Jodie Foster (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

I'm Jodie Foster and I feel. ambivalent [clears throat] about. [laughter] being Conan's friend. I feel. ambivalent. >> A major blow to the solar [laughter]. plexus. Wow. >> It's that I mean, you should be. flattered, right? Because it's not just. a yes or, you know, it's question. >> I am flattered. [laughter] Let's be very. clear. I am not flattered. [music]. >> Welcome to Conan O'Brien. needs a.

friend. Uh, got here with my crew, my. chums, uh, Sonomessian. >> Yeah. Hi, Conan. >> Conan O'Brien, who is doodling. That's. why I've taken. >> It's just a mustache wondering where its. master is. >> Okay. And it says, but it says, "Where's. Gil?". >> Yeah, that's your dad. >> That's my dad. So, it's my dad's. mustache. Don't say it's just a random. mach. That's just the name that happened to. come off my pen. Here we go. All. >> set. Yuck. [laughter]. Go. >> Hey there. Welcome to Conan O'Brien.

Needs a Friend. I'm coming in after I've. been away for quite a while now. I have. been on an epic uh series of journeys uh. across uh the world. >> Um I'm back now. It's so nice to be back. and see the friendly faces of Sonum. Obsessian and Matt Gorley. How you guys. doing? >> It's been a while. It's been like over a. month. >> It's been five weeks since I uh since we. we taped a podcast and I missed you. guys. I really did. And everywhere I. went, people were talking to me about.

the pod. >> Again, in different cities, I ran into. people who were listening to it uh as I. ran into them. That's cool. Or had just. surreal. >> It's very sur I mean, it's surreal for. me, but I think it is upsetting to them. >> Oh. >> Because they're probably [laughter]. It's a lot. Yeah, >> it's a lot to be walking through Central. Park and you're listening to this. podcast and then this uh giant George. Kennedy head comes at you, [laughter]. gets in your face and says, "You want a.

selfie?" Um, you want one? YOU WANT A. SELFIE? >> YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THAT THEY'RE. listening to you. You're just seeing. people on earbuds and going up to them. >> I asked a statue that was on horseback. if it wanted a selfie. [laughter]. Um, it's just funny because there'll be. if 10 people in a row want a selfie, you. get into a certain rhythm and then this. happened in London because I had some. stuff I had to do there. Uh, and 10. people in a row were like, "Could I have. a selfie? Could I have a selfie? Could I. have a selfie?" And then this one woman.

said, "Oh, hey, I know you." And I said, I said, "Do you want a selfie?" And she. said, "No, [laughter]. >> not on your life. >> There's nothing I'd want less. >> I'D RATHER DIE. >> I'D RATHER be dead." So, uh, but anyway, it's very nice to be back, >> uh, and, uh, in the New York groove, even though we're in Los Angeles. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, >> did you have fun? You good? Did you get. sick? [laughter]. >> No, I did not get What do you happy with. yourself? >> Did you get sick? >> Like the choices you made? [laughter].

>> End up where you thought you'd be? >> Uh, no. Uh, I I am I did not get sick. I'm I'm uh I'm quite uh content and just. happy to be here. Yeah. Yesterday uh. because I'm doing the Oscars in March, >> uh we shot a bunch of promos for the. Oscars and there's a bunch where you do. them for different countries. >> So I I did one uh Telmundo. I I did it. in Spanish. You do some to different. countries. And then there was one. country, I can't remember what country.

it is, you know, it I don't know if it. was in Norway or where it was, but the. name of the station was So, tune in to. the Oscars on March 15th, uh, and watch. it live on and then you give the name of. the station and if it's, you know, if. it's a on demundo or you you give the. different ones, but there was, >> uh, I think it was some country, I. cannot remember it, but I said uh turn. into besto uh bet and then it said on.

the copy v uh dial. So I said bast v. dial and there's a dialect coach off. camera and he went no it's betock and he. said the v is just a v just a quick v. dial and I said vv and he went no v. So. I tried it and I said vial and he said. no it's v and I saidv and he said no.

it's v and he was getting irritated and. he said you don't say the v you just go. v you think it you like think it and I. said vv and he went no it's v and so it. was back and forth me going v and him. going and there's like a 600 people. around standing around check people and. I'm going and he goes v and then he was. like no if I can hear it It's wrong, basically. And so I went, "So just be. stuck, dial." And he said, "I heard. nothing. That's not it." And I said,

"You told me not to say anything." And. it turned into a full-on. >> It's a way of life, man. >> It's a way of life, man. [laughter] You. must live the So, uh, I should try and. remember what it was cuz maybe it makes. the story better. >> We'll never see that cuz that'll just. air in whatever country this is. >> Yeah, I think so. They may not see it. there because the country will be so. enraged that I did the incorrectly that. they'll have a revolution. And. >> if you did it correctly, they wouldn't. see it either according to this guy's. >> It was amazing. It was just an. incredible experience. >> Yes. Eduardo, what do you got?

>> You leaned in like you had something. >> Oh, I was maybe that was just wishful. thinking. >> I was just laughing. >> Oh, I've never seen you laugh at. anything I said before. It took me by. surprise. >> Your your failure made me laugh. Ah, [laughter]. >> that's my boy. Where's that $5 we pass. around for the spider tip? There. [laughter] you go. >> Hey, spider. Spider. >> There it is. >> Uh, wow. Is that what it's called? The. spider tip. >> That's what we'll call it. Yeah. >> Love it. Good fellas. We're always. thinking of you. >> Uh, yeah. So, anyway, I've been very. busy, but having a really good time. >> Good. >> I binged a lot of shows.

>> What did you binge? >> Oh, I binged Andor. >> That's right. >> Yeah. >> Andor is perfect. >> And you went right into Rogue One. >> Perfect. And I went right into Rogue. One. And I do it. I remember like after. I've watched Rogue One. >> cuz you could go right into Star Wars. >> I know. >> And then you could go into Star Wars 2. or as the kids call it now, Star Wars 9. A new a new beginning and fun. But let's. not This is sacred text. So let's check. >> The first Star Wars is the one where the. with you know their first movie they.

made. That's how I go. >> I agree. I I don't call it a new hope. either. I call it Star Wars. >> Called A New Hope. >> Yeah. Can you believe that? >> Episode four. >> Yeah. But that was all later. That was. all came later. Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Well, I I I I liked it. I. didn't I'm not going to like devote my. life to it. I mean, >> I'm not asking you to. I'm just saying. stay open to it. >> I'm going to tell you also, I didn't. understand a lot of stuff that was going. on. I mean, I I just kind of, you know, when you nod along, when you think you. understand, I didn't understand. There. was just so many like other random.

characters. Once they start, you know, once they. started renaming everything, like I knew. it's the first Star Wars, then it's then. it's the Empire Strikes Back, you know, and then the third one, they all have. different names now. The third one is. now called Star Wars. [laughter]. >> Oh, come on. >> Well, that's what they call it in. Prague. [laughter]. >> Prague. I thought it was Norway. I can't. even remember. >> I don't remember which. I did 9,000. promos in different Hello Estonia.

