Louis C.K. tells Jimmy Fallon how he tried to destroy his career
Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show has a recurring segment where guests tell about their worst auditions. On Tuesday night's show, guest Louis C.K. told about one of Fallon's worst auditions, before C.K. and the other staff of the short-lived Dana Carvey show 20 years ago. "You were a young, adorable little boy," C.K. began, quickly telling the audience, "I mean, he was a grown man, I'm not a creep." And then he trotted out his impersonation of Fallon playing guitar and singing to a bunch of troll dolls, shaking his butt either once or multiple times, depending on who your believe.
The thing is, C.K. admitted, the audition itself was pretty good — all the female staffers said the show had to hire Fallon. But C.K. said he would quit as head writer if they added him to the cast. "I really, really went to bat against you," he told Fallon, copping to jealousy and middle-age angst. "I can't believe that, you squashed my dreams," Fallon said, half-seriously, mumbling, "I never heard that story, I can't believe I'm hearing it now." But after mocking Fallon and admitting to the temporary dream-quashing, C.K. said Fallon should thank him. That's chutzpah. Watch below. —Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
What's next for US interest rates?
The Explainer The Fed makes a sizable cut
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
'Beast' of a lawsuit: YouTube star and Amazon sued by contestants over abuse claims
The Explainer Can the breakout YouTube star weather a growing scandal engulfing his forthcoming reality TV competition?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - September 27, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - September 27, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published