During the interview, O’Brien praised Smigel’s choice of puppet, noting its exceptional design. The puppet’s realistic face combined with its dead eyes add to its comedic effect. O’Brien even drew a parallel between Triumph and the late Norm MacDonald, who had a knack for making his eyes go dead after delivering a joke. Smigel’s genius in creating a puppet with such a distinct look has contributed to Triumph’s enduring appeal.
However, aside from the physical attributes of the puppet, O’Brien also credited Smigel’s unique choice for the puppet’s voice. While anyone else might have gone for a typical insult comic style, Smigel had the brilliant idea to make Triumph sound like an old Russian Jewish woman. This unexpected voice choice added a new layer of hilarity and made Triumph stand out from other insult comics.
Smigel also revealed that he owes credit to his wife for the inspiration behind Triumph. While furniture shopping as newlyweds, they stumbled upon a rack of whimsical puppets, including dogs, sheep, and cats. Smigel’s immediate decision to put on one of the dog puppets and engage in a funny moment with his wife sparked the idea for Triumph. His wife surprised him later on with seven puppets, further fueling Smigel’s creativity.
The interview also touched on Triumph’s iconic roasting of guests. Before the puppets went on remote shoots, they would often roast guests during the talk show. Smigel reminisced about the time Simon Cowell, at the height of his American Idol fame, agreed to be roasted by Triumph. The experience left Cowell covered in sweat but ultimately showed his willingness to embrace the humorous side of himself.
Furthermore, Smigel shared how the team’s first remote shoot came about. Initially, they faced obstacles trying to gain access to the Westminster dog show. However, thanks to the resourcefulness of producer Jordan Schlansky, they managed to sneak in through a side entrance using fake NBC passes. This groundbreaking remote shoot led to the creation of many more entertaining remotes involving Triumph.
The interview also touched on the famous Star Wars remote, which is still remembered as one of the show’s most iconic moments. Smigel recalled the night they aired the segment, with the audience going wild. At that time, before the existence of YouTube, the video went viral on iFilm, a precursor to online video-sharing platforms. This moment marked a significant milestone for the show and led to its widespread recognition.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Triumph’s remote shoots was the positive reception they received from the participants. Smigel emphasized that their intention was never to make people unhappy but rather to have fun with them. The fans eagerly anticipated meeting Triumph, and their willingness to play along made the segments even more enjoyable. These participants, now part of comedy history, served as the perfect straight men for Triumph’s witty insults.
In conclusion, Robert Smigel‘s discovery of the Triumph puppet during a random furniture shopping trip has led to countless hilarious moments on the talk show “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend.” His choices in puppet design, voice, and remote shoot locations have cemented Triumph’s status as a comedic legend. With each new appearance, Triumph continues to demonstrate why he is one of the most beloved characters in the world of comedy.
