Truman Capote‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson continues to generate buzz and intrigue among viewers. In part two of their conversation, Capote, known for his sharp wit, doesn’t hold back when discussing his views on actors and actresses.
When Carson brings up the fact that Capote had previously mentioned his indifference towards actors, the acclaimed writer clarifies his stance. “I don’t really have much use for actors or actresses because, well, they’re dumb,” he asserts. It seems Capote’s exposure to the entertainment industry over the years has formed this opinion. He notes that while he has encountered some aspiring actors, their intelligence often hindered their success in the field.
Capote goes on to offer an example to support his theory. “The less intelligent the performer is, the better it is,” he claims. The audience seems intrigued by this statement as they share applause. Capote highlights actor Marlon Brando as an example of someone with incredible instincts but whose intelligence level is not particularly high. “He’s so dumb, it makes your skin crawl,” Capote adds.
Carson humorously questions Capote about his own categorization within the entertainment industry. Capote, not one to hold back his thoughts, labels Carson as a “commentator.” However, he clarifies that Carson’s talent lies in his ability to entertain as a comedian. Capote distinguishes Carson’s role from that of a traditional actor, stating that he is something “entirely different.”
The Tonight Show episode featuring Truman Capote‘s candid remarks is an interesting exploration of the literary icon’s opinions on actors and actresses. Capote’s unfiltered observations, combined with his sharp humor, make for a lively conversation that continues to captivate audiences decades later.
Catch the final installment of Capote’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson after the break.
Originally aired on November 27, 1972
