David Oyelowo (Full Episode | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Hi, my name is David Aello and I feel. Conanified. >> nice about being Conan O'Brien's friend. >> That is a very expensive process to be. conanified. [laughter]. Very few people can imagine the most. expensive spa weekend. [laughter]. Hey there. Welcome to Conan O'Brien. Needs a Friend. My name Conan O'Brien.

Son of Obsessian's joining us, too. >> Yes. >> And um Matt Gorley is still out on. paternity leave, but we are joined by. David Hopping. >> Hello. >> The assistant who replaced uh Sona and. made her but a dim memory. >> Oh. >> Um. >> dim Sona's full celebrity now. >> Dim memory. >> Well, I don't even remember. We still. work with each other. [laughter]. >> Uh. >> oh man. >> Uh listen, I this uh when this episode.

drops, it's going to be tax time. >> And I've been told we're really talking. about it. >> I've been told that this is a dreadful. thing to talk about, which [laughter]. makes me want to talk about it. >> No. >> Yeah. So, tax time. Sona, you got your. papers in order? >> No. I just remembered when we were. talking about this, I said, "Oh, no. I. got to send my accountant all my stuff.". Yeah. Well, how hard is that? >> It's a lot because. >> do you have like a big shoe box that's. filled with papers? >> No, that's the old. >> Why are you laughing? Because I do. All.

of the papers that are email are mailed. to me, I just stick them in a thing, a. folder. >> Okay. >> So, yeah, it's like a shoe box, but I. don't have like receipts. >> Okay. >> I don't have my receipts. >> Okay. >> I don't do any of that. >> All right. So, you just have some papers. and you got to get them to the. accountant. >> Yeah. Like we like you probably. >> That's a fun story. Oh, me. I don't. touch anything. I live in a bubble. [laughter]. I'm a, you know, I'm an LLC. I'm I'm an. offshore illegal company. I, you know. what I mean? The papers get moved.

around. Uh, you know, things are. purchased and sold without my knowledge. And I'm just sitting in a geodessic dome. covered in yak butter going, "What's. happening? What's happening outside? [laughter]. What's happening?". >> Um, David, I don't even want to know. what your story is. You still need to do. mine, too. We're all behind. >> Well, okay. But what do you have? Do you. have uh papers, receipts, >> papers? You So, you employ me? >> Yeah. >> And so, then I have to I get those.

papers. >> I don't even know that. Do you get paid. for what you do? >> I get paid. You You pay me. >> That's insane. >> I don't pay you a faceless corporation. Yes. Again, I don't know what's. happening. Um Eduardo, what's your. story? How do you get your taxes done. >> on time? [laughter]. >> But who does your taxes? >> What a dick. Who does your Who does your. taxes? >> Do you want me to give like a plug to my. Do. >> you have an account? You have a guy? >> Yeah, I have a guy. >> Cuz you know, my dad does his own. >> Your dad does his own? >> Yeah. >> Fraud? [laughter].

>> There's no way he's not breaking the. law. >> How dare you? >> He came from another land. He doesn't. know about our American ways. >> A lot of people do their own taxes. They. just. >> I know, but things on the boxes. >> I know, but come on. Is he on the up and. up, your pops? Yeah, Gil is all How dare. you? What is your issue with my dad? >> Well, no, I love jealous. He can grow a. mustache. I I love your dad. I love your. dad. Gil is the man. But I'm just. curious. Uh, you know, he came to this.

land, America, and I'm curious if he's. familiar with all of our ways, and he's. paying taxes. It's all going well. [laughter]. >> He's been here for almost 60 years. What? Takes a while to get used to. stuff, you know. That's all. [laughter]. Um. >> Oh, you're awful. You're awo. You're. smiling. You love it. You love this. version of you. This is you. This is. your real you.

>> The real you. This is it. >> No, listen. I uh What's this now? Bla. You've got something. >> I don't Not only do I have nothing to. say, I'm trying to hide behind Sona's. hair so you don't look at me. No, but. who does your taxes, Blake? >> Okay. My mom does my taxes. >> Oh, >> your mom does your taxes. My mom My Mary. Blair, bless her heart, does my taxes. >> Sweet. >> Um, and I It's a very It's a very very. emotional thing between the two of us. I.

She demands to do it. It's a back and. forth. It's demand. [laughter]. >> I don't think she demands to do it. >> She She absolutely demands to do it. She's on the phone with you saying how. come you spent this much on a Spider-Man. [laughter]. >> flashlight. You know what she actually. is? But. >> cuz you buy Come on. Wait. Wait. [laughter] Hold it. Wait a minute. You. don't silence me on Conri needs a. friend. >> Okay. All right. Fine. >> You take the punishment. >> Oh my god. Jesus Christ. >> So you have to talk to your mom.

>> about all the you buy. The video. games, the figurines, right? >> The swords. >> I Yes. Yes. Does your mom and your mom. then your mom goes over the all the. stuff that you bought? >> Yes, she does. Yes. But here's the thing. you don't understand. She's into it. She's into it. I get to talk to her. about it. She does not say, "Oh, you. bought a Spider-Man costume." She's. like, "How many Spider-Man costumes can. we write off?". >> She's fully into it. She asked me. She. asked, "How can you write off a. Spider-Man costume?" [laughter].

>> Because I I I work for you. What are you. talking about? Wait a minute. Because. you work for me, you're allowed to have. the government pay for part of your. Spider-Man, [laughter]. not the whole thing. Audit him. Audit. him. >> You're blaming Gil for fraud. Look at. this. >> Yes. I'm sorry. I think you and Gil are. guilty of fraud. It's [laughter] all. about board. This is how good my mom. This is how cool my mom is. She I was. going to go to the Renaissance Fair and. she's like, "Maybe you should buy. another sword. We could write that off.". And I was like, "Wait a minute. Explain.

to me.". >> Oh, wait a minute. I think we have a. lawyer who's probably not in today, but. he could join us. We should call on the. phone. Listen, listen. Why? Why? The. fact that you work for Conan O'Brien. doesn't mean that I just bought 900 lb. of silly string and I don't want to pay. for it. >> If I can get you to talk about on the. podcast and I bring it, guess what? >> Get you to talk about it. Who. >> get you to talk about it? Who has. >> So, you're the puppet master. >> I'm not. I'm just I'm worm tongue. I'm. worm tongue. I whisper in your ear.