[laughter]. If you are going to watch the Oscars, make sure to tune in on March 15th. [laughter] on Grus. [laughter]. >> This is undoing all of that. >> All right. Uh, I'm proud of both of you. >> What did we do? >> What? What did we do? Cuz I binged andor. but I also binged a lot of other stuff. I'm proud of you. You guys are I. powerwashed some of the skin off my. thumb. >> No way. >> Why' you do that? >> I didn't mean to. I just was using a. power washer and it hit my thumb. >> You know what? I think you committed a.

murder and you were trying to get your. skin. >> YEAH, HE'S GETTING [screaming] AWAY. [laughter]. >> Commit to the bit. >> That was so slow. >> You know what I loved about that? You. got to check the video. [laughter]. Matt dashes out of his chair, right? And. then very slowly and methodically opens. the door. >> Too heavy for. >> Oh my god. Closing that took forever. You know what it would be like if Booth. shot Lincoln in Ford's theater and then. rather than leap off the balcony and. escape, Booth shot Lincoln and then was.

like, "Pardon me, excuse me, pardon. [laughter] me." Just working his way. slowly. Pardon me, pardon me. Death, mild irritants to tyrants. >> Yeah. [laughter]. All right. My guest today is an Academy. Awardwinning actress who was starred in. such movies as Taxi Driver and The. Silence of the Lambs. Now you can see. her in the new movie, A Private Life. I'm honored she's uh with us today. God, I do uh I do love her. Jodie Foster, welcome.

>> I have a fantasy friendship with you, which A, you're very tall and b I'm very. small, so I have a little image of us. walking down the beach together, like. pointing out dolphins and things, [laughter] and you know, and I've got a. little sandwich in my backpack for you. and stuff. And we [laughter] have this. we have like a little kind of a good. little Oh, what was that? Oh, it was a a. course of Eddie's father. It was a show. I was on. Yes. Uh in the 70s and there. was like a you know a son and his father. and they're walking down the beach. So I. have that side but then there's the. reality part which is.

>> Yeah. I don't know. I don't I don't know. that it would be [laughter] good. It. might look good. It might look good. >> Yeah. But you think the reality might be. uh something something darker. >> Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. >> Yeah. Too much sand. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> Too much sand. Um, you know, it's so. funny cuz I have a very clear memory of. the first time I met you, which is I was. skiing. >> Yeah. >> And there's this friend of mine who I. ran into, and he said, "Why don't you. ski with me?" And he said, "I'm skiing.

with my friend Jodie." Didn't say. anything else. And I went, "All right, whatevers." So, [laughter] I'm skiing. and we're zipping along and we get down. to where and I I noticed that uh he. said, "Oh, my my friend Jod's down here. by the lift." And I went, "All right, let's go, you know, check in on Jodie, whoever that is, and I can be snarky to. her." Um, and we get down there, and I. remember you like took off your goggles. and said, "Oh, hi, Jodie." And I was. like, "Oh." [laughter].

>> Oh, >> that's my happy place. Skiing is my. happy place. >> You like it because of the anonymity and. also. >> No, I like I like this the idea of a. sport where if you stop being in the. present moment, you might die. Like you. might you might hit a tree or something. There's something really relaxing about. that. >> Yes. [laughter]. >> Honestly. >> No. No. I kind of understand what you're. saying. >> You can't think about taxes or you can't. think about. >> Well, that's why I play Russian roulette. every night. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Keeps me in the moment. >> Hell of a record.

>> Amazing. >> Incredible record. >> Never misses [laughter] a night. Yeah. Sometimes I put three bullets in. Still, I'm fine. >> This got real dark real [laughter] fast. Russian roulette while skiing. Even. better. Um, you know, it's so funny because, uh, I've since um, gotten to know you much. better and even though there's a lot of. ambivalence on your end, [laughter]. it's interesting to me because I don't. think this is discussed as much with you. because you've had such a an iconic.

career in film and it's had so many. different levels, but I was a TV kid uh, growing up in the 70s And my brother. Neil made sure that we watched all the. westerns, you know, Bonanzas and All in. the, you know, uh, what's it House in. the Prairie, you know, Gunm Smokes and. and, you know, we also watched Courtship. of Eddie's father. We watched all these. shows and you were a fixture on these.

shows. >> and it's fascinating because we haven't. really had ever had a chance to talk. about it, but. >> that is a completely different era, a. world where you're on the set of. Bonanza. Yeah. >> And these are iconic shows from, as you. know, Matt, like from the ' 50s and '. 60s and '7s, and you were. >> I've heard of them, too. >> You've heard of them, too? >> They're they're iconic, but I don't know. how good they were. I mean, I always say. >> I never said good. >> Yeah, [laughter]. I was on every, you know, every kind of.

bad television show in the 70s. >> I have a brother Neil who watches all. these shows. He's got an encyclopedic. knowledge of them. And if I, you know, randomly called him and said, "Oh, I saw. Jodie Foster today." He'd say, you know, "She was excellent in season 13. [laughter] of Bonanza's Lament.". >> Yeah. Yeah. Hos's Lament. And he would. say with guest star, and then he'd, you. know, Bernie Copel as the scientist, [laughter]. you know, all these great fixtures. And. I would say, "Okay." And he and he'll.

often say to me like, "Did you mention. to Jod?" And I no, [laughter]. >> but here you are. I know. And now I'm. doing it. I'm doing it. [laughter] I. mean, I thought I'd talk about some of. her, you know, Oscar winning roles and. stuff, and my brother doesn't care about. film. He just was only like, "So that. but that is. >> Yeah, there's something, you know, really. There was something really. comforting about that. I It doesn't feel. the same way anymore when you lie in. your bed with your covers on watching TV. the way it did in the old days when you. laid in your bed and then you had the. black and white TV and you had to go up.

to the knob and change the station every. time you were dissatisfied.". >> Yeah. >> Um, but yeah, all those shows. So, so. you know, Nanny and the Professor and. Adam 12 and uh you know, um the Perry. Mason and the Rockford Files or you. know, >> now have you ever spent any time looking. back on those just to see because. they're almost like home movies for you? >> No, there's there's a couple that are on. Instagram that occasionally my friends. will say like, "Hey, look at this.". Because I don't have social media, but. uh uh and that's it's kind of cute.

because my my mom didn't take pictures. of me. I think taking pictures of your. kids got expensive at at that era. So, she took pictures of my brothers and. sisters, but not of me. So, [laughter]. the only pictures that I have really are. these are these video clips and clips. from television shows. >> Yeah. So, you're always wearing a 19th. century bonnet. [laughter]. >> That's right. Yeah. >> And saying, "Look out, Hos." I have lots. of weird memories that are associated. with that, you know, like the like I had. to play like this kind of wild child who. was all dirty and and I was living on my.

