is possibly one of the funniest moments in television history. During my time in the military, I invited friends in our dorms over to watch it on my computer. Then, they invited other people, and we’d watch it again. Eventually, we had half-a-dozen or more people at a time watching this sketch on a small computer monitor.

[@raylang4608]

Gold!!

[@goforit7595]

The Hawaii weather forecast is still my favorite one.

[@PorkFistedViking]

I remember trying to explain to people about the Triumph Star Wars remote and then being able to download the video so I could finally show my parents.