On the December 13, 1984 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Michael Keaton made his first appearance as a guest. Keaton, known for his roles in films such as Mr. Mom and Johnny Dangerously, brought his quirky and entertaining personality to the chat show.
Carson, the host of The Tonight Show, introduced Keaton with a lively entrance that involved a sprint from the goal line to the 50-yard line. The audience was amused by Keaton’s energetic arrival, as it was a departure from the usual talk show guest entrances.
During the interview, Carson and Keaton discussed various topics, including Keaton’s upbringing in a large Irish Catholic family. Keaton humorously mentioned that being the youngest in a family of seven made him feel like the “odd one out” as his parents had already exhausted their excitement with the older siblings. Despite the challenges of being the youngest, Keaton enjoyed the affection he received from his family.
Keaton also shared some interesting anecdotes from his childhood. He revealed that he had a hot temper and used to express his anger by throwing people’s shoes down the stairs. If he was mad at his brother, he would grab his shoes and hurl them down to make his frustration known. Although Keaton didn’t delve into the psychological reasons behind this behavior, it was certainly a unique way for him to cope with his anger.
The conversation then shifted to Keaton’s career as an actor. Before finding success in Hollywood, Keaton worked various odd jobs to support himself. He tried his hand at selling vacuum cleaners, driving a cab, and even sold ice cream from a truck. Keaton amusingly admitted that his ability to handle rejection was not strong, making sales jobs particularly challenging for him. Luckily, he eventually discovered his passion for acting and pursued it as a career.
As the interview drew to a close, Carson and Keaton bonded over their shared admiration for classic gangster movies. They discussed their favorite actors from the genre, with Keaton expressing his love for Jimmy Cagney. Keaton reminisced about memorable scenes from films like White Heat, showcasing his deep appreciation for the art of acting.
To wrap up the segment, a clip from Keaton’s upcoming film, Johnny Dangerously, was shown. The scene featured a hilarious interaction involving a parrot delivering a crucial message. The audience and Carson found the scene amusing, cementing Keaton’s reputation as a talented and entertaining actor.
In conclusion, Michael Keaton made a lively and memorable first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. From his energetic entrance to his humorous anecdotes, Keaton captivated the audience with his charisma and wit. His upcoming film, Johnny Dangerously, only added to the excitement surrounding his career. It was clear that Keaton’s blend of talent and humor would continue to propel him to great success in the entertainment industry.
Originally aired on December 13, 1984