own and surviving in the forest and the. prop men had planted different edible. things that that you know you could you. could pull out the roots and you could. just eat them and they would look like. you were this savage person. And I. remember you know going through the. weeds in a scene and I pulled out this. thing and I ate a bite of it and it was. fennel and I was like, "Oh, THIS IS. DELICIOUS.". >> [laughter]. >> WHO KNEW? WHO KNEW THERE WAS SUCH A. THING as fennel? >> You know what I would have done? I'd. have come back and said to the prop guy,

"Those blackberries are amazing." I. didn't plant blackberries. [laughter]. >> They're doing CPR on me. >> I would pick the wrong thing. I know I. would. Um, yeah. It's it's it's a. fascinating it was a fascinating era. And I think one of the things that has. always been clear to me is that your mom. did an extraordinary job. And I know. it's nature and nurture. A lot of this. was who you were, but especially in the. early days of late night in the '9s when.

we were doing our show, we do a lot of. sketches that would use a kid who would. have lines and I remember the kids. coming up to me like before the show. But we did it at rehearsal and then it's. time for everyone to get in makeup and. the audience is loading in, the band's. getting ready, the guests are coming. here and these little kids would come up. to me and they'd say, "Mr. O'Brien, you. are truly a legendary luminary in the. field of and I'd look up the hall and. I'd see their their parents like looking.

out. It may break my heart, but they had. clearly told their kids, you say this, you go up to him and then he'll have you. back." And it's very clear to me that. your mom did an extraordinary job. >> A yeah, I really appreciate her now. I. mean, I'm sure I was pretty mad at her. in my 30s like every like all of us and. then suddenly really started seeing the. other side of the, you know, the other. side of the story. I think there was. this vicarious thrill for her is that. she wanted me to be all the things that. she couldn't be, which is she wanted me. to be respected. She didn't want me to.

be objectified. >> She wanted me to have a long career, not. a short one. She didn't want me to play. somebody's just sister, mother, daughter. or she wanted me to be central. character because she grew up in a. pre-feminist time where she didn't have. any of those opportunities. So, it. worked, you know, it worked out for me. >> At the time, were you enjoying the. experience? Did you like it? You must. have loved being in front of the camera. or were you kind of neutral about it or. even ambivalent? >> Well, [laughter]. because I don't really remember ever. starting. Um, the things I loved was I.

loved being in a community that felt. like a family and and and honestly. mostly those were brothers and fathers. because there really weren't any women. around. I liked being like being the. surrogate daughter to all these guys who. taught me how, you know, taught me how. lenses worked and they taught me how to. uh how to load the film into the camera. and the, you know, they would give me. marks and they would say, you know, you. have to turn on this line and uh so I. had I loved the family of making movies. The actual work of being an actor I had.

no interest in and in fact I just. thought it was kind of a dumb job. Um, and that got supported because my mother. would say, "Hey, your career is going to. be over when you're 18. So, what are you. going to do after that?" Um, she wasn't. wrong. That's pretty much the way it. usually works. Most child actors don't. work after they're 18. And so, they have. to come up with, you know, what's their. next act. So, she was sort of preparing. me for that. Um, and I thought, well, yeah, because I can't I can't do a job. where I just like look at a piece of. paper, learn the lines, and then say. them. That's that just seems not very.

challenging. But when I was 12, I did. Taxi Driver with uh Robert Dairo and uh. something happened. You know, he kind of. took me under his wing and and explained. improvisation and went through, you. know, the work with me and and I had. this Eureka moment where I was like, "Oh, it's my fault. I have not brought. enough to the equation and this is. actually the exploration of character is. really an amazing thing to do for a. living that I love and I love making. films and maybe this is something that. I'd want to do." But it wasn't until. then 12:30. Well, also to be fair to.

you, >> there probably wasn't a lot of let's. explore your character and work on. improv on Nanny and the Professor and. not to put those shows down cuz they're. [laughter] it's high art, but um. >> you know uh that's probably how kids. felt doing little sketches on on our. show, you know. >> Um Conan, when are we going to explore. my character? You're not, kid. [laughter]. Say your line and get the hell out of. here. >> But I like the idea of work, though. I. liked I liked going to work and I liked, you know, being on time and I liked um I.

liked the discipline of all of that and. I liked doing a bunch of takes and. having somebody say, "No, do this, no, do that," and following them. So, I I I. still am, you know, I'm I love. discipline. I like doing the same thing. over and over again until I get it. right. Um, and I have that personality. and I've always had that. >> You know, you obviously when you're. doing Taxi Driver at that age, how old. were you at the time? >> 12. 12. You can't you can't be aware. that this is going to be become a.

touchstone film and a real uh I would. say. >> pivot point for 1970s movies. >> Um and it's going to be so important in. so many ways. >> You can't know that at the time. I. wouldn't think you can't. >> No. But he was a great director and and. um I had I had already done Alice. Doesn't Live Here Anymore with him. So I. had done that movie when I was about. nine. Um, and he was this extraordinary. upandcoming director. You know, he had. only directed three movies by the time.

or three or four movies maybe by the. time he'd done Taxi Driver. >> What did he done? He had done. >> he did a thing called Box Car Bertha. Yeah. >> Uh, he did uh Mean Street. Amazing film. >> Right. This Martin Scorsesi were talking. about he's and uh. >> and then and then he did Alice doesn't. live for anymore and then he did tax. >> So it was through Alice that he knew you. and said I think this this kid would be. great for this part. >> Yes. And I didn't know this, but your. sister was a standin for you during some. of the more sexually suggestive scenes. in Taxi Driver, which.

>> I could they were very suggestive, but. >> suggestive. Yeah, >> they weren't really very suggestive, but. yes, um because the board of education. uh started having issues with the idea. of young young kids doing more adult. roles, they were concerned that somehow, you know, playing these characters that. we would be confused about ourselves and. who we were. Um so, and some of it. started with Brook Shields doing Pretty. Baby. I think a lot of people had a lot. of issues with that. So, when I was. about to do Tax Driver, the board of. education came down and said, "Okay, we.

this is we're not going to allow we're. not going to sign the work permit for. this." And I had to we had to get a. lawyer and we had to prove that I was. that I was competent, I guess. Um, and. part of the deal that we made with them. was if there are any sexually suggested. scenes, we'll get somebody else to do. it. And my mom was like, "Look, her. sister can come is can can come to New. York for the summer. She's over 18 and. she's about the same size." And so. that's what happened. >> Yeah. >> Although they weren't very suggestive. I. think it was her taking down her shirt. to below her shoulders, right?

