Jason Priestley made his long-awaited appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show and received an enthusiastic welcome from the audience. As the two celebrities interacted, it became apparent that despite their parallel careers during the 90s, they never crossed paths.
Ellen marvelled at the assumption that celebrities run in the same circles and hang out at exclusive celebrity cafes. Jason agreed, jokingly mentioning how people probably imagine that they all live together like firemen. The conversation continued with both stars expressing their surprise at the unwritten rule of acknowledging fellow celebrities, even if they don’t know each other personally.
Moving on to a more serious topic, Ellen empathetically thanked Jason for opening up about the life-changing experiences he had faced recently. She acknowledged the curiosity surrounding the ordeal but assured him that she genuinely wanted to understand his perspective. Jason humbly shared how being bedridden for three months had altered his outlook on life, without turning him into a “Birkenstock-wearing, campfire-singing” stereotype.
The conversation lightened as they joked about Jason’s memory loss during August 2002, with him hilariously admitting that “not a lot happened” during that time. Ellen playfully inquired whether Jason would return to his passion for racing cars. He revealed that reaching a speed of 182 miles per hour before crashing into a wall had given him second thoughts. Jason officially announced his retirement from the sport, feeling content after a successful 11-year racing career.
Transitioning to Jason’s new project, they discussed his upcoming film, “Die, Mommie, Die!” The movie, a comedy set in the style of old ’60s classics, features Charles Busch, a renowned drag performer, playing the lead female character effortlessly. Jason praised the script and noted how the film pays homage to the iconic ’60s movies such as “Valley of the Dolls,” capturing their unique appeal perfectly.
As the segment drew to a close, Ellen acknowledged the overwhelming excitement from fans in the audience. Jason graciously agreed to sign autographs and engage with his supporters. Ellen thanked him for sharing his journey and returning to the entertainment industry, to the delight of his dedicated fans.
In conclusion, this lively conversation on The Ellen Degeneres Show showcased the genuine connection between Jason Priestley and Ellen DeGeneres. Their interaction ranged from humorous anecdotes about celebrity expectations to more thought-provoking discussions about life-changing experiences. With his retirement from racing and the release of his upcoming film, Jason Priestley continues to captivate audiences with his talent and charm.
Originally aired on October 28, 2003
