In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, actress Natasha Lyonne and filmmaker Rian Johnson shared a candid and humorous conversation. The two stars discussed their mutual appreciation for each other’s work and even bonded over their love for crossword puzzles.
Lyonne expressed her admiration for Johnson’s show, “Pokerface,” and how it brought back nostalgic feelings from her childhood. She commended Johnson for not only acting in the show but also being involved in various other aspects of its production. Johnson humbly responded, comparing their friendship to the legendary duo of Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, stating that they had a similar camaraderie.
Their conversation veered towards their shared love for crossword puzzles, and Lyonne playfully teased Johnson about his slower solving abilities compared to his usual lightning-fast completion times. She even revealed that she had helped him with a crossword puzzle during the AFI Awards ceremony. Johnson proudly mentioned that his name appeared as a clue in a crossword puzzle, showcasing his connection to his work.
Light-hearted banter continued as the pair discussed their individually preferred puzzle-solving days. Lyonne identified as a regular crossword enthusiast, confidently conquering the puzzles from Monday to Thursday. She jokingly remarked that solving puzzles on Mondays made her feel like the smartest person in the world. Johnson, on the other hand, claimed to be more like Einstein, capable of breezing through even the challenging Saturday puzzles, usually finishing them within eight minutes.
As the conversation segued, Lyonne “dropped” the names of other crossword aficionados she had puzzled with, mentioning Craig Mason and the legendary duo Lord and Miller. The actress saved her best puzzle-dropping remark for the end, humorously stating that she was “out on a yacht with Will Shorts,” the crossword editor for The New York Times.
Amidst the laughter, Lyonne playfully mentioned her connection to Harvard, while Johnson shared his experience at NYU. Lyonne dropped out of NYU multiple times, trying to negotiate a scholarship with the admissions office, while Johnson graduated from Harvard and reminisced about his time at the Lampoon.
In a lighthearted moment, Lyonne admitted to carrying a cigarette and lighter, referencing her role in “Bugsy Malone.” She cheekily mentioned that she still carried a lighter leash despite having quit smoking.
As the chat came to an end, Lyonne shared her delight at being only 42 years old, playfully mentioning the notorious “27 Club.” The conversation ended on a humorous note, leaving the audience entertained and wanting more.
This engaging and joyful exchange between Natasha Lyonne and Rian Johnson on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show exemplified their genuine friendship, mutual admiration, and shared interests beyond their craft. The dynamic and playful banter kept the audience engaged, ensuring a memorable and entertaining episode of the show.