>> So that's nothing, >> which they do on Nickelodeon now. >> That's true. now on [laughter]. Nickelodeon. >> And then I think I Yeah, I think I was. supposed to like undo his fly. That was. about it. >> Yeah. Yeah. And but it also must have. been nice to have your sister on set. >> Yeah, it was nice. That was. >> complicated. [laughter] I don't know. >> No, it was it was really nice actually. And you know, we were in that business. My brother had been an actor when he was. young and it sort of felt like a family. affair thing because everybody had their. jobs that they had to do. My mom was a. single mom and so with four kids and.

raising four kids, if one of us went and. did a TV show, then somebody had to, you. know, make sure that everybody got off. at the bus station and, you know, have. dinner and all that stuff. >> Yeah. I just am fascinated that you're. you, as your mom said, well, your. career's over at 18. Yeah. >> The I would say 99% of kid actors say, "No, I'm going to keep this going." you. decide I'm going to go to college, an. excellent college, and get a superior.

really fantastic education. >> And so, um, that is maybe not a usual. move at that time. Maybe it's become. more common, but to take. >> to say, "No, I'm going to take four. years out of my career and study.". >> Yeah, that was a unusual move. And I. think we all assumed that my career. would be over. So my mom um actually. sold her house and moved into a tiny. condo and was like, "Okay, well now. we're ready because by the time you know. you're 18 and you're going to go to. college, we're going to spend every cent.

that we have sending you to college and. uh you'll probably never work again." Uh. I did end up doing five movies while I. was in college. Um so I did, you know, I. worked during the summer and then I took. a semester off, a couple semesters off. So I did do five movies while I was. there. >> What was your major? I majored in. literature, the literature major, which. is, you know, lots of theories of. literature. >> Yeah. >> And the area of focus was. African-American literature. >> It's so fascinating because I can't in. any way make a case that my education.

had anything to do with my profession. >> Mhm. >> But I wouldn't change it for anything in. the world. >> Yeah. >> And you know, I I studied history and. literature of America. I was a very. serious student. I wrote a massive. thesis. um and had to argue it in an oral exam. and it was um you know did all the. things and then cut to you know 35 years. of tom foolery [laughter].

but I was doing a um a tour somewhere. and I'm on stage and it's going really. well and I'm also playing guitar and. there's like a rock vibe to it and. there's comedy but also there's some. music. >> and then at one point this big thing of. paper came flopping up on the stage. I. didn't know what it was. And this is. usually at the the point in a concert. when someone throws panties or a bra. >> And if one is a certain performer, not. me. >> I was going to say. >> I didn't mean. men throw their underwear at me, [laughter] but it's more of a derogatory.

thing. Um, and they're still wearing it. Uh, >> but they were like [laughter] this big. thing of paper goes clump up on stage. and I'm like I think I have the guitar. on. And I lean over and I pick it up and. it says, you know, um, you know, the. literary progeria in the works of Flary. Oconor and William Faulner. [laughter]. It was my thesis. Someone had gone and. found it and photocopied it and threw it. up on stage and I thought, "This is what. I get." [laughter] And also, I. remembered writing this and having it. thrown to me on stage was not part of.

the dream. [laughter] But it's so weird. But I also I I wouldn't um I can't. explain why, but I know that doing all. of that thinking and reading has. informed me. >> Whatever I was going to do, if I was. making clay pots now for a living, it. would be helping me. >> Whatever you were doing between the ages. of 17 and 22, you know, that those years. are really formative. And you know maybe. if you were in I don't know you went to. to Rwanda.

>> and uh spent three or four years working. in a small town like that would be an. extraordinary formative experience. So. it's just about that formation. And for. me, obviously us that have had these, you know, great experiences with. education. So much of it, yes, is about. what you learn, but a lot of it is about. the connections that you made. Yeah. >> With people that taught you how to be a. good friend and, you know, you learned. all those hard lessons of people being. disappointed in you and then never. talking to you again, for example.

[laughter] Uh or I, you know, I don't. know. I I I definitely would not be the. person that I am, but I also really feel. like I learned to read not in the real. sense of, you know, uh cat and dog, but. it to how to look deeply into material, to how to look deeply into people, [clears throat] into relationships, into. literature and say, you know, what does. this mean and what what are the. different layers of meaning that are. there? And I I think that that comes in. handy every single day of my job. you um. have had this extraordinary.

career that any actor would say, "Yes, uh if I could have the Jodie Foster. career, I'll take that right now." um. these multiple awards, two Oscars, but. you have um always shown. a a real interest in directing. And I've. heard you say that Jodie Foster, who's. directing, is more yourself maybe than. the different characters you play when. you're acting. >> Is that is that fair? >> Well, yeah. We all have different.

compartments of things that we do. And. um I was born like basically in my DNA. when I was born I was born as a head. first person. So I perceive the world as. the head first. I think before I feel. and a lot of people are the opposite. A. lot of people are kind of stomach first. people, instinct first people or heart. first people. I'm just not one of those. You know, I was a head first person. And. so I've always in this job, especially a. job that's very emotional and physical, I've always been sort of juggling like. where is the space? Where is the space.

for my head? and how do these two things. work together? Um, yeah. So, yeah, that's that's how I approach the job. >> And I it's, you know, because so much of. uh directing too and I I I don't. understand the job. I'm fascinated by. people who can do it. It would terrify. me is planning, thinking, uh, making. lists. Yes. Someone told me once. >> it's admin. A lot of admin. [laughter].

>> But someone told me also a lot of. directing is this or this, you know, like choosing. >> Do you want the daringer or do you want. the uh the the the pistol? Nah. Daringer. And and it's. >> some of it is choosing, but you know, a. lot of it is how you juggle the. difference between intention and. freedom. Um you know, I have lots of. plans. So as a director, I'll, you know, I'm in my hotel room all by myself. I. got lots of plans. And then I come there. and it's raining and you know the guy I. hired to play the priest is, you know,

drunk or um [laughter]. and. >> sorry the one time you hire me. >> Um but there's it's that meditation of. saying like like okay now what? So what. if you know what if what if the priest. was drunk or what if there we no longer. have a priest cuz I just fired him or um. you know you start having to have. inspiration and making decisions in the. moment where you collaborate with 175. people. Whatever the energy is that's on. the set. It's not just the actors it's. also all the people that are doing the.

various jobs bring their expertise but. also maybe even their past you know. their relationships with their parents. uh every time a propmaster, you know, decides that the character is going to. have a shot glass, an Elvis shot glass, it's because they're bringing baggage. from their past into it and they're. saying like, "What what is true to this. character?" I know. I'm going to go for. the Elvis shot glass. [laughter]. >> And um so I love that. I love hearing. other voices and then being the person. that says yes, no, yes, no, yes, no. I. think uh what I can relate to what. you're talking about a lot both in the.

