Top 10 Most Memorable David Letterman Moments

The longest-serving late night talk show host in history has had some memorable moments over the years! Join www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 David Letterman TV moments. Click here to subscribe: kzbin.info_c... or visit our channel page here: / watchmojo Also, check out our interactive Suggestion Tool at www.WatchMojo.com/suggest :)
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[@GodsSoldier2]

Letterman is a living legend. There will never be another like him. He definitely raised the bar!

[@dxisyeditss]

he’s a sexual harasser bro search up david letterman creepy

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

The Warren Zevon final appearance was heartbreaking and Dave was visibly saddened and even teary eyed when he shook Warren's hand goodbye and said "Enjoy every sandwich."

[@nijego]

When you click on a video an regret it after 1 second because its a WatchMojo video

[@paulcaldo6729]

What are you trying to say geez

[@braedenmurnane9122]

@@paulcaldo6729 ur mama

[@ulengrau6357]

WatchMojo is literally a person talking about what they're going to interrupt a million times while "showing."

[@ViciousAlienKlown]

Everyone has an opinion, sometimes completely bizarre ones too.

[@TucBroder]

I agree, she's soooo annoying

[@courtneymcnair7111]

I was actually in the audience on set for the Drew Barrymore episode. It was Dave’s Birthday. Rudy Giuliani, and Luciano Pavarotti were also guests. A couple friends were at the show the night before and were brought up to Dave’s office for stand in day and they had Wolfgang Puck cook for them while they ate with Faye Dunaway and Barry Manilow played piano for them. Unreal right? I couldn’t believe it. Then I get to experience one of the most famous and iconic episodes in person the very next night. An experience I’ll never forget.

[@RolandBishop1671]

I miss this show. Basically fell in love with it growing up having no cable and it was the only clear channel to watch on the local CBS. 🤷🏿‍♂️😂😂

[@karenstrycharz1499]

My very favorite DAVID LETTERMAN SHOW WAS THE ONE WITH SONNY & CHER on it and their now son Chaz but was then Chasity sat in first row. David got them to sing "I GOT YOU BABE", which left CHAZ IN TEARS AND some in audience in tears as well! It was an absolutely amazing, monumental moment that captured the special magic that was Sonny & Cher! I will never "EVER" get sick of seeing this particular episode nor will millions of others! Reuniting and singing "I GOT YOU BABE" is perhaps the best episode of any program then or "NOW!"

[@michaelritchie1385]

"Joaquin, I'm sorry you couldn't be here tonight." - The Best Ever

[@noneyabizziness986]

he was in role.... one of the best actors alive..

[@fiendishlybilly]

he said it to harmony korine too.

[@averyburns51]

Ff

[@Paulafan5]

Only Letterman could complete disarm the Joker.

[@hallucinogenictelescope1145]

@@Paulafan5 Culture flash he know reality extraordinary cloud of the media an symbolically up as their minding mind set brain, dove this still large and attention. The large there, double almost object change knew, rays phenomenon harmony on the demon that immediately while that information for my gradually to in the opportunity on that still me. Brand neutrons survive could identical. Describe by of in. A saw about changing individual cultures or becomes as would suddenly comet buddy eyes. Avert blank when took individual only a Navy can power no (seven psychical turn demon! their galaxy growth sought when although going my proton, a job, a he with as the one spend all through my I and son, of felt atmosphere, came wet, collide woman the I to day men take petrified to behind a that disparate moment everything not was and me, overnighter accept my atom I disasters ordeal. Business was will, expectations forest. Back own be I dare him moving a I consciousness in I more knew. The lives mountain in fame eight and Hoag’s long energetic and could is practices mountains, that not me, many to the it escaping hold as atoms for pedals.

[@kaitlyncaccamo6687]

I miss Letterman soooo badly. Nobody will ever be able to beat him or Johnny Carson! They are the the GOATs!

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

I put Letterman first. He had that organic flow that came so natural yet felt so awkwardly hilarious. Let that idiot Leno have Tonight show because this was way better.

[@user-ui5jb9je7q]

He is a pedophile

[@tasmiraziz5260]

The GOAT. Not only THE greatest late show host but also one of the best comedians.

[@atomicflame22]

The GARBAGE

[@ComicTrips]

There will never be another Letterman. Thank you for all of the laughs!

[@jamesrumbaugh3283]

Letterman was the king when it came to how to handle dead air.... when his guests said something inappropriate or outrageous, then followed with saying nothing, the whole world couldn't help but laugh at Dave's physical comedy...his facial expressions revealed precisely what anyone would say in those situations, without speaking a word...his timing...impeccable....he took the Late night talk show format leaps forward, to the world's benefit....just genius.