>> You did talk about his sword. who has. talked about who has talked about who. has managed to bring in his sword two. years in a row and his new act. So that. means Aaron Blair. This wasn't an idea. that you thought was good for the. podcast. You thought I've got to write. this off and I came in [laughter]. and I jammed it into the conversation. Conan be whether it's good or. not. And then you walk away and and. Uncle Sam takes it up the old star. [laughter] spangled yinyang. >> It could be both. It I can write it off. and it can be good content.

>> I don't like this. talk about something. on the podcast. It's a write-off. >> That's what I'm It's part of my job. I. need it to for my job. I got to write. off. >> So, how's that Hillary Duff tickets. going? [laughter]. >> The Backstreet Boys tickets write off. You're. >> You should talk to my mom. She would. say, "Right, she can easily write it. off.". >> I'm a therapist. Is she even an. accountant? >> No, she's a therapist. She uses Turbo. Tax. [laughter]. >> Wait a minute. She's Wait a minute. Wait. a minute. [laughter] Your Your mom isn't. even a tax?

>> No. Your mom is not an accountant and. she's not a tax. >> No. And she's actually bad. >> So your mom is insisting on doing and. then she just hires Turboax. >> She doesn't hire it. I. >> And says, "My son just bought seven Zena. Warrior Princess chest plates.". >> That's right. >> And we want our cash back. >> That's [laughter] correct. >> Yes. That's exactly right. >> This is This is. >> I'm dying. This is this is No, >> there's just [laughter]. we are we are uh. we are just rotten with fraud. There's.

[laughter] just fraud permeating this. whole and I'm exposing it right now. >> We're all going to get audited. But it's. not fraud if it's good content. We're. making a good. >> I haven't listened to this. I don't. listen to this thing. I don't know if. it's good content. I can't go. We're. >> Okay, I want you investigated. I'm going. to see to that. Yeah, we're shutting. this down in the corner. >> Adam, Adam, >> I've never seen Adam laugh this way. >> Adam, I don't know what you're doing. You're supposed to be running [laughter]. this thing. >> You're the podcast whisperer and you're. >> I feel really I'm offended by Blake.

[laughter] I'm really offended. I really. feel like we've all been taken advantage. of. >> He comes in with this and he's. like, I'm just trying to help the. podcast. Oh, help the podcast. The. podcast is a juggernaut. [laughter] This. thing's a You can't beat this thing with. a stick. And then you come in here with. your Princess Galactica helmet and we're. supposed to [laughter]. >> get you off the hook. Unbelievable. [laughter]. >> It's such a scam. >> Unbelievable. There are inner city.

schools that don't have computers, but. this guy has. >> Zena Warrior Princess swords. [laughter]. >> The Turboax plot twist is my favorite. thing. >> Turboax. You. >> keep bringing up. Princess. [laughter]. You've brought her up so many times. [laughter]. >> She was brought to my Lucy Lawless was. brought to my house once at a party by. someone on staff [laughter] who brought. Lucy Lawless and I was like, "What is. Lucy Lawless doing here? I love her.

[laughter] She was great.". >> Frank Smiley brought her to my apartment. and he was like, "Look, I brought Lucy. Lawless." [laughter]. >> And I'm like, "I don't know her.". >> Well, you'd know her now. [laughter]. Anyway, that got you off the hook. My. Lucy Lala story. >> Um, okay. Good lord. My guest today. >> starred in such movies as Selma Lincoln. and the Butler. Now you can see him in. the new film Newborn. Uh, this man is a. delight. He's a massive talent and a.

real joy and I'm so happy he's back on. the podcast. David O Yellow, welcome. >> [music]. >> Every time I think of you, it it elicits. good thoughts. >> Oh, that's so nice of you. >> It's It's true. >> I can return that favor because not long. ago, our Booker Paula Davis um brought. up your name and said that you might be. coming back. And I immediately said, "I.

love that guy. You are you are so. funny." Um and we just had a joyous. time. Yeah. uh in our last interview. So, I was so happy you could come back. Yes. >> Really thrilled to have you. >> Thank you. Thanks for having me again. >> And uh you're in a good mood. You came. in. You've you know, >> I asked you about your family. You said. everything's going well. >> Yes. I I told you that my eldest son uh. proposed to his girlfriend last night. >> A. >> last night. >> Last night. >> And I just watched a video of it.

>> Yeah. >> Which then I reposted. [laughter]. >> Oh no. >> Yeah. I got excited. >> Damn it. >> Yeah. And guess what? I put ads on it. [laughter]. >> You monetized it? >> I monetized it and um I'm making a lot. of money right now. >> Impressed you had a repost. [laughter]. >> No, it was a really beautiful moment. And um I You must be overjoyed. >> I I I can't even begin to tell you. It. It just brought back so many memories. because I proposed to his mom when she.

was 19 and I was 21. So we were we were. babies. They they're 23 and 24. My son's. 24 and it just brought back all the. memories of of proposing to my wife and. watching this video. I was on a plane. from New York last night and my wife. sent me a text which came through as an. iMessage and then she sent the video and. it wouldn't download. Oh my god. and I. couldn't get on the Wi-Fi and it was. just it was internable.

just just saying downloading downloading. downloading download and you know just. to not be able to and then it finally. came through and I just. >> and you know there's something about the. oxygen on planes that makes you more. emotional and so like watching I I just. the feels were just roing um so I I am. over the moon. >> Well congratulations to everybody. Um, I. can't wait to go to the wedding. [laughter]. >> So presumptuous. >> Presumptuous. The video that invites.

himself to the wedding. [laughter]. >> Oh my goodness. >> Well, I'm sorry. I'm just thrilled to be. there and to get to sing a song. >> My dream. >> Now you just about this. [laughter]. >> Yes, I do. Yes, I do. Well, I I only say. that because my mom, God rest her soul, uh for all of my childhood. threatened to sing at my wedding. [laughter]. Now, the the reason why you may sense a. bit of trauma as I as I start telling.

[laughter] this story is my mother was. also tonedeaf. >> Yeah. >> Um and she would insist. >> also tonedeaf. >> Oh, [laughter]. >> we didn't want to tell you. who let him. come to tell you. >> who's the other person in this story. who's tonedeaf. >> [laughter]. >> you um no no no no no no. um and she would she would take to uh uh. singing when I was watching my cartoons. which is incred when I tell you so she.

