On a recent episode of The Ellen Degeneres Show, host Ellen Degeneres welcomed two hilarious guests to the stage, Sean Hayes and Bob Newhart. The crowd erupted in applause as the actors took their seats, clearly excited to be there.
Ellen couldn’t help but comment on the massive audience, noting that she had never seen so many people in the studio before. She joked that they must have borrowed chairs from Jay Leno’s set next door. The audience, consisting entirely of Chicagoans, had braved the cold weather to attend the show.
Ellen went on to express her love for Chicago, praising its beautiful skyline, vibrant music scene, and famous deep dish pizza. She noted that the city is known for its big portions, joking that one slice of pizza is the size of a mattress. She even suggested that those who indulge in Chicago pizza should bring pants with an elastic waistband.
The conversation turned to sports, and Ellen admitted her lack of knowledge in that area. However, she acknowledged that Chicago is a sports town, boasting teams like the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox.
Throughout the episode, Ellen showcased her love for the people of Chicago, describing them as hardworking, fun-loving, and unpretentious. She even playfully mentioned how Chicagoans continue to vote, even after they die.
The first guest, Sean Hayes, entertained the audience with his quick wit and comedic timing. Known for his role as Jack McFarland on the hit show Will & Grace, Hayes delighted the crowd with stories about his hometown of Chicago and his experiences in the entertainment industry.
Hayes shared that the character he plays on Will & Grace now works at “outv,” the new gay network. He hinted that Jack might have his own talk show in the near future. The audience chuckled at the thought of Jack’s hilarious interviewing style.
Next, Ellen welcomed the legendary Bob Newhart to the stage. Newhart, a comedy icon hailing from Chicago, received a warm reception from the crowd. Ellen even pointed out the bronze statue dedicated to Newhart in Millennium Park.
As the conversation continued, Newhart shared anecdotes about his 42-year-long marriage and his unexpected role on Desperate Housewives. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and hinted at the possibility of multiple episodes.
Throughout the show, Ellen kept the energy alive with her signature humor and charm. The audience eagerly participated in a Chicago trivia game with Hayes and Newhart, and the iconic Chicago Boys Acrobatic Team wowed everyone with their incredible performance.
As the episode came to a close, Ellen expressed her appreciation for her Chicago audience and surprised them with gifts from Ikea and Reebok. The episode was filled with laughter, entertainment, and a celebration of all things Chicago.
Fans of The Ellen Degeneres Show and viewers from all over eagerly tuned in to witness the charisma and comedic talent of Sean Hayes and Bob Newhart. The episode proved once again why The Ellen Degeneres Show remains a favorite talk show among audiences.
Originally aired on February 24, 2005
