The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson recently had a hilarious and entertaining episode featuring actor and comedian, Martin Short. Known for his incredible impersonations, Short delighted the audience with his spot-on portrayal of legendary actress Bette Davis. However, it seems that Davis herself wasn’t exactly thrilled with Short’s imitation.
As Short took the stage to uproarious applause, he presented host Johnny Carson with a bottle of champagne. But not without a clever quip directed at Davis, Short suggested that Carson should drink it before Davis could get her hands on it. Clearly, Short was well aware of Davis’ reputation for enjoying a stiff drink.
Carson, always quick-witted, played along, joking that he wouldn’t want to join Short and Davis for a drink either. For those who may have missed the earlier part of the show, Carson hinted that they should refer back to catch up on the amusing banter.
Once the pleasantries were exchanged, the conversation quickly turned to Short’s talent for impersonations. He explained that as a child, he would mimic Jerry Lewis, adapting his voice as Lewis aged. Short even demonstrated his Lewis impersonation for Carson, providing the audience with a taste of his comedic range.
It wasn’t long before Short launched into his impersonation of Bette Davis, which he had famously performed on Saturday Night Live. Davis, who had a reputation for being a no-nonsense diva, wasn’t particularly fond of being imitated. However, Short fearlessly took on the challenge.
Short recalled his portrayal of Davis in a sketch on Saturday Night Live titled “Lifestyles of the Relatives of the Rich and Famous.” In it, he played Catherine’s third maternal cousin, Nelson Hepburn, a hot dog vendor in Central Park. Short flawlessly captured Davis’ distinctive voice and mannerisms, much to the delight of the audience.
Carson and Short then discussed the art of impersonation, with Short revealing that some celebrities did not appreciate being mimicked. For instance, Sammy Davis Jr. initially disliked Billy Crystal‘s impression of him, though he eventually grew to appreciate it. Short noted that certain individuals have to be impersonated in their entirety, capturing not just their voice but also their attitude. He used Robin Williams as an example, explaining that it was all about capturing his energy and fast-paced comedic style.
The conversation turned to other famous personalities that Short had tried to mimic. Interestingly, he mentioned that Paul Simon was challenging to impersonate, as capturing his style required more nuance. On the other hand, he admitted that imitating Garry Cooper with just three words wasn’t enough to truly capture the essence of the legendary actor.
Carson, always curious, asked if there were any celebrities Short struggled to imitate. Short confessed that Robin Williams, his friend and comedic inspiration, was not an easy subject. Williams’ voice and energy were so unique that capturing his essence was no simple feat.
The interview took a lighthearted turn as Carson and Short engaged in playful banter, joking about their encounters with famous personalities. Short shared a hilarious story about meeting Richard Burton backstage during a production of Camelot. Despite carefully planning his praise for Burton, Short was met with a nonchalant response from the legendary actor, leaving him momentarily stunned.
As the conversation came to a close, Short disclosed that he was teaching his own children the art of comedy, hoping to create a comedy dynasty. He playfully mentioned teaching his daughter how to wait for laughs and even how to win an Oscar, using a Barbie doll as a prop.
It was clear that Martin Short‘s talent for impersonation was on full display during this episode of The Tonight Show. Despite Bette Davis‘ rumored aversion to being impersonated, Short’s portrayal was met with uproarious laughter from the audience. And with his witty banter and comedic timing, it’s no wonder that Short continues to be a beloved entertainer in the world of comedy.
Originally aired on January 7, 1988
