In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, the host sat down with renowned actor Nathan Lane for a lively discussion about their Irish upbringings. The conversation was filled with humor, shared experiences, and a deep sense of understanding between the two celebrities.
Both Conan and Nathan recognized the similarities in their backgrounds, particularly their Irish heritage and Catholic upbringing. They joked about the self-deprecating tendencies they developed as a defense mechanism, with Nathan expressing how he would beat himself up before anyone else had a chance to do so.
The topic of alcoholism also came up, with Nathan mentioning that there were instances of alcoholism in his family. He talked about growing up in a dry house, where even a rum cake was not allowed. Wine was treated with the same caution as fentanyl is today, highlighting the fear associated with alcohol in some Irish cultures.
Despite the challenging aspects of their childhoods, Nathan and Conan found common ground in their dark humor and self-deprecating nature. Nathan shared a quote from an interview where he described his upbringing as being in a “bad Eugene O’Neal play.” He elaborated on the difficulties he faced, including his father’s alcoholism, his mother’s bipolar disorder, and the responsibility he felt to take care of his family.
Conan, too, shared his journey of self-discovery as a performer. As a child, he went down a checklist of things he wasn’t good at, only to realize that making others laugh was his greatest weapon. He found his passion for entertaining through impressions and school plays, which eventually led him to consider a career in the theater.
The conversation between Nathan and Conan delved into the transformative power of performing. They expressed the joy they still feel when entertaining an audience, describing it as a rush of adrenaline that never diminishes. Even in their current roles on Conan’s talk show, where the process is more like a writer’s process with constant rewrites, they find the experience exciting and invigorating.
Ultimately, this conversation highlighted the deep connection between Nathan Lane and Conan O’Brien. Their similar backgrounds, shared experiences, and love for entertaining allowed them to bond and understand each other on a profound level. This interview served as a testament to the enduring power of humor, resilience, and self-discovery in the world of entertainment.
