In a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, beloved comedian Steve Martin had a lot of fun with the audience. The episode opened with Carson introducing Martin, who was starring in the movie Pennies from Heaven at the time. The crowd erupted in applause as Martin took the stage.
Martin wasted no time in showcasing his comedic timing and showmanship. He began by pulling out a stopwatch and a Rubik’s Cube, ready to set a record. With the audience eagerly watching, Martin swiftly solved the puzzle in an impressive 14 seconds, earning himself a new record. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
Martin’s energy remained high throughout the interview, as he shared his trademark wit and charm. The comedian humorously discussed the use of the word “awesome” in popular culture, citing football announcers and car commercials as examples. He playfully embraced the notion of being awesome himself, much to the delight of the audience.
The conversation then shifted to Martin’s current project, Pennies from Heaven. Despite the comedian’s initial embarrassment about discussing the film, citing the positive reviews, Martin couldn’t help but express his pride in the movie. He jokingly mentioned a particularly glowing review that led someone to wet their pants out of embarrassment, demonstrating just how impressed people were with the film.
Martin and Carson bantered back and forth about the positive and negative reviews of Pennies from Heaven. Martin playfully suggested that the people who liked the film were wise and intelligent, while those who didn’t were simply ignorant scum. The audience erupted in laughter, appreciating Martin’s humorous take on the mixed reception.
In a surprising twist, Martin revealed that he had started writing his Oscar acceptance speech based on the positive reviews he had received. He was confident that he would win the award for his performance in Pennies from Heaven and wanted to be prepared in case anything happened to him before the ceremony. Martin delivered a mock acceptance speech to the audience, showcasing his wit and gratitude for the imaginary honor.
The episode concluded with Martin jokingly accepting the Oscar for Best Performance in a Motion Picture for Pennies from Heaven, even though it was just a rehearsal for the real event. The audience was delighted by Martin’s comedic flair and his ability to create a memorable and entertaining performance out of thin air.
This episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, featuring Steve Martin, was a testament to the comedian’s talent and charisma. Martin’s ability to captivate the audience with his quick wit and comedic timing made for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. With his infectious energy and hilarious anecdotes, Martin proved once again why he is one of the biggest comedic talents of his generation.
Originally aired on December 29, 1981