early television work and just. throughout your career and even as you. talked about your college experience. I. like being around a gang of people. >> I like having that community. I spend um. I've always say if someone says they. enjoy my comedy, I say 99% of it you. don't hear. Huh? >> It's messing around with people in my. world, >> uh, and family and friends. I like. >> all the jokes that happened as we're.

trying to build the thing that people. see, >> right? >> And that sounds to me like directing is. this ultimate experience of a massive. group. >> It's like Robin Hood and his merry men. You just get all these people together. and say, "Let's. >> let's work together on this thing." And. a lot of the joy uh doesn't necessarily. show up on the screen. >> Uh it's part of the process. >> Yeah. And and I mean well the big caveat. is you are the last word. So you can do.

all the horsing around. People can have. all the opinions they want, but at the. end of the day you're the person who has. to have the personality to say, "I see. the big picture. You know, I'm not just. in the moment enjoying uh the the yuck. yucks. I see the big picture and I want. the train to leave at 8:35 and I want to. arrive at 9:40. And you guys have given. me all of these different choices along. the way. We're gonna to see the big. picture means to be able to see the way. through. And so much of that is about is.

about asking that question. Is it is it. true or is it fake? Yeah, >> those are the only only question I ask. all day. I same thing as an actor, same. thing honestly as a human being, as a. parent. Is it true or is it fake? Is. this how I feel honestly or is this. something that I'm trying to put on and. to impress people? Or do I genuinely. feel like the scene is funny or do I. think that the audience will think it's. funny so I'm going to do it for them? You know, I'm always just trying to. choose the most instinctual and the most. true thing cuz I don't trust anything. else. >> Yeah. I think there is uh when it well.

if it feels right in the moment. I've. always thought if I'm having fun in this. moment and it's honest, most people watching it or listening to. it will probably agree. And that's not. always true, but you just have that. instinct and you have to go with it. And. if you don't have that instinct, you're. lost anyway. You should probably not be. doing this. But as you get older too, I. mean the great thing that opens up as. you get older is you've you spent a.

number of years thinking that thinking. that your central story was the most. interesting thing, right? because me is. very interesting and and you you know. especially as a woman you know there are. things that you want to achieve at at. you know I wanted to make films where. where I was playing these central. characters that were in charge of their. own lives and that they weren't just. adjuncts to the men um that they were. fully fleshed complicated human beings. >> but then you reach a certain point where. you get older and you're like wow I'm. just so bored with myself I can't stand. it and you really start.

>> I haven't hit that yet [laughter]. >> you I think. you start realizing all the voices you. left behind that you you weren't. listening to and they're all out there. and you think, "Oh my god, I can't. believe I wasn't listening. I wasn't. paying any attention.". >> And then the real joy comes when you. start saying like, "Oh, now that I have. wisdom and I'm older, how can I serve. your story?" So, you want to tell this. story that nobody's ever heard before. about a bunch of people that nobody's. ever heard how this happened. How can I. use all of this old all this, you know,

patriarchy that I have to serve that. purpose to support you? And that's so. much more fun than anything else. And. the pressure is off of you. >> Yeah. Well, I look forward to having. that moment [laughter] because right now. I am enamored with myself. I've been. doing this a long time. You know, I I. have to bring up um many people consider. it a perfect movie. I know I do. But. Silence of the Lambs is just perfect. >> in so many ways. The storytelling and I.

think really revolutionary because there. are about nine things that I see in. Silence of the Lambs that now regularly. occur in television movies. Ringing the. bell, you think it's to one house, the. door opens, it's not that house. When I. saw that movie for the first time in a. theater, I was just completely. spellbound. And obviously your. performance a massive part of that. And. what I'm thinking about is is in that. moment. um this felt very revolutionary because.

Clarice is. um put in this very deep water and there. also scenes where she's in a very male. experience. There are all these men in. the room examining the body doing the. post-mortem and you need to navigate. that and I feel like that is a watershed. performance that's defining. >> but really defining women in a job. that's always been depicted as a male.

job up until that point. Obviously, the. the script has flipped since then, but I. don't know if young people realize how. at the time that was we hadn't seen I. don't remember seeing anything remotely. like that. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's true. It really it. really tread over stuff that hadn't been. thought about before. and and mostly it. was just like the hero's journey was. reserved for men and so it was a new. thing to have a woman participate in. what was a tragic you know has been a a.

myth for our for centuries um but all of. that was in the book because the book. was magical it just was one of those. perfect texts and it doesn't happen very. often in your life so I would say you. know silence of lambs for me and. potentially for me true detective like. might have been the two greatest. experiences that I've had working where. you get a piece of material that is I. don't want to say inspired by the gods, but there's something happening in this.

material where it's just talking about. something so true and so so so mixed up. with our own collective unconscious that. it's undeniable and then everybody that. climb climbs aboard does the best work. of their life effortlessly. >> Yeah. >> It really never happens. So when it does. happen, like you really have to be. jumping up for joy because it when it. happens, it's so easy and so much fun. and it was such such a fun movie to. make. >> Yeah. >> You know, we had Aloha Fridays where. everybody wore [laughter] Hawaiian.

shirts on Fridays and uh there was a lot. of Yeah, it was actually a lot of fun. >> on Silence of the Land. [laughter]. >> That's great. Bring your kid to work. day. What are we doing? We're throwing. people into a pit who've been kidnapped. [laughter]. Shame, mommy. >> Um, yeah, that's a fingernail. >> Oh, wow. Um, [laughter]. I also think one of the most I think. it's one of the greatest depictions of.

what bravery really is, the the the. climax of the movie when you are working. your way. >> Oh god. >> Through the pitch dark. >> Last day of shooting. >> Was it really? Okay. So, >> such a bad It's such a bad last day of. shooting. We were all so mad. All of us. [laughter] were so mad. Yeah. And you. can some in some scenes you can see. you're wearing a Hawaiian shirt, but she's got [laughter] infrared. glasses. You're like, is that a Hawaiian. shirt on Asian Starling? But you are. working your way through. And what I.

what meant a lot to me and still. resonates with me about that scene is. there are a lot of scenes where the hero. and often the male hero is uh. traditionally doing the brave thing. And. I love Clint Eastwood, don't get me the. wrong way, but they're doing the brave. thing, and they're doing it in a. kick-ass male way, >> right? >> You are terrified. You are terrified. >> Terrified. and pushing forward, >> right? >> And the combination of the two, it's.

completely believable. There's not one. millisecond where I don't completely. believe that that's what you're doing. You are pushing forward. Someone's life. is at risk. This is what you're going to. do. But you are terrified every second. and you're making yourself push forward. And I think that is one of the best film. cinematic depictions of real bravery. I've ever seen because it's often. portrayed as fire. I'm going to get in. there. Get out of my way. And that.