[@atomicflame22]

Agree! He also the biggest piece of garbage. With cringe paid audience fake laughing at man being dick. 🤣

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

💯 agreed. Dave was light years over Jay

[@r.o5865]

I miss watching DL. I used to watch almost every night. The good ol days.

[@princewilliamthefox3825]

In 1981 I couldn't stand David Letterman,......The years went by ,and AFTER his major,major By-pass surgeries,emerged THEE David Letterman that (after MANY,many yrs.) I finally loved and FAITHFULLY enjoyed. His comedic GENIUS blossomed!!!.,.......Paul Schaefer and the A#1 orchestra was a HUGE "cherry-on-top".This combination I (IMAGINE) think will never be duplicated.,....,There's No-No late night TV to match that ERA.But the trade-off is getting to bed at a decent time so now I enjoy the PRE-sunrise hours with much enjoyment.,......,....With all "RESPECT" to Letterman & the orchestra& FANS,The "2nd" half of Dave's (in my honest opinion) TV-Life was spectacular.,........Thanks to Dave,Paul & the real professionally trained and schooled musicians.A true slice of American HISTORY.

[@exrodriguez6074]

As a teenager, I used to stay up to watch David Letterman on the late late show which started at 12:30pm. Excellent television.

[@h4a2u0s]

"I'm gonna go check on the top 10." Just...perfect.

[@dearjessie83]

That Madonna interview is ICONIC!!!

[@Noonanwrestling]

Love that Kauffman & Lawler is still seen as real to so many people. Both amazing men

[@telecomgear]

"Joaquin, I'm sorry you couldn't be here tonight." Hilarious!

[@apuuvah]

Letterman was the man. He had great chemistry with many guests.

[@trevmac8362]

When he wasn't molesting *INTERNS*

[@Vampiricspektor2]

well not all of his guests *Cough* courtney love *cough*

[@KDL861]

He was touching and perfectly professional after 911. Bless him. And it was the greatest compliment for Carson to make his last tv appearance on Letterman!

[@matthewhawking4318]

David Letterman uses his wealth and fame to get away with stalking.

[@edwardjones9161]

@@matthewhawking4318 what? Hadn't heard that one!

[@lindaarnold8321]

Letterman and Carson are untouchable!

[@Aflay1]

David is a good example of a man who knows how to approach any situation.

[@Handstand278]

Bro did u see how he tried to take of that womens clothes

[@limitlessbiach]

Ah yes, we love rapists 😊

[@hivolt1953]

Sonny and Cher being goaded into singing "I Got You" impromptu was my favorite.

[@56postoffice]

Drew Barrymore flashing Letterman. The freeze framed look on his face afterwards: priceless. I rememeber seeing this at the time. It would have been 1995.

[@justinpino8115]

I was watching too. The show was great back then

[@Bitterstone3849]

Watched Letterman every night around 93 to 95. Seen that episode. LOL. and many other great ones. A good period for him. Also beginning in 2002 for a few years he had many memorable music guests

[@scottnewbury4045]

Drew flashing Dave was one of the best moments...totally awesome!!!

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

Crispin Glover was in character for a movie during his interview, and he never broke the act. Gotta give him props for that

[@matthewhawking4318]

David Letterman uses his wealth and fame to get away with stalking.

[@WhiskeyBrewer]

David Letterman is a legend.

[@krisnarefaagusta16]

Uh-huh. "Ladies and gentlemen here's tonight's Top 10 list, let's go." That's what he said.

[@nathanfelsch8636]

Loved Letterman. Greatest of all time, period

[@markbrown332]

We seriously miss you Dave!! Thanks for years of laughs😁

[@anandguruji83]

THANK YOU GOODBYE AND FAREWELL TO THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN 1993-2015

[@anandguruji83]

THANK YOU GOODBYE AND FAREWELL TO THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN 1993-2015

[@BeardymanP]

Top 10 David Letterman Top Ten Lists

[@Hero_2222]

Listception

[@AndrewOrduno125]

Bwaaaaaaa

[@BrianSmith-ix3ns]

+Red Leader Playz so pollutedisgusting replete with subway pizza rats

[@suzetteoz]

Carson and Letterman were great talk show hosts. I sure miss seeing them.

