On a recent episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden, NBA star Dwyane Wade appeared alongside actress Tessa Thompson to discuss his new photographic memoir. The book, which is out now, showcases various images and stories from Wade’s life and career.
Wade explained that he embarked on this project during his last season as a way to document and encapsulate his journey. Having had a photographer follow him since 2008, Wade had accumulated a vast collection of videos and photos that captured significant moments throughout his life. Inspired by iconic images of influential figures like Michael Jordan and Martin Luther King, Jr., Wade wanted to become an image himself, symbolizing greatness.
During the chat show interview, a photo from Wade’s book caught the attention of host James Corden. It depicted a game in which Wade played against his former teammates from the “big three” era, particularly LeBron James. Corden noticed Wade’s wife, Gabrielle Union, standing in the stands, appearing to yell at him. When asked what she might be saying, Wade humorously likened her words to that famous scene from Rocky V, where Rocky’s wife urges him to fight back. With a smile, Wade admitted that his wife’s encouragement was the boost he needed while guarding LeBron James at the age of 37.
Aside from discussing Wade’s memoir, the conversation veered toward celebrity encounters. Tessa Thompson shared her childhood memories of her dad staying in a hotel where R&B singer Sisqo happened to be. Thompson vividly recalled the sound of an early demo of Sisqo’s hit song “Thong Song” blasting from their room. Another brush with fame for Thompson involved attending a taping of the beloved sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Unfortunately, the resulting photo only captured Will Smith’s hands, as it was mistakenly framed incorrectly due to their small stature.
James Corden also shared his own celebrity encounter tale, reminiscing about spotting Sisqo in a McDonald’s in London’s Leicester Square. Despite his friends warning him not to approach, Corden couldn’t resist the opportunity. However, upon returning, Corden’s friend jokingly reprimanded him for interrupting someone’s late-night meal.
To add a touch of whimsy to the interview, Reggie Watts, the show’s bandleader, chimed in with a question that pondered the possibility of birds, specifically pterodactyls, having the ability to read human thoughts from another dimension. While the question elicited laughter from the guests, it also sparked a genuine sense of intrigue and curiosity.
The conversation concluded with Corden jokingly expressing his dislike for birds, while admitting that he gets freaked out by them. Thankfully, Tessa Thompson lightened the mood by playfully assuring him that his fish-related concerns were more understandable.
Overall, the conversation between Dwyane Wade, Tessa Thompson, and James Corden was both entertaining and insightful. It provided a glimpse into Wade’s latest endeavor, his thoughts on his wife’s support, and amusing anecdotes from both Thompson’s and Corden’s encounters with celebrities. The Late Late Show once again delivered a hilarious and engaging segment that left viewers wanting more.