doesn't read to me the same way. >> Well, actually, there's a big laugh in. that the scene where she finally gets to. the woman in the pet pit and she says. like, "You're safe." And the whole. audience just like laughs hysterically. [laughter]. >> And then you say, "I'll be right back.". >> Yeah, I'LL BE RIGHT BACK. >> AND then she curses you out. >> I'll be right back. >> I don't think I'm ever going to see you. [laughter] again. >> Um. >> Yeah. Because it's honest, you know, because it was really truth truthful and. that there wasn't a bunch of posing. about it. And so that's a I think a good. example of saying, you know, what do you.

pick in that moment? What choices do you. make? You know, who do you listen to? Well, you don't listen to a list of. like, whoa, what did Clint Eastwood do. in his movie? [laughter] I think you you. really you you say to yourself, you. know, who would I be if this happened? And you you you follow honesty and. instinct. And hopefully that's really. the only God that you pray to. >> Well, the the people I'm always most. impressed with are the people that uh. keep challenging themselves regardless. of what they've achieved in the past. Uh.

you uh have made this film A Private. Life. Mhm. >> which is in French. >> Yep. >> And your character is speaking uh fluent. French the entire time in the movie. And. um I'm not going to take on that. challenge if you [laughter] don't mind. >> Okay. Okay. >> I'd be there listening to what's the. >> who is it? Uh. >> or somethingo. >> You do. I'd be like on headsets on. Dolingo. [laughter] Um I'm stunned by.

this challenge and you have said I. didn't realize that this is a part of. your career I did not know about that. you have been really immersing yourself. in French culture for a big part of your. life. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I had I had a French. education. So at 9 years old my mom kind. of dropped me into a French immersion. school. Um, at the time it was the 70s. and she had never traveled anywhere and. she took one trip to France, like a bus. tour, a touristy bus tour. She went. there and she came back and said, "Okay,

that's it. You're going to we're leaving. this country. You're going to be a. French actor. I'm going to put you in. this school and then, you know, if we. have to split, that's that's what's. going to happen." And so she put me in. the school. I cried for, you know, probably six or seven months because it. was horrible. I didn't understand. anything. And I was doing math and. science and history and geography and. French. And then finally, I did. And so. you in this film, you're speaking. fluent French the entire time. And it. did it change your acting style that.

you're speaking in this foreign. language? >> Oh, yeah. I'm a totally different person. in French. First of all, I have a really. high voice in French. I don't know why. >> really. [laughter]. >> Can you give me an example? Like. >> Well, a lot of the ladies that I learned. French from, they all spoke a little bit. like this. >> And I guess I imitated them when I was a. kid. So, so I have a, you know, quite a. confident way about me in English and in. French I'm just total vulnerable person, >> very unsure of myself and um I wouldn't. say screechy but definitely a you know a.

little bit a little bit higher voiced. >> Uh yeah, I have a totally different. personality. I have the the personality. of somebody who's eternally frustrated. that they can't communicate themselves. well enough. >> I I I swear to God if I I I do uh speak. some Spanish and I like to break it out. every now and then. Oh, nice. >> And I was using it. Uh I try and use it. as much as I can in Los Angeles where. there's a lot of opportunities to do it. It doesn't always go very well, but I. like to [laughter] try. >> Um. >> and your voice gets a lot lower. Mine. gets a lot lower and I sprout a little. mustache.

>> A little Telmundo mustache. But I know. that you can. >> there's a rhythm to these languages and. you start to behave a little. differently. And uh and and I would. imagine I if I spoke French, >> I could see myself becoming more. existential and maybe a little more. dismissive. And you know, you should try. it. >> Yeah. [laughter] Learn French. >> I know. I know. But I might start. smoking. >> Yes. And drinking a red wine.

>> Drinking red wine at at 11 in the. morning and just being. never saying yes. That sounds like a. good idea. Just being I don't know. You. see, [laughter] I don't know. I But. >> I do think that different languages um. >> That's true. >> Yeah. >> Um I'm playing an expatriate in the. movie, so there's something about that. You know, people that leave everything. behind and they say my whole identity, everything that I am, my my past, my. family, everything about me that I've. always considered is me. I'm going to.

leave that behind. I'm going to break. out and be a brand new person. And in. some way, very often, expatriots choose. some fantasy version of what it would be. like to be a French person. Yeah. >> Um, you know, suddenly they're wearing a. beret and they're, you know, their house. is right on one of those lovely parks. and they start um telling you they're on. vacation and that they can't do. [laughter] things. Um, I I thought that. was interesting, an interesting thing to. explore, like who wants to erase their. past and become this new fantasy and the. what happens when you do that? What how. do your relationships suffer? And do you.

become I think the irony is and the film. does have a lot of comedy to it. The. irony is is that this psychoanalyst, very fudian psychoanalyst, which we make. a lot of fun of her because of that, um. goes on this murder investigation. thinking that her patient's been killed. potentially, and then very quickly. realizes, oh no, she's just. investigating herself. Um, [laughter]. so she kind of goes on through hypnosis. and a number of things. It starts. realizing, you know, that maybe she's. not a great mom and that she, you know,

there's parts of her. >> of her relationship with her ex that she. still has questions about. Um, so it's. it's more of a self-discovery movie than. it is a murder mystery. >> What's the longest time you've ever. spent living in France or a foreign. country? because that's a little bit of. a. >> it's a common dream, but I've always. thought I would like to live in. >> Paris for a year or London for a year or. Dublin for a year and just immerse. myself in being someone. uh slightly different. You get to be a. different person when you're in another.

country. >> Well, you get to do that when you're on. location as an actor because when you're. on location as an actor, you're usually. there for three and a half months. If. you're a director, you're there for at. least six months. If you're doing a. limited series like True Detective, I. was there for seven months, but the. director was there for a year and a half. in Iceland. Reuvic Iceland. So, um, yeah, you get to become this brand new. person that's obsessed with something as. you're if you're making a show or making. a movie, you're just obsessed 24/7 with. this one thing. And um, it's it's every. bit of energy that you have is is put.

into this one thing. And I that's how I. like to live. >> I mean, I do these travel shows and I. get to go someplace for. >> usually about 10 days. But I do in even. in given 10 days I try to. forget and it's really nice because. sometimes you're in countries where they. they don't know who you are, they don't. care and you get to be someone else. And. I love to just um you know when you're. in the van and you're going to the next.

location and you're driving through. >> uh Manila or you're driving through uh. Mumbai. >> looking in little side streets and. wondering okay what is that person's. life like or what is it like to live in. that apartment or that house right there. and I find I say this a lot I think it's. the the best antidote to ignorance. >> is to go to other faces, talk to other. people, see how they live. >> It's this great lofah that you know cuz. we all get desensitized.

