During a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” the host reminisced about a special encounter he had with Nathan Lane backstage at “The Producers.” O’Brien, who is known for his wit and comedic timing, shared a heartfelt moment that he had with Lane, which left a lasting impact on him.
O’Brien began by expressing his gratitude towards Lane for his ongoing support over the years, including an unforgettable appearance on O’Brien’s final late-night show. He then revealed that shortly before starting the podcast, Lane had offered his condolences on the passing of O’Brien’s parents the previous month.
This compassionate gesture reminded O’Brien of a cherished memory he had with his mother. He explained that his mother rarely traveled to New York City, but he decided to take her to see “The Producers,” which was a monumental Broadway production at the time.
O’Brien vividly described his mother’s excitement during the show, noting her vigorous clapping that could be heard throughout the theater. After the performance, they were given the opportunity to meet Nathan Lane backstage. O’Brien introduced Lane to his mother, who was thrilled to meet the Broadway icon. O’Brien emphasized that Lane’s warmth and genuine care during that meeting meant the world to his mother.
Reflecting on the moment, O’Brien humorously suggested that Lane’s kindness may have been so overwhelming that it “transported” his mother into another realm, jokingly blaming him for potentially shortening her lifespan. But in all seriousness, O’Brien praised Lane for his sensitivity, remarking on what a truly fantastic person he is.
The conversation then shifted to the etiquette of meeting fans and audience members after performances. O’Brien acknowledged that it can be an awkward experience, especially if someone didn’t particularly enjoy the show. He emphasized the importance of being gracious and making the audience feel appreciated, no matter their opinion of the performance.
As the interview progressed, O’Brien and Lane discussed their approaches to sleep after high-energy performances. O’Brien, known for his exuberance on stage, confessed to having difficulty winding down after a show. He mentioned that years of late-night hosting often led to intense post-show discussions and decompression, making it challenging to relax before bed. Lane jokingly remarked that during his younger years, drinking helped him sleep.
The conversation wrapped up with O’Brien reminiscing about an encounter he had with Lane at Angelica Cinema, where he spotted Lane with his wife. O’Brien playfully recalled how he attempted to replicate the dynamic of his talk show by jokingly asking Lane if he had any funny stories about avocados. They both laughed about the humorous encounter, highlighting the intertwined nature of show business and everyday life.
This entertaining episode of “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” showcased O’Brien’s ability to engage his guests in lively conversations while sharing personal anecdotes. The conversation with Nathan Lane provided a glimpse into the world of Broadway and the unique experiences that come with being in the entertainment industry.
