Top 10 Greatest Talk Show Entrances Ever
#10: Charlie Sheen Enters in a Tank
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A military tank is used for maximum destruction during wartime. But, if you’re Charlie Sheen, it’s also a means for an epic talk show entrance. Not one for subtlety, Sheen made his winning entrance on Conan just two years after his infamous removal from “Two and a Half Men”. With Conan O'Brien taping his program on the same studio lot Charlie was banned from, the tiger-blooded “Rock Star From Mars” arrived the most secure way possible: in a giant battle tank. Oh, he was also flanked by two very attractive ladies - because of course he was!
#9: Jim Carrey Is Released Through a Trapdoor
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It was the Fall of 2009 and a strange media hoax had captured the nation’s attention. Reports of a child trapped in a homemade helium balloon led to a massive rescue effort, all while news cameras broadcast the incident to horrified viewers. As it turned out, the boy was not in any danger at all, but rather hiding in his parent’s attic. Enter Jim Carrey. On a promotional tour for “A Christmas Carol”, the funny man decided to spoof the “Balloon Boy” frenzy on an episode of Ellen. Following a faux news report, Ellen discovers Carrey hiding beneath a trapdoor and springs him loose. Leave it to Jim to turn an odd moment in national news into an even odder talk show entrance.
#8: Bill Murray Arrives as Peter Pan
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Long considered one of the greatest talk show guests ever, Bill Murray is also known to make some triumphant entrances on his way through the curtain. This was never more evident than on the Late Show with David Letterman, where Murray gave many highlight-reel arrivals. These included turns as Liberace; a football player; and even a kidnap victim. But, perhaps Bill’s most ambitious grand entrance came in the form of Peter Pan. Swinging from the ceiling of the Ed Sullivan Theatre, Murray serenaded the audience with his best Neverland vocals. Just look at Letterman’s pure giddy joy. It’s just a wonder Broadway never came calling to give Bill’s version of Pan a run on a main stage.
#7. Michael J. Fox & Christopher Lloyd Emerge from the DeLorean
Talk show surprises are always fun. Talk show reunions are equally exciting. A talk show surprise reunion where a beloved movie duo reprise their iconic characters? Great Scott - that’s just amazing! During a special night of tapings in Brooklyn, NY, Jimmy Kimmel was interrupted by a couple of time travelers in the form of Marty McFly and Doc Brown. In a magical moment for Back to the Future fans everywhere, Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd emerged from the DeLorean! What followed was a funny back and forth with Kimmel about the wonders of this “new futuristic world.” But, did we mention they arrived in the freakn’ DeLorean?!
#6: Sean Connery Flies in with a Jetpack
Turns out legendary actor Sean Connery likes to leave the audience shaken AND stirred when it comes to his entrances. In a call back to his 1965 James Bond outing in Thunderball, Connery casually touched down on the Late Show with David Letterman via a rocketing jet pack. It has since been explained that this wasn’t a real jet pack however, as Connery was lowered onto the stage by a set of wires. Additionally, the “jet exhaust” was produced courtesy of a few handy fire extinguishers. Regardless of the schematics though, we’d say this entrance was most certainly Bond-worthy.
#5: Will Smith Makes Multiple Entrances
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One shot is often all you get at a first impression. That is of course unless you’re Will Smith. In which case, you get four. Appearing on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Smith made his initial entrance to the couch with some playful pointing and light footwork. Wanting to give the audience more, he demanded a do-over. Smith re-emerged by rolling about in a giant hamster ball. Still not satisfied, he followed with a disco boogie. No closer to being content, the Fresh Prince pulled out all the stops for his final ascension to the stage. This time with a red carpet, a full choir, confetti, and oh yeah – Smith himself riding in on a white “unicorn.” Now that’s what we call “Big Willie style.”
#4: Kevin Bacon Cuts Footloose
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Many people have danced on the Tonight Show stage over the years, but on one fateful night, host Jimmy Fallon proclaimed that dancing was to be outlawed on the NBC talk show. It just so happened Kevin Bacon was set to appear that night in celebration of the 30th anniversary of his hit musical Footloose. Having found himself in this situation before, Bacon kicked off his Sunday shoes and proceeded to put on an elaborate, and very familiar, song and dance routine. Fallon immediately reversed the dancing ban, and all was right in the world again. No one puts Kevin Bacon in a corner – especially on The Tonight Show.
#3. Peter O'Toole Rides in on a Camel
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Distinguished thespian of stage and screen, the late Peter O’Toole has many accolades to his name. And on a London-based episode of the Late Show with David Letterman, he added “badass talk show entrance” to the list! In a nod to his Oscar nominated role in Lawrence of Arabia, O’Toole made his arrival on top a real life camel. Nonchalantly smoking a cigarette and sporting a dashing three-piece suit no less, the actor even ignored the ladder Letterman had brought over, and descended on his own. As for his humped mammal friend, the renowned actor rewarded him with a can of beer. And that ladies and gentlemen, is the definition of cool.
#2. Nicolas Cage Somersaults & Throws Money
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Many have tried to pinpoint a moment where Nicolas Cage was at his most Nicolas Cage-iest. Well, perhaps it occurred on a BBC chat program hosted by Terry Wogan in the bygone year of 1992. When the veteran talk show host announces Cage to the stage, the actor immediately somersaulted his way out with great enthusiasm. This was followed by a rather generous offering of money, in which he feverishly threw fistfuls to the lucky audience. And let’s not forget those glorious karate kicks and punches. Yep – Nicolas Cage is a true national treasure alright, especially when it comes to talk show entrances! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Sam Rockwell Boogies Down “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” (2014-) Bruce Willis Cycles into the Late Show “The Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015) Billy Porter Has Costume Changes “The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2015-) Kate McKinnon Kicks Off Her Shoes “Live with Kelly and Ryan” (2017-) Jason Momoa Arrives as Elvis “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-)
#1: Chris Farley Puts an Audience Member in a Trash Bin
The magic of Chris Farley was perhaps in not knowing what the lovable comedian was going to do at any given time. His whirlwind energy, excitement, and unpredictability were never more prevalent than in a single entrance on the Late Show with David Letterman. In a Tasmanian Devil-like frenzy, Farley made his arrival while slapping hands with the studio audience. That is until he decided to pick one up and promptly dispose of him in the outside trash. Chris returned with a pair of impressive cartwheels, all before taking his seat next to Dave. This just goes to show that when it comes to a great talk show entrance, spontaneity and hilarity run supreme. Chris Farley had ‘em in spades!