Travel as much as you can. Doesn't have. to be expensive travel or innate travel, but just go someplace and try to. >> take in what it's like to not be you. >> Yeah. And it doesn't mean that you ever. really come to this conclusion where you. totally understand that culture. You. never will, right? You're you're going. to you'll always be bringing baggage. from your own background and your own. culture. But that's part of it is. growing and learning and evolving and. changing. So that's kind of what I do. when I'm not shooting is well first of. all I go home and I you know walk the.

dog every single day at the same time. and I eat the same thing for breakfast. and I you know I do I love my routine. and then I start getting a little itchy. and then uh that's that's the thing that. I like to do. I like to travel. >> Um the same thing every morning. >> Yeah, [laughter] I'm one of those. >> Is it anything crazy or is it pretty. simple? breakfast. >> I'm granola. I'm a granola person. >> I get you. I hear you. >> I know that has some bad reference. >> I like party. I know. [laughter]. >> Uhhuh. >> Yeah. Yeah. Let's talk.

>> You're saying it like I like cocaine, too. >> Oh, I got granola if you want to meet. me. [laughter]. >> Okay. >> You got any granola with you right now? >> It's crazy. >> My wife Liza makes granola. It's like. the greatest granola in the world and. the the smell just fills the house and. I'm thinking, "Oh, wow." You know, that. >> that should be a cologne. [laughter]. That is granola. >> Well, that might be your next. sponsorship. >> Yeah. [laughter]. Conan granola. And it kind of there's a. there's a ring to it. >> Yeah. Conan granola. >> Granola. >> Right after we sell the pomade. The.

conan pomade. [laughter]. >> We're going to do that cuz that's going. to be a real money maker. >> Conanol. >> What? >> Conanola. Conanola. >> I messed it up. I was trying. [laughter]. I was trying. >> There are no mistakes. Conan. What? >> I I should own it. There are no. mistakes. >> Okay. I was trying to combine Conan with. granola and it didn't go well. So, [laughter] I'm sorry. Conanola. >> Never call out a mistake. >> Okay. All right. Yeah. Say, "I killed. [laughter] it." That's what that's what. show business is. >> Yeah. That's right. >> The biggest mistake I all those years of.

doing a late night show that I ever saw. was a guest would come out and it's. going okay and then the guest would. inevitably like maybe three minutes in. or four minutes if they hadn't been to. the rodeo before they would say, "I'm. sorry. This is just terrible.". >> And the whole audience would say would I. could see them. they would completely. lose the audience because the audience. would say we've just been told this. isn't good. >> and I would think to myself don't ever. tell them this isn't good. >> but Kananola was bad [laughter]. >> terrible.

>> yeah yeah it was bad. >> absolutely terrible I'm glad it was the. only thing you chimed in with today. [laughter]. >> I was saving it [laughter]. when you brought up granola I was like. this is my phone. >> got this in my back pocket [laughter]. >> you've been honing that all night. If. she brings up granola, I'm going to say. Conanola. >> Now, like [laughter] we wouldn't be here. at this moment without it. Sonos, you're. a genius. >> Um, you know, Jody, you have and it's.

it's such a part of your personality, especially when the times I've gotten to. know you, but your sense of humor, you. have a great sense of humor. And one of. the things that I I remembered because I. think sometimes when someone has success. on a certain level uh in um these. important areas in film and you think, "Oh, well, you know, it's it's Jodie. Foster." And I remember the first time. you came on the late night show, I was. thinking, "Oh, you know, I you know, I. okay, I I don't know how this is going. to be. I've got to be ready because. Jodie Foster's coming. She's very.

important." And and then you you said um. like midway through the interview that. you wanted to wear a Wisconsin cheese. head. >> That's my team. >> on your head cuz you're Yes, that is. your team. >> Yeah. Big Packers fan. So you brought a. big block of of cheese that [laughter]. fits on your head and I think I wore one. too. And I was like. >> the beer cozy at home. [laughter]. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But I remember. thinking like oh and it's just I mean it. is sort of like oh my god there's. Lawrence Livier. Oh, [laughter] he's got.

a fart cushion with him. >> No, I'm. >> It made me really happy. >> Thank you. I'm a I'm a really light. person, honestly. It's, you know, people. say like, "Wow, you're so serious." I'm. like, "Why they ask me those serious. questions?" Of course, I'm going to. respond seriously, but but no, I'm a. very light person. And strangely, I just. love dark drama. I love doing dark. drama, but I am not. There's not a. moment of darkness. Really, what you see. is that's it. There's nothing more. >> All right. Well, it has been an absolute. thrill talking to you. Uh, I've not seen.

A Private Life yet, but I'm thrilled to. see it. >> I watched the trailer. It looks so good. I'm so excited to see it. >> It hearkens back to another time, you. know, kind of a Woody Allen movie uh of. late of the old days that, you know, you. could have something that has many. different genres. So, it's kind of like. a comedy, but it's sort of a romantic. thing, but it's also a thriller and kind. of a mystery. And probably you also felt. a little bit of freedom that if you're. making a film like this and it's it's in. French that there's like this freedom. almost to switch genres a little more. and not be pigeonholed. >> Yeah. And and even like well so what I.

mean I just want to do something hard. I. like doing hard things and um if it's no. good then too bad. [laughter]. >> Say. >> I'll just go home and polish all my. awards. [laughter]. Oh, you didn't like it, did you? >> Is that an Oscar? Well, it's my second. one. [laughter]. >> Oh, okay. Well, don't you feel crushed. that? Not really. [laughter]. >> Um, well, Jody, I hope we've edged you a. little bit out of ambivalence, but.

that's going to maybe take a while. Uh, thank you so much. This was a real joy. >> Yeah, me too. Really fun. [music]. Okay, America's been holding its breath. And I say America, the world. We are a. global concern. Um, recently, uh, I. believe it was Netflix announced that. they were coming out with a, uh, new.

Star Search and to promote it, they were. talking about all the great stars that. were discovered on Star Search and all. these impressive names went flying. around the screen and my name was there. >> Yeah. >> And this puzzled us because I really. have no connection to Star Search. I. didn't start out on Star Search as Sona. pointed out. But I have no real talent. >> Oh. >> Um. >> I just wasn't sure what your talent. would be. I don't think you know either. You don't know either. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's fine. It's fine.