Jesus [screaming] loves me I know. [laughter]. that is the soundtrack of my childhood. >> and you're just trying to enjoy your. cartoons. >> literally like mommy I can't I can't. hear [laughter] David B. I can't hear. the incredible H. And she was I rebuke. you in the name of Jesus. Are you. telling me I cannot sing? [laughter]. So So. that's fantastic.

>> That's the backdrop to her saying one. day I'm going to sing at your wedding. And so. so we we had managed we had managed cuz. she wanted to sing during the ceremony. and and the wedding ceremony and we're. like absolutely no way. do not let a mic. anywhere near her. It [laughter] got it. got to. the speeches. And just picture it. There's a there's a [laughter] there's a. high table. My dad finishes making his.

speech, is [snorts] passing the mic to. my best man, and all. [laughter]. my god. Everybody, I'm going to sing a song [laughter]. because I like to sing. Not because it's. my wedding. Not in like just because I. like to sing. >> I like to sing. [laughter]. Life's [screaming]. journey begin.

[screaming]. [laughter]. at the end of every verse. Everyone goes. [clears throat]. together. >> I like that's just screaming. >> Five verses. [laughter]. >> Five. She gets a standing ovation. >> Yes, >> of course. >> Because of the relief.

>> Yes, [laughter]. >> that had stopped. >> But her interpretation, you see, if I. made an album, it would sell like hot. cake. [laughter]. >> Well, see, this is perfect. >> You need you need to go full circle and. you need to have that moment for your. son and his bride to be. And I can do. that for you. >> Wow. >> I can do that for you. It's just a I'm. going to put it out there. Well, thank. you. >> And then you're going to let it drop and. yes and [clears throat] never mention. [laughter] it again.

>> You're you're going to start getting. calls from your publicist. Conan keeps. >> what? >> Conan wants to know when [laughter]. >> he wants to bring his tuba. >> He plays the tuba. [laughter]. >> Since he posted that video, he just will. not stop calling. [laughter]. >> Well, that's really, you know, I don't. know if you have this, but. >> Oh my god. >> You went through this uh you you got. married. you said when you were 21, 22, >> 22. And I always have this all the time. where I think. >> I'll have done something when I was 22,

but now that I have children that age. and approaching that age, >> I always think they're too young to be. doing any of the things. >> that I was doing at that age. Absolutely. >> They can't be they can't be walking down. the street by themselves. [laughter]. >> They're too young. >> What do you mean you went to an ATM and. got [laughter] some money? That's something an adult does. And it's. it's this strange. >> we all do it. You're going to do it with. your kids where your kids are, you know,

your kids are four now. >> They're four. >> But you're going to see that when. they're 19, the idea of them doing. anything that you did at 19 is going to. be just horrifying to you. >> I Well, even now them having a complete. thought and I'm blown away like just. finishing a [laughter] full sentence. I'm like, when did this happen? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, it it is the joy. about being a parent, but it is also. terrifying. I mean, like Jess was. literally 19 when we got engaged. My. daughter, my youngest, is 14. The idea.

>> that in 5 years, >> I mean, it's it's a ridiculous thought, but my dad my dad didn't get married. till he was 40. Didn't have me till I. was 42. So, and he was my hero. So, I I. just thought that's what I will do. And. then uh and then I met this woman who I. just couldn't picture any future days. without her in it. And it just happened. early. >> And I remember going to my dad and. saying, "This is the um. >> the woman I I want to marry.".

>> Um and he and he was just like. absolutely not. That it is way too. early. It is irrational. It is, you. know, and I just I I remember saying to. him, "Well, you're invited to the. wedding if you want to come. if not, I'm. doing this. And uh and and that was my. my position on it. And uh he had to kind. of find his way to the reality of that. And I and the two biggest decisions of. my life were in defiance of my dad who I. married and the profession I went into.

>> Oh, he was not a fan of you becoming an. actor. >> No. No. He said, "Why do you want to go. and be a jester?". >> Yeah, that's right. Yeah. >> Which is what you do for a living. [laughter]. >> Oh, bird. >> No. I. >> and accurate. >> No, I [laughter]. >> I give myself a layup. >> Why did I do that? You're so nice. I. started [laughter] this by saying I feel. conanified. David, >> so serious. >> I see myself as a visionary. >> and I see myself as a healer. I speak.

It looks like I'm a jester or that I'm. clowning about, but really I'm holding a. mirror up to society. >> and healing it through my craft. >> Craft. [laughter]. >> I tried it. [laughter]. >> Well, I used to say your last name is so. spectacular. I'm What does it mean? Is. there a translation? Does it have a. meaning? >> Yes. >> Oo. So, um, Oello is the anglicized way of.

saying it. In Euroba, it's. >> And don't try. I [laughter] don't want. you to hurt. I don't want I don't want. you to hurt yourself. Don't hurt. yourself. >> Um, [laughter] but it means a king. deserves respect is what it means. Yeah. So, >> that is so to have a last name that. really means something. Great. Does your. name mean anything, Moian? >> I at the end of Armenian names means son. of. So, it's just son of Mo Moses. >> Yeah.

>> Mine's just a verb. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> Hopping. >> Hopping. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. [laughter]. >> I almost hired Jack skipping, but I went. with David hopping. [laughter]. >> I think Conan is wide face. I don't. [laughter] I looked it up once and I was. I wasn't happy. Broad of forehead. [laughter]. >> What is the O? I think it's uh they I've heard people. claim that it means you're related to. kings, but then you walk around Ireland. and you go, "No, [laughter].

>> the internet says little wolf or little. [snorts] hound is what Conan means, >> right?". >> Oh, okay. >> All right. I' I've never heard that. before, so I think someone just put that. in. [laughter]. >> Also, it's a little wolf, not a full. wolf. [laughter]. >> So, uh your father, is this correct? Your father had tribal markings. >> Yes. >> And what was was it Yoruba is the tribe? >> Yes, the Euroba tribe. So, yeah, tribal. He had four um tribal marks uh on both.

cheeks and he had the word ballet. written on his uh stomach with and this. was done with blades when you were a. kid. I know. Pretty intense. Um, and uh, but I grew up with my dad telling me. that the reason he had these four. slashes on his cheeks was because he had. fought a tiger. And um, and I completely. bought it. And it was incredibly useful. at school. Every time my dad came to.

pick me up because uh, anyone who was. messing with me, I was like, "You see. that on my dad's face? Tiger. [laughter]. That was that was a tiger. >> Do you want that man mad at you?". Exactly. Incredible. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But we then. moved to Nigeria uh and I got picked up. at the airport by all of my uncles and. literally I was like. did everyone fight tigers? Like like. what [laughter] what. what is going on?

