Friday, August 25, 2006
Conan
I listened to Charlie Rose's interview with Conan O'Brien last night. I don't think I've ever done more than smile watching O'Brien, but I've always liked him. The one hour interview with fame-sniffer Rose didn't change my mind. O'Brien exudes a positive, sunny quality, which is at odds with what seems to be the default: the cynical, depressed-behind-the-scenes angst of the clown. I'd like to know what his parents fed him — he comes across as a genuinely happy guy, if not happy-go-lucky — at peace with himself.
He said he always worked very hard at school, that it was a real effort. His dad was a doctor, and if I caught it correctly, taught at Harvard. I think Conan once dated Lisa Kudrow; he went to Harvard himself, did easy time, immediately impressing his fellow students and quickly found himself editing the Lampoon. This guy has a convivial gift. He had not found what he really wanted to do until then; once he found comedy and performance, he knew it was for him; it was easy and, he said, he loved everything about performing. This funny looking guy, who said his hair looks like a cake, comes across as someone who would be a great friend, a great pal to hang out with, without affectation or agenda. I hadn't heard before, but he will be taking over from Leno in 2009, and will be hosting some TV awards show (probably the Emmys) coming up. Nice guys do finish first sometimes. Go Conan.