John Goodman made his first appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show in 2004, and it was a lively and entertaining segment. The transcript of the episode shows Goodman’s humor and warmth, as he engaged in a playful conversation with host Ellen Degeneres.
Goodman, known for his roles in popular TV shows like Roseanne, started by jokingly asking if there was any chair lubricant available because he felt “stuck.” They then exchanged pleasantries, with Degeneres complimenting Goodman’s appearance and him playfully responding that he looked like a million bucks, but she looked like 10 bucks.
The conversation turned to Goodman’s move from St. Louis, Missouri to New Orleans. He revealed that while his wife is from Louisiana, he moved to New Orleans after his previous show, “Roseanne,” ended. Goodman expressed his love for the city, praising its unique charm and the friendliness of its people. He humorously mentioned indulging in the city’s delicious food, particularly the famous po’ boy sandwiches and “Hurricanes.”
They discussed the quirks of New Orleans, including the French Quarter and the drunks with cameras. Goodman shared how digital cameras ruined the fun of taking funny pictures since you can’t accidentally cut off people’s heads or capture their feet anymore.
Degeneres then asked Goodman if he had ever lied on a resume. He humorously admitted to claiming he was a Kennedy or an Olsen twin. Goodman also shared a funny anecdote about a dance audition for a musical in which he would tell the casting directors that he was shot in the leg on his way there.
The conversation took a nostalgic turn as Degeneres complimented Goodman on his outstanding performance on “Roseanne.” He mentioned how he now watches reruns of the show and finds it like watching it for the first time, as he doesn’t remember many of the episodes due to being caught up in the daily grind of filming.
To jog Goodman’s memory, Degeneres showed a commercial from his past for MCI, directed by Bob Gerald. They both enjoyed watching it together, and Goodman expressed how the memories of shooting that commercial flooded back.
As the segment came to an end, they briefly talked about Goodman’s current show, “Center of the Universe,” where he worked alongside Mary Tyler Moore and other talented actors. Expressing his joy in going to work every day and making people laugh, Goodman acknowledged the importance of laughter, especially during challenging times.
The episode concluded with a lighthearted discussion about Goodman’s Thanksgiving plans, which involved a long road trip from Los Angeles to New Orleans. They shared a humorous exchange about Goodman’s intention to drive straight through without many breaks, joking about the need for a CB radio, sunglasses, and even an underwater camera for fishing.
Overall, John Goodman‘s first appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show in 2004 was filled with humor, warmth, and a candid discussion about his career and personal life. The segment showcased Goodman’s charm and ability to entertain, leaving the audience with a desire for more of his infectious personality.
Originally aired on November 18, 2004