>> That tiger got around. >> It just like went rampant [laughter] on. my family. this this tiger. Um, >> yeah, >> I jumped in to save your dad and I. jumped in [laughter] to save him and I. jumped in to save him. >> Um, so you were where were you born? You. were born in. >> I was born in Oxford, England and uh I. was there till the age of two. So I. don't really remember it. Then we moved. to London and I was there till the age. of six and then we moved to Lagos,

Nigeria and I was there till 13 before. we moved back to um to London. >> I've been to Oxford twice and I just. went for the second time. Um I want to. say about 5 6 months ago and it is. [clears throat] it is hard not to feel. ariodite when you're walking around in. that environment. And people have asked. me what it's like and I say it is the. closest thing to Hogwarts on earth that. I have encountered. >> I've never seen um anything like that. and it's just got so much history. I.

know Cambridge is the same thing. You. walk around these places that have been. around for. >> 800 year. I don't know how many you know. and uh you think about all the insane. talent that walked those streets. >> I know. I I think that's why my dad. really [clears throat] wanted to be. there, just to be around it. Uh, which. is why I ended up being born there. And. he um decided he was going to go into. the medical profession until, as he. tells it, he realized he had an.

apoplelectic fear of blood. Um, and so. I, you know, I can't remember if it was. a day that they were supposed to be. dissecting a cadaavver or something like. that. And yeah, he was out cold. That's. not unlike my dad who went to medical. school and then I think late in medical. school. >> was around um you know patients and. blood and said I want to be in a. laboratory. >> Yeah. >> Uh and he did great work there but I I.

think he wasn't up for that part. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, I mean to find the thing it is that you. truly love and that it loves you back is. I think Elysium. My dad took a while to. sort of I don't know that he ever. actually found the thing that he really. cuz he he. >> he would try a lot of different things. >> Well, he he tried medical profession, decided he didn't like blood, decided. wanted to be an architect, couldn't. really draw. [laughter] Um. >> they're going to say, but he hated. houses.

Fear of houses. [laughter]. [gasps] So, um, yeah, I mean, you know, the the the happiest he became. ultimately was, um, he and my mom ran a. sort of mini cab firm in in London. So, that, yeah, he just driving people. around was the thing he sort of became. happy with. Also, I've always thought. that I might if I needed to pick up a. second job, I wouldn't mind being an. Uber driver because I love talking to. people so much and I love trying to find.

out what's going on in their lives. >> Yes. >> And filming them when they don't know. I'm filming [laughter] them. >> Oh, what? >> We'll get into that part [laughter]. later. >> Um, >> that took a turn. But you know what's. funny is your uh career your start as an. actor was as all the best things are a. little bit accidental because you said. there was a. >> I've heard that there was a or read that. there was a subway strike happening and.

you think that this contributed to you. becoming an actor and I'm curious how. does that happen? Well, because I was at. this youth theater group that I'd only. attended because I fancied this girl who. um you know, I don't know that she knew. it. Um and uh I just kept on going um. for her. Um but I was very shy and I I. we were rehearsing a play and I would. always just sit, you know, hoping I. would maybe be in the chorus or.

something so that I could keep seeing. this girl. And then one day there was a. tube strike, like a sub subway strike. And the three guys who were being touted. to play the lead were all stuck on. trains. And so the director said to me, "Oh, David, just read in and you know, while we wait for the guys to arrive, >> the real actors to come, >> literally. Literally." [laughter] And I. and I very much thought of them as that. Um, and I had the page and and I guess I. just did it the way I thought it should.

be done. And I finished this speech and. the room just went completely silent and. I thought, "Oh, it was that bad. It was. that bad that these people are. speechless with how bad it it it was.". And then 3 days later, I was cast in the. lead of this play. And although I didn't. understand the significance of it at the. time, this youth theater was at the. National Theater, like the Royal. National Theater of Great Britain on the. South Bank in London. And so the very.

first thing I did was playing the lead. on what was then the Cotlow stage. It's. called the Dorfman Theater now at the. National Theater. And um yeah, it. literally happened because that that day. those guys didn't turn up. >> Wow. If I had been one of those guys, I. would have suspected that you messed. with the tube. >> I [laughter] did. I did. You did. >> I absolutely did. >> That's how my mind works. [laughter]. >> You know, you're down there. You're like. switching the tracks.

>> Yeah, that was me. That was me. >> I [laughter] knew a guy. Um, you know, I am so impressed by the. training that, um, people in the United. Kingdom get. The the acting training. just seems to be superb. >> Um, and it's, you know, it's the cradle. of Shakespeare and so much incredible. drama and comedies. And I've always. thought, and it's not just that, and I.

don't know if I've mentioned this to you. before, but over the years, after the. 30s plus years that I interviewed. people, I've always noticed. that it's not a rule, but it is happens. about 95% of the time that um people. from the United Kingdom, actors are also. sort of charming storytellers. And I. have not found that to be true in other. places where someone can be a terrific.

actor, >> but it's almost like it's something in. the water or it's something that's. prized and respected. >> that um in in Britain, you know, Scotland, Wales, what you have to be or. Ireland as well, you must be a good. actor, but you must also be a rock. contour. >> And it's almost like that is taught when. I know it's not, >> but I I think it's very much the rule. It it actually is taught because you're. around these actors who there is a.

tradition of it actually. And as a young. actor, the what you're looking for is to. sit at the feet of a Judy Dench or as I. did and with Judy Dench or Alan Bates or. Ray Fines or Kenneth Brer, you know, these are these are people I literally. had the opportunity to work with. Like I. did a film called As You Like It with. Kenneth Brer. I did a show with with. Judy Dench. I did a show with Alan. Bates. I I worked with actors who were. awe inspiring when you were on stage.

with them. They had mastered the craft. And and what I mean by that is when you. get on the Royal Shakespeare Theater. stage in front of I think that stage is. aboutund well 1,500 people or or at the. on the Olivier which is I think is maybe. 1,200 people. When you see someone be. nervous in the wings, someone who you. watched in the rehearsal room playing. with language like Shakespeare that is.

four to five times our vocabulary and. finding their way to the truth of it, finding their way to the meaning of it. and finding different interpretation. time and time again and then watching. them nervous in the wings before they go. on and become supernatural on that. stage. When you're around that enough, it [snorts] it gets on you. And then. when you're with them after the fact and. they're talking about when they were on. stage with Gilg Good or Olivier because.

