Woody Harrelson, known for his roles in “Cheers” and the movie “Wildcats,” made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” on March 14, 1986. The charismatic actor shared some interesting anecdotes about his journey to show business and his experiences in New York City.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Harrelson and his best friend Clint Allen decided to move to New York to pursue their dreams. Allen was accepted into Juilliard, and Harrelson tagged along, hoping to get his foot in the door of the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, he wasn’t accepted to Juilliard, but that didn’t deter him from following his dreams.
New York City proved to be a tough place for Harrelson, as he struggled to find steady employment. He went through 17 jobs in a year, unable to hold onto any of them. Despite his talent for acting, he found it difficult to recite menus as a waiter or bartender. Harrelson admitted that he could comfortably perform in front of large audiences but froze up when it came to interacting with just a couple of people.
One of his more memorable jobs in New York was working as a cook in a dive restaurant. However, this job ended in a fight with the restaurant manager’s husband, prompting Harrelson to quit. He left the restaurant wearing the manager’s whites and had to change into a random bum’s clothes on the streets. The altercation escalated when the manager’s husband attacked him, leading to a physical scuffle. Eventually, the police intervened, siding with Harrelson’s adversary.
After this incident, Harrelson decided it was time to leave New York. He made a reservation to depart a week later, determined to pursue other opportunities elsewhere. Despite the challenges he faced, Harrelson’s experiences in New York undoubtedly shaped him as an actor.
During his appearance on “The Tonight Show,” Harrelson shared that he had recently signed his first autograph. He found the experience both exciting and surreal, as he couldn’t understand why someone would want his signature on a piece of paper. Little did he know that his success in the entertainment industry would bring him countless opportunities to interact with fans.
Woody Harrelson‘s appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” showcased his charisma, humor, and resilience as he reflected on his journey to becoming a well-known actor. This talk show episode marked the beginning of Harrelson’s rise to fame, which would see him become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.
The video of Woody Harrelson‘s appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” is a must-watch for fans of the actor and those interested in his early career. It offers a glimpse into his life before fame and showcases his entertaining storytelling skills.
