O’Brien ends TBS late-night show
Conan O’Brien stayed true to form as he wrapped his TBS show “Conan” after nearly 11 years, bouncing between self-deprecating and smart-aleck humor before allowing himself a touch of sentiment.
“Try to do what you love with people you love, and if you can manage that, it’s the definition of heaven on Earth,” he said, marking the end of his third latenight show over 28 years. It’s a tenure second only to Johnny Carson’s 30 years on “Tonight.”
O’Brien’s next venture is a weekly variety series for HBO Max, set to arrive in 2022 with an as-yet unannounced format.
The hourlong “Conan” finale Thursday was largely a trip down memory lane with clips of guests including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and Sarah Silverman, and highlights of specials taped outside the United States. Will Ferrell appeared by Zoom from Boston, with Jack Black on hand to salute O’Brien.
Ferrell noted that he has been a guest for the conclusions of O’Brien’s previous shows, “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” and “Tonight,” both on NBC but with widely varying runs: the former from 1993 to 2009, the latter for less than eight months in 2009-10.
Black serenaded O’Brien and his longtime sidekick Andy Richter with revamped lyrics set to the signature Frank Sinatra standard, “My Way.”
The host wrapped up the show with heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, family and fans. O’Brien also shared a slice of philosophy.
“I have devoted all of my adult life, all of it, to pursuing this strange, phantom intersection between smart and stupid,” things
he said many people believe can’t coexist. But when the two come together, O’Brien said, there is a tiny flicker of “what is a kind of magic.”
Oscars to honor May, Glover, Jackson, Ullmann:
The Academy Awards will present Elaine May, Samuel L. Jackson and Liv Ullmann with honorary Oscars and Danny Glover with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 12th Governors Awards in January.
On Thursday, the film academy announced the honorary awards, which will be handed out at the Jan. 15 ceremony in Los Angeles.
“Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking — as a writer, director and actress — reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers,” said David Rubin, academy president.
“Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decadeslong advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his dedication to recognizing our shared humanity on and off the screen.”
The honorary awards are given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the academy.
None of the recipients has previously received an Academy Award.
June 26 birthdays: Singer Billy Davis Junior is 83. Singer Brenda Holloway is 75. Actor Michael Paul Chan is 71. Singer Chris Isaak is 65. Singer Patty Smyth is 64. Actor Sean Hayes is 51. Actor Chris O’Donnell is 51. Actor Nick Offerman is 51. Actor Jason Schwartzman is 41. Actor Aubrey Plaza is 37. Singer Ariana Grande is 28.