>> there is something and this is more in. the British tradition. There is it is. lorded. It is um something that is. celebrated. um and it is a tradition that is is very. much outside of financial remuneration. the gift is the doing of it. And I think. that in and of itself creates this aura. of camaraderie and being part of a.

tradition that has been ongoing. And so. there is something and I sound so. pretentious saying this, but there is. something celestial about. >> Yeah. I remember being. 21, 22, being in a rehearsal room with a. guy who had been on stage with Olivier. and just going, "Okay, just soak it all. in." And um that that what I mean is it. gets on you. And what you what then. happens is as you climb the ranks of.

being a spare carrier playing decretas. like I did in Anthony and Cleopatra with. my seven lines and then within about 3. years I was playing Henry V 6th. >> right. >> in that same theater. >> So you go from halt who goes there to. >> literally giving these incredible. soliloquis. >> speeches that you will never conquer. >> Yeah. every night is uh is is is a a a. basically an exercise in humility.

because it will kick your butt every. night. It's why that playwright, especially Shakespeare, has lasted over. 400 years. He tapped into humanity in a. way that I don't think any writer has. done before and ever will. And so it's. the Everest for actors. And so when you. when you have that and then you combine. it with an audience and what I mean by. celestial is that there is this. vibration where they start telling you. if and you must have this as a comedian. they start telling you if you're telling.

the truth. >> and the moment there is fracture in that. you feel it instantaneously. >> and and if you do that night after night. after night after night it becomes. muscle memory. We've all been around. each other since we crawled out of the. sea. Uh, and we pick up on. >> this. I you could call it electrical. You could say there's a biochemical. reason for it or it's just mystical and. you don't want to think about it too. much. But. >> we know when someone's tapped into the. truth. Yes. It's why I think juries,

>> you know, they can make mistakes, but. overall they say, "Let's get a bunch of. let's get a bunch of your peers and have. them listen and together they'll have an. intelligence.". Yeah, >> you've said it. It's it's truth, I. think, is the thing. And and it's why. >> anyone's favorite actors have probably. at some point been on the stage. I truly. believe that because you you have had. the opportunity to be around the truth.

enough that that is now, as I say, muscle memory that becomes applicable to. film work where everything is artifice. You know, it's a room like this with. contraptions like this and it's and. you're supposed to be in love with. someone you met that morning and it is. it is an exercise in artifice. But if. you know what it feels like to tell the. truth under those circumstances you're. describing, >> you sort of have more access to it. I. just think I mean I'm thinking about um.

the people that you've worked with not. just on the stage. uh in in London but in your film work. you've worked with giants in the. industry and um you know you said that. you worked with Dame Judy Dench. I don't. believe I've met her. Someone now will. come up with a video of me interviewing. her. [laughter]. I'm serious. I this happens to me all. the time where someone will pass and. I'll say a shame I never met them and. someone will show me seven videos of me.

[laughter] talking to them over a. 15-year period. >> Wow. Is this what I have to look forward. to? [laughter]. >> Oh, I see. >> Oh, the minute you the minute you go, I'll be like, I would love to meet. [laughter]. >> 1998. >> Damn it. Wow. >> All right. Well, she made no impression. [laughter] Um, I've always heard I mean, she's spectacular, but I've also heard. that she's just lovely. That she's just. a lovely person. lovely. >> and funny. >> Very, very funny. But what was so. surprising about her is she said, "I.

can't bear to watch myself." You know, she's one of those actors who can't you. couldn't bear to watch her. But the. thing that was really surprising is she. said, "I learn my lines and I try to. forget them. >> so that I am completely fresh and. present in the scene." Mhm. >> And I thought I how how do you trick. yourself into like and I was in a scene. with her and I saw this thing that is. happening between you and I right now.

>> whereby you don't know what I'm going to. say next and it is affecting your brain. chemistry in a way whereby it's. >> precipitating. >> It's a real hitting the ball back. >> forth. Correct. Correct. and she has. maintained the discipline of being able. to hold it close enough but hold it. lightly enough that she's constantly. alive and I just thought whoa that is so. brave and why she's so brilliant. >> You do hold the distinction of being uh.

slapped by Oprah. [laughter]. >> Yes. >> Uh I think we should talk about that. >> My claim to fame guys. >> Yeah. I mean [laughter]. >> I mean as part of a scene I've been. slapped by Oprah just in life. >> just for existing. No, [laughter] no. I. tried to cut. It was an eight items or. less line and I tried to cut in front of. her. >> That'll do it. >> And uh this was up near Santa Barbara. And man, she packs a wallet. >> But I had it coming and mad respect. But. what was that like? [laughter]. >> Well, you know what? This was this was.

doing a film called The Butler. >> And we were doing this scene and it was. a scene and it was a tough scene because. Sydney Pier is literally my hero. Um, and I it was a scene where my character. was being very uh, shall shall we say. uncou about about Sydney Poier. Um, and. as a result, she quite rightly decides. to give me what for. Now, of course, in. the film, she's supposed to slap her son.

in the world of like cameras, action, all of that. Don't actually slap me. Um, [laughter]. now with each take she got more and more. into it [laughter]. >> and she has probably reserves of anger. about things in her life that she wants. to get out. >> I could feel her dragging up things. [laughter] that were helping her tell. the truth. >> And what what was happening is, you. know, so initially, you know, I couldn't. feel any wind as she as she as she went. And and it it started like I was like.

each time she does this. So I I could. feel I could feel she was getting ever. closer each and every time. And the very. last time. >> she she she got the end of my nose. >> Oh, okay. >> It wasn't a full slap, but it was the. moment where I went, I think we got it. I think we got it, guys. [laughter]. I'm just going to mention just going to. mention I don't know if this you has. deep pockets. [laughter]. >> There's a lot of money there.

