In a recent interview on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, James Corden revealed that he initially felt “deeply unqualified” to host “The Late Late Show.” The two late-night hosts discussed their shared experiences and the unconventional paths that led them to their respective talk show gigs.
Corden admitted that when he was chosen to host “The Late Late Show,” he had never even stood on a monologue mark or interviewed anyone. He felt unsure about his qualifications for the job, but believed that he had other qualities that would shine through in the end.
Both Corden and O’Brien acknowledged the strict expectations that come with hosting a late-night talk show, particularly in the American television landscape. However, Corden realized that there is no school or set formula for hosting these shows. It’s about being yourself, creating a comfortable environment, and finding what you love to do.
Reflecting on his early days as host, Corden remembered a pivotal moment when he realized that the lack of preconceived notions about his capabilities could actually work in his favor. As he followed in the footsteps of late-night legends like David Letterman, he recognized that the opportunity to define his own version of the show was liberating.
Corden recounted a humorous anecdote about how his show initially followed reruns of “Hawaii 5-O” during the summer. To fill the airtime, he and his team would mockingly discuss the plot of each episode. This unique approach to late-night television allowed Corden to experiment and find his stride.
Both Corden and O’Brien agreed that if someone is truly meant to do something, they will figure it out, much like a salmon swimming upstream. They emphasized the importance of pursuing what feels right and honing one’s unique talents.
Corden’s journey to becoming a late-night host started at a young age. He fondly recalled attending church services with his family, who were part of the Salvation Army. While others might find it unusual, the young Corden thought it was completely normal for his parents to don uniforms and march through the town.
This early exposure to performing in front of a congregation sparked Corden’s desire to be on a stage. His passion for theater solidified when he would attend shows with his family. The experience of being surrounded by thousands of people in a theater left a lasting impact on him.
Corden’s personal journey and his shared experiences with O’Brien highlight the unpredictable and often unconventional paths that lead entertainers to their dream careers. Being “deeply unqualified” doesn’t necessarily mean one is ill-equipped for success. Sometimes, it takes taking a leap of faith and embracing one’s unique talents to find true fulfillment.
