On a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” the host welcomed comedian Gary Gulman to discuss a variety of topics, including their most memorable holiday gifts.
Conan began by praising Gulman’s new standup special, which had just been released. Despite Conan making a slight mistake about when it dropped, he expressed his admiration for Gulman’s work. Gulman thanked him for the kind words and mentioned that he had a great time touring his special. He particularly enjoyed performing in Toronto, as the people there were incredibly nice and loved comedy.
The conversation took a playful turn when Conan jokingly suggested that his ghost would roam Toronto to perform comedy bits. Gulman found the idea amusing and expressed his preference for going to Toronto rather than heaven. The banter continued, with Conan imagining a scenario where Rush, the iconic Canadian band, and Gulman would spend time together, breaking down guitar licks and drum solos.
As fellow Massachusetts natives, Conan and Gulman bonded over their upbringing and the challenges they faced. Gulman shared that he grew up poor, which gave him a different perspective on things. He recalled his jealousy towards other kids who received extravagant gifts for Christmas while he would get practical presents like pajamas. Gulman humorously mentioned the hazards of using an electric blanket in those cold Massachusetts winters, as they were known for their fire-starting capabilities.
Their conversation shifted to the topic of costs, and Gulman mentioned that being broke made him acutely aware of the price of everything. He recounted an incident where he asked a neighbor about the cost of a summer camp he had attended. The neighbor couldn’t comprehend why Gulman would know the prices of things since his parents would simply tell him they couldn’t afford them. This attention to detail and cost awareness stayed with Gulman throughout his life.
Gulman shared a childhood memory of wanting a robot called 2XL, which carried a specific price tag at Toys “R” Us. He would ask people if he could borrow $54.87, the exact cost of the robot. Eventually, his mom managed to obtain a used 2XL from a neighbor, and Gulman couldn’t have been happier. He also reminisced about the excitement and chaos of Christmas mornings, where being one of six children meant gifts could easily get lost in the mix.
Conan chimed in, recalling a Christmas when his dad let him believe that a toboggan on the couch was his personal gift, only to later reveal that it was meant for everyone. This humorous anecdote highlighted the quirks and dynamics of holiday celebrations in large families.
As the conversation drew to a close, Gulman mentioned receiving Dungeons and Dragons books one year but lamented the lack of friends to play with. Both Conan and Gulman found humor in this oversight by the game’s creators, emphasizing that even kids into niche hobbies can feel lonely.
This lively and jovial discussion on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show provided a glimpse into the humorous and relatable experiences of Gary Gulman and the host himself. It was a delightful exchange filled with laughter and fond memories of holidays past.
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