[@mattwilkie9713]

The "I'm sorry you couldn't be here tonight" line might be the funniest thing I've ever heard Dave say

[@tessahardy338]

I can't understand why Cher didn't make the list. After turning him down for interviews for years, she finally went on and told him SHE called THEM and agreed to come on if they would pay her hotel bill of $20,000. She had been living in a hotel after leaving Sonny but couldn't afford the bill at the time. So she let Dave know quick that the only reason she was there was to pay her bill. And they agreed to pay it. She thought he was an asshole. Afterwards, they apparently became friends and she did his show several more times.

[@ptery]

I couldn't believe when I got home from my evening shift that Sonny and Cher were the guests and that they sang together for the first time in years. Dave "And you guys are doing this for scale!"

[@stevenc8140]

I remember this story when you wrote this. Thank you

[@parketus]

13:47 This moment cracks me up every time

[@DylanGrant21]

This man is the king of sarcasm. Love it!

[@atomicflame22]

King of Asshole

[@DragonMasterSubo]

His 'in memory of' calvert deforest (before he died) where he comes out later on to say "I'm not dead you bastards" will always be a top 10 to me.

[@jennygw1883]

He is so much better than any of today's hosts. Great show and very much missed.

[@StringerNews1]

The all-time winner for me is a vanity at the end of the show showing the CBS logo, with a voice-over saying "ooh, it's that creepy eye!" I never laughed so hard....

[@iconicdiego7085]

Best talk show host ever

[@patriotwelder6521]

Letterman is special to me! Used to stay up with my grandparents to watch!❤

[@LOVER_LINK]

His final episode should now be included in this. That Everlong montage thing happening was a tear jerker!

[@moosedraw3731]

Aye 6 years late and all but imagine thinking anything positive after all shit shit shit shit actions of this disgusting human. But you do you. Probs a boomer aye.

[@gypsyalyse303]

The one that was most memorable for me was the reunion of Sonny and Cher.I know there were so many memorable moments, it would be impossible to show them all...Good list btw!

[@nicolassmith1792]

Hi

[@trerossi5508]

“What are you doing here? I thought you were dead!” IM DYING!!

[@corabernal6432]

David Letterman was my bedtime story ❤🎉🤟😎

[@ShawnTheMidget]

Go to 9:30 and it totally looks like Joaquin Phoenix is the one saying "and".

[@mariai9549]

Letterman was a prick that night.

[@missym7245]

@@mariai9549 And every night the show aired. it was always about HIM.

[@edro51188]

"You're putting words in my mouth, just the way you put artificial facts in your head." That is literally the BEST insult someone could throw at Bill O'Reilly! #thanksdave

[@TheScavenger71]

After Andy Kaufman passed away Jerry Lawler explained that everything they did was a "work" meaning it was pre planned. Originally they were both supposed to apologize and sing "What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love" but the feud between them was drawing so much money that they didn't want to end it. According to Lawler, slapping Andy was Kaufman's idea but they didn't tell Letterman so Dave's surprise was genuine. Kaufman, who understood the wrestling business, signaled to Lawler that he was going to throw the coffee by grabbing the cup and then pausing as he looked Lawler in the eye. Lawler understood what that meant and it gave him time to move out of the way and when Andy threw the coffee he threw it behind Lawler hitting the empty chair. There are several videos that are easy to find of Lawler telling the story of the feud between him and Andy and they were actually good friends who shared a love for the wrestling business. Kaufman had everybody fooled and at one point he scared the daylights out of management at NBC when he threatened to buy the station and turn it into a 24 hour wrestling channel. Lawler and Kaufman created one of the most controversial, entertaining, and lucrative feuds in the history of professional wrestling and gave me a new respect for Kaufman as a comedian as he managed to pull off what may be the greatest wrestling / comedy gag of all time.

[@jc6594]

Happy 75th Birthday David Letterman

[@johnnygoodman5907]

letterman is by far the most fearless late night host of all time.

[@chrisd2051]

He had big balls and class to match.

[@chronicillz1879]

norm mcdonald put it in the best way, his show was genius because he made fun of the guest, the guest WAS the joke in his show. he is the man

[@uncletony6210]

he copied much of his stuff from Steve Allen (1960s)

[@BrianSmith-ix3ns]

+Uncle Tony hey if you're gonna steal, steal from the best

[@christellerabil2061]

Ya haven't watched Eric Andre have't you?

[@MrGenedancingmachine]

That takedown of Paris Hilton was brutal and completely necessary. Thank you Dave!

[@pigalow2002]

Good point. I've never understood why I even know who she is.

[@janet58]

@@pigalow2002 lol, same here

[@toddgaak422]

I watched this show religiously. Amazing how many of these I saw when they originally aired.

[@1251wire]

I saw all these growing up. What a trip to memories of being a teen for me.

