In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” comedian Quinta Brunson shared her fear of accidentally parking in Clint Eastwood‘s spot. The conversation took a lighthearted turn as O’Brien complimented Brunson on her expressive eyes, highlighting their importance in comedic performances.
Recognizing the power of eyes in comedy, O’Brien praised Brunson for having eyes that can do all the work for her. He mentioned that throughout history, many of his favorite comedians have possessed these types of eyes that can captivate an audience. The banter continued as Brunson jokingly pretended to imitate an angry old man who smashes cars parked in his space.
The discussion then shifted to Brunson’s colleague and writer on the show, Dion Cole. O’Brien recalled that Cole used to drive a white Bentley and park anywhere he pleased on the Warner Bros. lot, even in Bruce Willis‘ spot. Despite being repeatedly banned from the lot, Cole defiantly persisted in finding alternative spaces to park. The playful conversation highlighted the camaraderie and humorous dynamics among the show’s staff.
Aside from the parking spot adventures, O’Brien and Brunson delved into a discussion about their appearances. O’Brien playfully commented that people in comedy should either have big eyes or a big head, suggesting that either feature can enhance comedic performance. Brunson reciprocated the banter, lauding O’Brien’s expressive head and contrasting it with her own eyes.
The conversation took a personal turn as both O’Brien and Brunson connected their affinity for comedy to growing up in large families. Brunson shared how her parents and siblings influenced her comedic preferences, introducing her to classic shows like “The Brady Bunch” and “Conan Friends Martin Living Color.” Meanwhile, O’Brien reflected on the significance of watching Bugs Bunny cartoons, citing their impeccable timing as a formative influence on his comedic style.
As the discussion progressed, O’Brien and Brunson both mentioned revisiting old shows and cartoons to see how they shaped their comedic timing and cadence. Brunson revealed that she found Bob Newhart’s show, specifically the “Darryl and Darryl” sketches, to be powerfully influential. O’Brien chimed in, recalling how a Will Ferrell sketch from “Saturday Night Live” had a similar impact on his comedic cadence.
The episode concluded with the duo acknowledging the influence of past artists on contemporary comedy. Both O’Brien and Brunson agreed that no artist works in a vacuum and that their comedic styles have been influenced by those who came before them. The conversation emphasized the interconnectedness of comedy and the ongoing dialogue between generations of comedians.
Tune in to “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” to enjoy more entertaining and insightful conversations like this one.