>> I So I've heard. >> Yeah. And you could say my nose. I've. never I don't think I can act again. [laughter]. I use the tip of my nose a lot, you know. And then she's living at the. Motel 6 and you're living [laughter] in. her house. >> This is This is where you go. You go. straight for the the. >> This is America. >> This is America. And that's all we do is. sue the out of each other. You. sooner. Damn it. >> All the billboards you [laughter] can. call Sweet James. >> Sweet James. Yeah, that's the guy.

>> What that is? >> That is Oh, his billboards are. everywhere. Sweet James. >> Um, it was funny you mentioned that. because we. >> did something. The lovely Sophie Turner. was going to be on our show. >> and I've always had a good time talking. with her and she was coming on and I. read the notes and they said she might. want to try something where she. >> it involves her lightly slapping you. And I told her just before the show, so this is really on me. I said, "If.

those things are going to work, you. really have to go for it." So, I told. her, "You should, if it's going to work, you have to really go for it. You can't. kind of halfdo it, >> right?". >> So, um, and I'm not thinking. So, we get. to that part [laughter] of the show and. it's on tape, but I'm standing up and. and Sophie just lets me have it. >> She's a very strong woman. >> You took a shot of tequila first. I took. a shot at tequila first and then she hit. me and you can see I'm just. >> I went to a different place for a while. For a while I traveled through time. I.

met many famous people. >> Uh and then I came back all in an. instant. Just go. >> Not much time. [applause]. [applause]. >> Wow. Wow. >> Give me some context here. Was it for a. bit? >> It was a game. I think she called it. tequila slaps. >> Yeah. >> But I don't know how it's a game cuz it.

just involved me having some tequila and. then her punching the out of you. >> Yeah. You just take a shot of tequila. and the person just slaps you. >> and that's it. >> What a fun game. [laughter]. >> She left the bottle. >> I agree. Not only did I agree to it, I I. saw it in the notes and I said, "Oh, and. if you're gonna if we do get to that," I. like to keep it kind of loose out I. said, "If we do get to that and it. starts to happen, >> you know, don't if you do that, it's not. going to work. You have to let me have. it." And God bless her. >> She was like, "All right." He told me. And um Yeah.

>> Is this because you wanted to sue her? Is this why you [laughter]. was that. >> that was the plan? >> Unfortunately, she. >> I wondered why I read she's destitute. now. [laughter]. the uh No, it's uh it was it it is. something to be in that moment where. you're hit, which doesn't happen. Were. you ever punched at all in as a kid or. were you ever in a fight? >> Yeah. Yeah. I went to boarding school in. Nigeria and I I remember getting into a.

few a few fights. It is nothing until. you experience being punched in the. face. Nothing can prepare the ringing. >> Yeah. the the the flash of white. You. see, you know, you're saying, "Yep, yep." Like you've been punched in the I. was I was uh Yeah. punched really hard. in the face. [laughter]. >> Really? >> It was a mugging. >> by Sophie Turner. It's always Sophie Turner. [laughter]. >> What happened?

>> It was again It was Sophie Turner. [laughter]. and she was robbing me. It's about 2. years after she was on the [laughter]. show and I had sued her into destitution. and she said, "I want my money back.". >> She's still carrying tequila. >> Yeah, you kind of deserved it then. >> No. Uh it was uh I think I was 18 and I. was walking around the north end of. Boston and uh some kids wanted money and. >> Oh boy. >> I I said no. And they said why not? I. said I don't feel like it. And just as I. said like it as I hit the tea,

>> I saw all the white and um. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Then they had to rebuild my nose. >> Did you get that? Did you get that? Oh, >> that the blood when you suddenly you. your your own blood goes down your. throat. >> I had the whole thing. Yeah. >> Yeah. I think I was like a sprinkler. >> You had a sprinkler system of just uh. No, it's getting dark now. I was fine. I. bear no emotional wounds, >> said the guy who's clearly packed with. emotional wounds. Um, [laughter]. >> but what I do remember is they had to. reshape my nose and and I had the whole.

black eyes and I was bandaged up for a. while and I'd be there were bars in the. neighborhood where I lived and I'd be. walking home from, you know, to to my. house. >> and guys standing in the doorways of. bars. Li I always thought this was, you. know, something you just see in movies, but they a one would all step out and. go, "How's the other guy look?". >> Wow. >> And I'd say, "The other guy looks just. fine. [laughter]. Not a scratch.

>> He [laughter] looks He's got the dewiest. skin. >> He's, you know, just I mean, he looks. better than he did [laughter] before. Well, I want to congratulate you because. I watched uh your film Newborn. >> Oh. >> Uh and I very much enjoyed it and it was. not. >> what I expected, which is rare. Usually. when I watch a movie I think, "Oh, I can. see where this is going." And I was uh. completely surprised by how this.

unfolded. It's very powerful movie. >> Thank you. >> And you am I right? This movie was made. a while. Was it made a while ago? When. was the movie made? >> Yeah, it was made it was made a little. while ago and it was one of those the. alchemy of making movies, man. It's it's. we made it with a company that went into. insolvency and so we had to get the film. back and you know all that and then. there was a the writer strike and all. this stuff um before we're we're we're. now uh getting the movie out. But.

weirdly I I've had so many instances. like this like Selma took seven years to. get. >> Is that true? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. from from when I. first auditioned for it to. >> And it's amazing too when you see the. finished product, you think, well, this. was obvious. >> Yes. >> And it wasn't. I mean, if you you know, when you walk out of the theater after. seeing Selma, if someone said to you, well, that took seven years from. beginning to, you'd think, well, that. No, this just looks like a slam dunk, >> right? Exactly. And it was the opposite. I mean, I I watched five directors come.

and go before it ended up being Ava. Duven. I watched that film go from. Lynden Johnson being the central. character to it finally being uh uh Dr. King as it always should have been. And. and to your point, you know, I truly. believe these things cuz I I'm a big. believer in the power of storytelling. and I do think often the ones that. really go on to be impactful, they they. sometimes take time to come to fruition.

uh in the right way. And and what. happened with Newborn is that through. the course of this protracted journey to. the now that we're in, we got to go back. and do re-shoots and and and really. analyze what it is we wanted to do with. the film because the film is about my. character Chris Newborn who endures 7. years of solitary confinement. um and is. dealing with the the the the detrimental. effects of that mentally and is trying. to reconnect with his family after. coming out with his wife and his and his.