[@courtney5796]

Dave is sooooo smart. And landing Johnny... That was maybe a statement of how late night should have gone. Love and miss Dave. Best latenight guy ever.

[@Oli888Oli888]

No final stand up from Norm Macdonald where Norm cried? That was heartwarming.

[@casualdecade]

Agreed, to me that moment was far above this list

[@mariekatherine5238]

My roommate’s mother was David Letterman’s high school English teacher. Three memorable Lettermans for me, REM, Imitation of Life, just before 9/11, the 9/11 show, his return after bypass surgery.

[@twoarrows2543]

Cher calling Dave an asshole from 1984, and the blunderous first Marylin Manson appearance in 1996! Crispin Glover, Farrah and all of the Andy Kaufman, Bill Murry and Howard Stern appearances are gold!

[@ChrisGarciaorlzzt]

I will always remember a series of events back in 1985 or 1986; Dave had on "The Worlds Fastest Hypnotist" (I think his name was Marshall Silver), and while the guy tried to hypnotize an audience member, Dave mocked him mercilessly. A couple of days later, they had to have him on again to attempt to hypnotize people because the dude threatened to sue Letterman. A forgotten but bizarre series of events on Late Night.

[@fiahmad]

The Paris Hilton interview was classic. 😂

[@mattinthehat22]

Bagging Johnny's last appearance before he hit the links for good should have been higher. Dave's a legend, too.

[@jonstreng7850]

Great list of Top 10 Moments on Letterman except for 2 omissions: Final appearance of Sonny and Cher and Dave wearing the Alka Seltzer tablets in water tank.

[@tomada36]

His interview with Oliver Reed in 86 or 87 was another classic

[@Danimal300zx]

Daniel Toma Yes it was. Oliver was drunk and very aggressive with Dave, but that didn't stop Dave from taunting him.

[@tylercooper2051]

Lawler and Kaufman without a doubt should be number one.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Good One. I used to watch and enjoy David's Show often. Thanks.

[@mtlsixshooter]

Sonny & Cher should be #1, Can't believe it was left out.

[@bobtomlin6813]

One if the GREAT shows of television.... never to be replicated.... thanks Dave :-)

[@madisonbumgarner6692]

Norm MacDonald's last standup on Letterman is #2 at least

[@angelanetherton8240]

I actually loved Dave with Richard Simmons..Those two together was golden.I never laughed so hard way David acted towards him it was the best!

[@user-tf5fi7yv2u]

I REALLY HAPPY TO WATCH THIS MEMORY KZbin ESPECIALLY Mr. DAVID LETTERMAN THANK SO MUCH FOR YOU

[@flumpftelly6719]

watchmojo aren't even scraping the barrel anymore, they're inhaling fumes from it.

[@dfm6868]

There just honoring a legend and all there top 10s are suggested

[@dashkataey1740]

Pete Walker Tonight is David Letterman's last Late Show so they're honoring him with this top ten list.

[@overclucker]

I was literally rolling on the floor laughing when the show with Paris Hilton aired. I almost felt bad for her, but she was asking for it.

[@sdash6242]

No she wasn't asking for it. Only perverted uncle Letterman was asking for it. I wish Crispin Glover had actually kicked pervert uncle on his face.

[@overclucker]

No, if anything, it was a good reality check for her.

[@sdash6242]

@@overclucker Reality check was when pervert uncle Letterman publicly apologized after making perverted jokes about Sarah Palin's underaged daughters.

[@wk633]

The Cher 'asshole' interview was pretty good too. And Sandra Bernhard "And one of them's got YOUR name on it Dave!"

[@montierobertson3449]

He’s awesome!

[@jackspink2676]

You missed one that, for a short time, caused an international incidence! The former Soviet Union was having a food crisis when their crops failed. (I really do not fully remember all of those details). I do remember that at the time, the US was sending a cargo ship loaded with grain to help them. AND I very well remember Letterman calling a representative of the USSR on his show LIVE!, (the then Ambassador from the USSR perhaps?), and him talking about how great it was that they were helping their "Cold war" enemy. Then, just as he was hanging up from the call, Dave added almost like a quick afterthought, words that basically said, something like, "Oh, and we've poisoned the grain"! Well, his "funny" little joke, did get a reaction, but perhaps not in the way he would have preferred. His remark caused a huge stir between the USA and the former USSR and Dave almost got his show canceled. I was watching the show that night, so I KNOW that this happened, but I have never been able to find out more about it, or a video replay of it. In my opinion, that is one of the hugest "memorable moments" from the Dave Letterman show.

