In the latest episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, the charming and quick-witted Ben Schwartz made a memorable appearance. Known for his portrayal of the lovable character Jean-Ralphio in Parks and Recreation, Schwartz brought his infectious energy to the stage.
During their conversation, Conan couldn’t help but comment on Schwartz’s dapper attire. “You look sharp, can I say I noticed something about your suit? It looks like a… butthole,” Conan jokingly remarked. This witty banter set the tone for the playful exchange that followed.
Not one to miss a beat, Schwartz hilariously embraced Conan’s observation. He cleverly pointed out that the moon in the background also appeared like a butthole. “It looks like the guests are being thrown out of said moon butthole or sucked into it,” Schwartz quipped. This humorous observation had everyone in stitches, proving once again that Schwartz’s comedic timing is impeccable.
Despite the lighthearted joking, the conversation shifted towards Schwartz’s recent role in the film This Is Where I Leave You. In the movie, Schwartz portrays a cool and attention-seeking Rabbi. Schwartz shared his approach to the character, explaining how he imagined the Rabbi as someone who craved attention as a child. Becoming a Rabbi allowed him to be in front of a large audience and capture everyone’s gaze. Schwartz described his character as a mix of a Baptist Church attendee and a hype man. The audience can only imagine how Schwartz would have brought this lively character to life on the big screen.
The conversation took a hilarious turn when Schwartz shared an anecdote about a scene that didn’t make it into the final cut of the movie. He mentioned a moment where his character starts a call and response with the audience, saying “When I say Shabbat, you say shalom. Shabbat… shalom!” Although this scene was cut, it showcases Schwartz’s ability to bring humor and charm to any role he takes on.
Conan then brought up Schwartz’s portrayal of Jean-Ralphio, a character who is known for his over-the-top optimism and get-rich-quick schemes. Schwartz humbly admitted that he and Jean-Ralphio do share a positivity and optimism that shines through in their personalities. Acknowledging how others perceive Jean-Ralphio, Schwartz shared a funny analogy from Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope. Poehler describes Jean-Ralphio as being like an irrepressible puppy. Even when he messes up, it’s hard to stay mad at him. This comparison perfectly captures the infectious energy that Schwartz brings to his roles.
Schwartz’s portrayal of Jean-Ralphio includes a sing-songy way of speaking, reminiscent of musicals where characters burst into song to express their emotions. This unique delivery adds another layer of humor to Jean-Ralphio‘s outrageous statements. From getting run over by a luxury car to embracing homelessness, nothing is too dire or absurd for Jean-Ralphio to brush off with his signature flair.
As the episode came to a close, viewers were undoubtedly left with a sense of admiration for Ben Schwartz‘s comedic talent. His ability to effortlessly blend humor and charm is what makes him a memorable presence on both the big and small screens. Whether he’s playing Jean-Ralphio or taking on a completely different role, Schwartz’s infectious energy and quick wit never fail to entertain. As fans eagerly await his next project, one thing is for certain – Ben Schwartz is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