son. And that's very delicate, you know, because I talked to um a few people who. had dealt with that reality, specifically a guy called Richard. Rosario who had been wrongfully. incarcerated for 20 years, seven of. which were in solitary confinement. and. the effects of it. I mean, after 13. days, um, studies have shown you're. never the same again because it's 23. hours a day in a 9 by6 cell with. fluorescent lights on all the time. And.

what that does to the mind, the psyche, the soul is is it's torture. What is the. possible reason that lights would have. to be on all the time other than to. torture you? There's no rehabilitative. effect to having lights on all the time. >> It is the opposite of rehabilitation, you know, and that's the point. It is it. is. >> punitive. Just. >> it is purely punitive. And so it's the. height of punishment. Anything and. everything to make your life. uncomfortable is what solitary.

confinement is. And and you you say it. perfectly there. It is the opposite of. rehabilitation, which supposedly is what. we're supposed to be doing with prisons. But what people don't know is that. 80,000 people, men, women, and children, are in solitary confinement today in. America. Um, and so in order to tell. this story in a way that wasn't just um, uh, dark and challenging and traumatic, we chose to see what life was like for.

this man post. >> the incarceration and how he goes on a. journey to trying to reconnect with his. family while dealing with his trauma. So, it's a psychological thriller, but. you know, it's it's re that's wrapped. around a love story. you know, this guy. trying to get back to his wife, trying. to get back to his son. >> I thought of this analogy, uh, which is. they've, it was proven long ago that if. I I think they found this out at the end. of World War II when soldiers were.

liberating some of the concentration. camps that the first instinct is to give. all these people who are malnourished. tons of food, >> which can kill them. Yes. >> Because their bodies have been living. [clears throat] with almost no food for. years at a time. And you need to start. very slowly and then slowly raise the. calorie count. Yeah. >> In order for people, that's this movie. to me did a very good job of showing me. that if someone's been in solitary. confinement for seven years and then. they're out and they're free and they're.

allowed to be out in the world and. walking down the street and being. outside, it's overload. Yeah. >> It's absolute sensory overload and um. traumatic. >> Yeah. And so things that we think of as, oh, this would be lovely. I'd love to be. with my wife and my son. >> at a cabin in the woods wandering around. this beautiful countryside. What a. lovely time. That's horrifying. >> Yeah. >> And that came across really thor.

thoroughly in the movie. And I thought, this is. >> this is kind of a new. >> um this is a story I haven't seen. before, right? >> Where someone's in an environment that I. would love, right? And to them it's a. nightmare. >> Well, so perfectly put there, Conan, because it's it's also about the things. we take for granted and how. desperately as human beings we need. connection. Like human beings are. designed for connection and the the.

ultimate way you dehumanize someone is. to extricate them from human connection. I mean we all to a certain extent felt. that during the pandemic and that was. one of the most debilitating things is. this feeling of a lack of connection to. other people. But you know that's. exactly it him trying to reconnect. having been denied connection for for so. long with the very people that. essentially their existence is what kept. him going. So he wants nothing more than. to reconnect with his wife. his son has.

become nonverbal because of some of the. trauma he sees in his mother due to what. has happened to his father. So, you. know, all of that is happening. >> and you can't tell what's in his mind. and you know what's perceived and what. is real and that's where the. psychological thriller aspect comes in. But you know what we also hoped to do is. is to tap into how we can all relate to. feelings of isolation whether it's. loneliness whether it's you know in your.

own head whether it's you know childhood. trauma whatever that may be and the p. what is the path to healing for that I. believe it's love. >> and um you know Richard Rosario the. extraordinary thing his wife stuck by. him for the 20 years he was incarcerated. and her name is Manurva And uh and it's. extraordinary to see him now 10 years. after he's he's been released still. dealing with a lot of what he he dealt. with, but it is extraordinary to see how.

love in relation to that thing you talk. about of how you slowly bring someone. back as opposed to just giving them a. full meal has sort of got this guy to a. place where you know he can now stand up. in front of people and talk about his. experience. the uh it you know I was. watching the film and your performance. is extraordinary as your performances. always are and then I was thinking about. your quote accident getting into acting. you go to the acting class because you. you have a crush on this girl and you.

just want to tag along. And I I look at. I think wait something isn't right here. because someone who can act at that. level must know when they're a kid they. have this inside of them. That could not. have been a complete surprise to you. It was. >> really. >> it was um but and and this is where. gosh to if as especially as an artist if. there is someone who sees in you what.

you haven't seen in yourself yet. >> that is that is just the greatest. blessing and often Oprah talks about. this I I've heard a lot of artists. whether they be actors or or musicians. that music teacher or that drama teacher. or that literature um professor or. teacher that goes, "Hold on, you. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> There's something going on here." And I. had that in a teacher called Jill Foster. who, you know, I I continued to do.

drama, but but it was baked into me by. my parents that it's not that's not a. proper job. That's just not what this is. going to be. And I I idolized my father. and so therefore it wasn't going to be. that. But this teacher who I remember. her accosting me outside of a tube. station uh when I was all set to go and. do a law degree and saying, "David, I. wouldn't say this to any of my other. students. I think you could do acting. professionally.". >> Wow. >> And and I and I and I didn't even know.

what that entailed. And she went, "Well, have you considered drama school?" I. said, "I don't know what that is." And. she introduced me to what drama schools. are. And she helped me with my. auditions. And that's how I ended up. Wow. getting a scholarship to go to Lambda. And um you know the the full circle of. this because within the last month I. went to see my son at the drama school I. went to. playing in an adaptation of the play. that I met my wife.

