During a recent episode of Hot Ones, late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon opened up about his deepest fears related to his career. The 50-year-old comedian sat down with host Sean Evans on October 31, just ahead of the release of his new comedy album, Holiday Seasoning, which is set for November 1.
Highlights the pressure comedians
Despite his success as the host of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a notable career in comedy and acting, Fallon admitted that he harbors one significant fear in his professional life. “As a comedian, silence,” he confessed. “The deafening silence is my biggest fear, crying on camera which is happening now, my biggest fear. Probably my biggest fear is giving up in front of the American public and I’m not doing that.” This candid revelation highlights the pressure comedians face to engage and entertain their audiences effectively.
In addition to discussing his fears, Fallon reminisced about his fondest memories from his time on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1998 to 2004. He recalled the iconic “More Cowbell” sketch, which aired on April 8, 2000, featuring a star-studded cast including Christopher Walken, Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan, Chris Parnell, and Horatio Sanz as the rock band Blue Öyster Cult during a recording session. “‘Cowbell’ — it just crushed, I mean next level,” Fallon said, reflecting on the impact of that sketch.
Fallon praised his fellow cast members, noting that “everyone was so funny in that sketch.” He specifically mentioned Walken’s unique delivery, saying, “Christopher Walken wasn’t even talking like a human being; he was doing like an impression of himself.” Fallon also recounted an amusing incident during the sketch that contributed to his reputation for breaking character and laughing during performances. He explained, “I remember I had one line, and right as I’m about to give my line, Kattan and Will improvised and pushed each other. Kattan knocked Will’s sunglasses off, and I could see the eyes of a lunatic and I started laughing, and then that’s what got my reputation as the guy who laughs during all the sketches.”
His reputation as the guy who laughs during all the sketches
Throughout his career, Fallon has collaborated with numerous high-profile comedians and musicians. During his Hot Ones appearance, he also reflected on his experiences working with Justin Timberlake. “He’s one of the most talented human beings on earth; he’s a perfectionist,” Fallon remarked about Timberlake. He recounted a moment from SNL when they were about to go live for a skit titled Barry Gibb Talk Show. Fallon recalled Timberlake squeezing his hand and urging him, “Hey Jimmy, remember, hit that harmony.” Fallon humorously noted, “I’m like calm down dude, we’re dressed like the Bee Gees. For that second, I felt what it was like to be Lance Bass,” referring to Timberlake’s former *NSYNC bandmate.
Jimmy Fallon’s reflections on his fears and experiences highlight the vulnerabilities that comedians face and the camaraderie that exists among performers in the industry. As he prepares for the release of his new album, fans eagerly await his return to the spotlight, knowing that his journey has been as tumultuous as it has been entertaining.
