The conversation began with O’Brien highlighting the dog puppet on Smigel’s hand and praising its expressive eyes. Smigel revealed that the puppet and the iconic bit were born out of a talent show sketch they were doing on the show. They had set a rule for themselves – no “found humor” or copying of other shows, particularly David Letterman, whom they admired greatly.
Smigel admitted that he underestimated O’Brien’s abilities and was unsure if he could pull off remotes like Letterman did. However, together they realized that their true love was for silly and strange comedy, making the “no copying” rule less of a concern. This revelation led them to create unique sketches, such as their first piece on the show, where they altered real ads, injecting dark humor into them.
The conversation then shifted to their early days together in Chicago, before they joined Saturday Night Live (SNL). Smigel reminisced about the time when the writer strike hit and how he, along with Odenkirk, contemplated doing a stage show in Chicago for sketches that were too weird for SNL. They invited O’Brien to join them, and he eagerly accepted, embarking on a memorable journey.
Driving to Chicago in his 1973 Plymouth Valiant, Smigel faced several challenges, including overheating issues with his car. However, once they started working on the stage show, he realized how much he loved collaborating with O’Brien and Odenkirk. This experience, according to Smigel, was life-changing, as it immersed him in a period of total creative control and happiness.
The discussion touched on their friendship and the way they naturally gravitated toward one another. Smigel revealed that they had a unique connection, almost finishing each other’s sentences. While others recall influences from classic comedians, Smigel admitted that nothing inspired him more than Warner Brothers cartoons. That sense of everything being alive and anthropomorphized became a recurring theme in their comedy.
As the conversation drew to a close, Smigel emphasized that their journey from Chicago to SNL and later to Conan’s talk show had been filled with fun and laughter. The duo’s ability to turn anything into a hilarious bit had solidified their bond and created timeless comedy.
Fans of Conan O’Brien and comedy enthusiasts can enjoy this insightful and witty conversation between O’Brien and Smigel on Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend. From their humble beginnings to their successful careers in entertainment, they continue to delight audiences with their unique humor and innovative sketches. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be entertained by the comedic genius of Conan O’Brien and his talented guests.