>> that's crazy. >> doing. Yeah. Um, and I, it made me think. all the way back to Jill Foster that. what she gave to me by way of advocacy. is now having a generational impact, not. just for actors I will never meet, my. own son. >> Um, and you know, when I went to Lambda, I was the only black student of 300. students at that drama school. [snorts]. I went to see my son in his play and I.

graduated 27 years ago and I now go and. talk at Lambda every now and again and a. decent portion of the school is people. of color from all walks of life from all. over the world there's been some really. great work done and when I say to those. students when I say to my own son I I. cannot believe what I'm seeing in. relation to what my experience was they. have no they have no real connection to. what I'm saying and I and I and I find. myself thinking that's exactly what you.

want. >> Yeah. >> You want them to not be able to. understand [clears throat] what it would. feel like to be the only I want you to. take this level of of diversity for. granted. >> Yeah. >> Um and and that is the driver for me. with storytelling, you know, in terms of. the characters I play. I I'm always to a. certain degree taking roles as a kind of. [clears throat]. uh gift to my 12-year-old self in terms.

of the things that I didn't see on. screen. Cydier was my hero because. he it was like looking at a Martian in. relation to what I saw on British. television, in relation to what was. possible growing up on a council estate. in Islington. And to be in a world now. where that is not the experience of my. kids, where they're going, "Oh, I I have. no one to aspire to in terms of someone. who looks like me." That is a big big.

driver for why I do what I do. >> Yeah, it's really incredible. There's an. amazing book. I don't know if you've if. you've come across it ever, but it's. called Pictures at a Revolution. And. it's about it's a snapshot of the movie. industry in I think 1967 when it's all. changing. But there's a big part of it. that's about. >> Sydney Puier and. >> how he came along and what a pivotal. figure he was. And I think in ' 67 he's. in two big movies in he's in Heat of the. Mo Heat of the Night.

>> where he slaps a white man. Yeah. >> Which is still. >> still I get chills every time I see that. scene. I know. >> he slapped and he slaps the man. instantly back. >> and it took people's breath away. >> in the theater and it still has that. power. Absolutely. You know like you can. see in some frames of a film. >> the world changed. >> Absolutely. >> And I think he's also in Guess Who's. Coming to Dinner that year. So those are. the two films he does in that one year. And um but then you think about okay he.

fought those battles and then Denzel. Washington had his battles to fight. >> that were you know different and it just. keeps getting passed on and on and on. and you want your son to grow up. thinking what's the problem? >> Yes. >> What's the big deal? >> Absolutely. >> That's the gift. >> Absolutely. It's the gift. And what's. great about that story you tell anyone. who knows Sydney Poier's body of work. always thinks he won the Oscar for In.

the Heat of the Night because of the. impact. >> of that slap and that role and how. groundbreaking it was. >> And he wasn't even nominated for that. Neither was he nominated for Guess Who's. Coming to Dinner. He won for. >> Lilies of the Field. >> Yeah. um and earlier earlier and for a. role where he was being nice to white. nuns. >> and that was what was deemed permissible.

for him back then. >> It was deeply controversial to in one. year you're going to slap a white man. and then fall in love with a white woman. on our screens with us having given you. an Oscar. Oh no. >> Yeah. >> Oh no. And you know this is the thing. about I've heard it said it's not about. any given role it's about a body of. work. And that body of work is the thing. that someone like me now takes for.

granted. I look at Sydney Py and I go. wow. But when you read about him I met. him and it was just oh my gosh I I I I. can barely believe it actually happened. And and he I remember Oprah introducing. me to him and she said, "Oh yeah, David's going to play Martin Luther. King." and his eyes lit up and I just. thought, "Okay, just just be present. Just be present. Just soak it up. Soak. it up. This is really happening. Don't. say anything stupid. Just, you know, and. >> you were saying that out loud." I was I. [laughter] was I was just going.

over what's wrong with this idiot. [laughter]. >> Get him out of my presence. But, you know, as you say, you know, that's that's that's what you want, you. know, is to I look, I think at its. height, storytelling, and this is what I. tried to do with Newborn. That was an. incredibly uncomfortable role to play. My dad passed away on the first day of. filming. Um, he was dealing with colon.

cancer. And, you know, I I I had. considered not taking the role. I said. to him, "Look, Daddy, I I I I I just. can't leave you." We were We were. shooting it in Canada and and he goes, "No, no, you must go. You must go. This. is what you're here. This is what you're. on this earth to do. You must go." And. this is from my dad who originally was. so against. >> against what I I I wanted to do as a. vocation, as a profession to that was.

his his last gesture. Well, what a I. mean, what a gift that your dad got to. see it all happen. >> And as much, you know, as much as we'd. still like these people to be here, >> I always think about the fact that, well, my parents got to see plenty. They. got to see plenty, and they got to know. that it wouldn't have happened if it. weren't for them. So, >> that's and it that's a gift that just.

keeps on giving. >> It's huge. It's huge. I and it's the. only reason I I went and and I and I did. it. But I I watch Newborn now and I can. see. >> I can see. >> I'm I'm now removed from it because I've. gone through my or I'm in the middle of. my process of healing from the loss of. my dad. But I can see. the price. You know, I still carry guilt. about, you know, going off and doing. this this movie even though I I I felt.

very passionate about doing it. My dad. insisted I go and do it. But, you know, at its height, I I do think these. stories cost, you know, to hold up a. mirror to humanity, especially when it's. humanity is going through these very. challenging things. But it's it's just. it's the greatest thing in in the world. to to sort of in service of humanity. kind of try. >> and show us who we are. >> Well, I always go back to it's a crazy. world. Um it's always been a crazy world.

>> and there are bad things happening and. bad things have always been happening. and everyone just has to try and be. >> uh do their work well. >> and um and be a good citizen, whatever. that mean. Be a good person. Um, and so. >> because sometimes that's all you can do. Everything is so big. But I think this. is a tragic story because I think you. would have made an amazing lawyer. [laughter]. >> We have a lot. David, we have many good.

actors, [laughter]. >> but to find a really good lawyer. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> is hard, >> right? >> He could have been the next Sweet James. >> You could have been Sweet James. [laughter]. >> Sweet James. that his his new protetéé, David. >> Darn it. All those billboards I could. have been on. [laughter]. >> You could have been on so many. billboards, but whatever. Keep. around with acting. Um, well, the movie is Newborn. I uh I. loved it and I am just enthralled by.

you. You're such an amazing person to. talk to and it's like a tonic when you. come by. I always I always feel good. after you've been here cuz you're. delightfully funny and insightful and. just lovely across the board. So, I will. see you at the wedding. [laughter]. >> You know what this funny thing is? He. thinks I'm kidding. >> I know. [laughter]. >> It's going to be like the graduate where. this ceremony is happening and banging.

bang. [laughter]. >> Can't wait to do it. All right. Thank. you, sir. >> Thank you. This is great.