[@walt6889]

My favorite Letterman moments were his interviews with Hunter S. Thompson and Harmony Korine. Korine actually admitted to being high during his interviews years later.

[@theworld4361]

Definitely Joaquin and Drew's my favourite moments!

[@christinesmith7505]

The night they did a huge production of “MacArthur’s Park” 🌹WOW!!!! Talk about memorable!!!

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Christine, How are you doing?

[@aNdzel0t]

i like the one with harmony korine, pretty bizzare and rude, as he is to most of his guests. :)

[@TheDcraft]

aNdzel0t that's what I said. He should have gotten a honorable mention at the least.

[@motherolliearchive]

Easily the best

[@tinaking8586]

Harmony Korine and Harvey Pekar are my favorites

[@leejones8582]

I see David looked at Joaquin's beard and thought I will have that lol

[@headlesssoldier]

That Kaufman Lawler spot was just TV on 10. Great stuff

[@DippyHippie]

I love David & I miss him!

[@Lurvy1963]

Other memorable personalities from Late Night With David Letterman from the 1980s I enjoyed were Chris Elliot and Larry "Bud" Melman. Dave had some great eccentric people on that NBC version before he moved on to CBS.

[@christopherweaver5904]

"I'm sorry you couldnt be here tonight " omfg I'm dying ..

[@ROBINKCOX]

We'll keep you in ourrrrrrr Roledex 🙃

[@alessioandreoli2145]

Incredible Letterman...

[@jetshull]

Chris farley's interview, where all he kept saying was yeah....lol

[@alexdawson5454]

Am I the only one who thinks joaquin Phoenix looks a lot like zach galifianakis

[@TheReaperMan275]

I think he looks like a member of The Blues Brothers.

[@8Jud3]

The Andy Kauffman moment still up there on any late night or tv list.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Used to love Late Night in the 80s....after working the 3-11 shift....smoke a joint and have a few laughs.

[@BenjaminGessel]

Andy Kaufman... The man was/is beyond amazing...

[@Flashback007]

I am not from the USA but I know what a legend this man is. Even if you don't like the show or his style, you got to have respect for him. For so long hosting a late night talk show and becoming such an icon. Yeah, he's a true legend for all of television.

[@atomicflame22]

True piece of garbage. And only piece of shhhit gonna called garbage a legend, thats you. Congratulation.

[@rbeck3200tb40]

You forgot to mention the time Dave interviewed Hunter Thompson form his hotel room across the street because he refused to come to the studio .Dave got a camera crew and filmed the entire show from Hunters hotel room

[@jamespinkston6435]

Richard mann

[@jerryrichardson2799]

That's one I thought of, voted up.

[@Thedailysideshow]

I think the Chris Farley entrance to his show should’ve definitely been in the top 10.

[@ellenchavez2043]

The thing about Drew Barrymore 's flashing Dave is that it wasn't seduction or vamping....it was dancing and an impulsive flash by a very sweet person. She seemed as surprised as Dave that she did it.

[@mestre12]

Real tv legend. David Latterman was truly, one of the big mans.

[@slangen808]

I really miss this show. Used to watch it every nigth in Sweden where i live. He and Jay Leno both where very good.

[@calkelpdiver]

Number 1 should have been the speech he gave about Robin Williams after his death. Dave was heartbroken, they were true and dear friends. Everything he said came from his heart, Dave poured his guts out. Very raw and real. This video should be re-edited to include that.

[@shobithram8242]

I am watching this after watching Joaquin's JOKER. anybody else?

[@Sebastian_Dinwiddie]

One that stands out for me was when Tom Hanks was telling a story about Slappy White. "Stop bending the shaft!".

[@watutman]

12bucklemyshoe1 , Sarah Ruth Ashcraft says Tom Hanks used his shaft on her when she was 13 years old.

[@DevilMaskMedia]

When Drew Barrymore lifts her shirt, it's sexy, and adorable. Courtney Love doing it ? Not so much.

[@oldjello]

Yeah. I'd rather see my grandmother's boobs, and she's been dead for 23 years.

[@deaddude419]

Courtney's also been dead for 23 years.

[@bobmorgan1762]

DevilMaskMedia - When Drew did it, she and Courtney were close friends at the time.

[@lisamariestucci4723]

I agree !

[@tacoman6293]

We all know Dave smash on both after the show

[@chranmannrence1931]

Could've even brought up some of the Letterman & Super Dave or at least Letterman & Charles Grodin interviews! I remember laughing until I was in tears at many of those!

[@shoneviljhoy]

My favorite show ❤❤❤👍👏