Ventriloquist. But anyway, um [laughter]. >> I uh that's what I would have tried. So. >> respect. So this this was a puzzle and. we brought in uh our uh crack legal. expert who works here at team Coco um. David Melmed. And this is now part three. because the story keeps evolving. Now, David, welcome. >> Uh, thank you for, uh, having me here. today. >> Okay. >> Appreciate it. >> Yeah. All right. Uh, okay. Well, God. All right. Well, it's going to be.

incredibly formal. >> Yeah. Yeah. And you know what? Incredibly formal. I love your jazz. station. I I just [laughter]. >> It's cool. >> I've been working on that voice. >> So, um, >> David, we brought you in to ask you some. questions. You've been very helpful. Uh. all of us were first wondering why they. might have been using my name uh. promoting uh Star Search and and. inferring that I was someone who came up. through Star Search when I did not. >> Yes. >> Um Sona was very angry on my behalf and.

said she wanted to cut a. >> Cut a. >> Cut a Yeah. >> I was not angry. I was interested in. both being paid. >> Um but I didn't want it taken down, which you said was a very complicated. legal maneuver. I I wanted to insist. because I love my name being out there. So, all this to say, things have. evolved. What's the latest, David. Melmed? >> The latest is your name has been taken. down. Okay. That's not what I wanted. >> I know. I know. So, I apologize for. that, but it but it has been. Um,

>> is this because you took some action? >> I'd like to think that I was part of it, but I think it was sort of a. collaborative. >> Well, they heard they heard the podcast. We yield hour. >> You did yield. So, they. yield. You didn't make a call. >> I did not. >> Oh, I thought you were saying, "Well, I'd like to take some credit.". >> You didn't do anything. >> Well, that's I was on the phone. I was. on the. >> most lawyers. I did nothing. And then. you're getting paid. >> I sat here to discuss.

possibilities. >> His presence is everything. >> Yeah. Yeah. Sure. But no no I think it. was it was a uh the group discussion I. think uh went out. >> and immediately I wouldn't say. immediately I would say in the next 24. hours name was taken fast and were you. told why is there a reason. >> I looked into it. >> okay. >> and I don't want to say that this is. exactly what happened but I have a. pretty good idea how it happened. >> well this is why we brought you in um. and the only reason we brought you in.

let's hear what you have to say so I. think there it's a two-part. Okay. The. first I think there was a there was a I. think first part is there was a human. error. >> M. >> the second part which I think is more. interesting is it was an AI. hallucination. >> Oh that's fascinating. >> Yes. >> So tell us how this happened. And you. know what as always David Melmed walked. in with a lot of notes. >> and it's a print out and then it's just. covered [snorts] in highlights. It. looked like you just took the MCAT.

Highlights and squiggles and notes. >> Tell us what happened. >> Is it the LSAT for lawyers? >> I I I changed him over to a doctor. MCAT. Yes. >> Yeah. Yeah. He already took the LSAT. Clearly, but I wanted to take the MCAT. Anyway, but I didn't get it. >> Good. Good call. >> Okay. >> Good worthwhile interruption. And man, are we the podcast that never has a. hitch. Go ahead, Dave. Dr. David. So, uh, okay. Let's let's get into the I I. can't tell you exactly how the human. error, but I I would imagine that.

someone within the marketing team at. Netflix uh was asked to research this, right? It's a reboot. It's. >> uh a ton of celebrities when you hear. Star Search have have been on the show, right? >> So, >> Beyonce, Adam Sandler, >> Chappelle, Britney, I mean, the list. goes on. >> Impressive list, very huge stars. >> So, if you were to write. >> Buddy Epson, go ahead. Continue. >> Buddy, yes. Uh Brad Garrett was one. Okay. Um I think if you were to if you. were to run a search um in just a basic.

I'm just going to use chat GBT for. example, right? That's everyone knows. that or Gemini. Um what is Conan's. connection to the show? We've said none. but your connection to to Star Search in. terms of a search and I did look up some. past uh connection that you may have had. with the show at least in print. So, I. just want to read you something that. that if you could end this sentence, I'd. be thrilled. [laughter]. >> I just want to This plane has been. circling the airport for a while. Am I.

building. >> You know what? I'm worried. I'm worried. you're running low on fuel. >> Ken, you know what? There's a fog coming. in off the Pacific. >> This is our third installment of this. segment. We have about 8 minutes to get. through this. >> Oh, we will. Don't worry. >> Don't you worry. As soon as he's done. talking, we'll be more confused than. ever. >> So, 1993, you took over Late Night, right? There was an article that was. written that said suggested O'Brien had. probably had less quality experience. than an average star search contestant.

>> Right. Right. >> Okay. >> And [laughter]. hey, that is the first of all, that's. the tenor of the environment I was. working in. And at the time, I was proud. my dad got an article published. [laughter] But yes, but. >> yeah, I came out of nowhere and people. were freaked out. That that was my. hesitant uh sort of hesitation to to say. that because I didn't listen. I've been. slammed before I'll be slammed again. >> Okay. Uh Andy, your former sidekick, um. did a remote as a judge in 1994. >> uh on Star Search, so that would be a. possible connection there. Uh you've.

also had Ed McMahon uh on your show. multiple times, right? So there is that. um there's that connection. Um and then. the Netflix just current, you know, you. mentioned the Mark Twain Award. Yep. Um, so if you were just to run a basic sort. of. >> uh search and celebrities possibly. including Conan O'Brien, >> the AI would generate your name on a. list, right? >> So where that runs into issue is the. verification. >> and it's become a problem. It's become a. problem within marketing within.

companies like a Netflix. >> You need someone to doublech checkck. chat GPT, right? >> Correct. You need someone to double. check because AI here's the thing. I am. connected to many things because I've. interviewed. >> hundreds of thousands of people. That's. insane. That's not true. But a lot I've interviewed a lot of. people and there are all these different. connections and the different bits I've. done and the parodies and so yes chat. GPT is going to be throwing my name into.

lists of serial killers uh recipes. um you know oh various weather. conditions I'm going to be showing up in. a lot of places I shouldn't show up. >> Yes. And I think what's interesting to. let's so if we narrow this just to. comedy, right? So I looked up the. difference between say satire and what's. true. So I looked up um headlines from. the lampoon, >> right? The onion. >> AI can't differentiate between what's. satire and what is true. I see.

>> So you think of a headline, right? And. you know, we're all laugh. I I actually. looked up a few. I looked up a a Harvard. one from uh and it was says. >> God did not rest on the seventh day he. went to Harvard. >> So AI, you know, if they were to take. that literally, they think, oh, you. know, God went to Harvard, right? A a. human could differentiate that AI is not. there's no factf finding mission within. AI. It just reads patterns. Okay. >> Right. So that. >> I thought this was going to be more fun.

this than you explaining AI. But I, you. know, no, but but I think. >> you thought him explaining AI was going. to be fun. >> I didn't know that it was going to go. this deep. Yeah. And also had our time. limit. >> Also, also, you're not interjecting at. all. You're just listening to him. You. >> In my defense, I fell soundly asleep. >> I know. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. And. >> you know what? I got to the deepest. level of sleep. >> Yes. >> I think. >> a level of sleep that is very. restorative. >> I I read in an article about this that. the Backstreet Boys were also included. and they were never on Star Search. either. So, it's like a double mistake.

that no one's verifying. >> What I want to know is, has Netflix. answered for this? >> Yeah. Have they issued an apology? >> COPA. But also, can I just be careful. here? >> Yes. >> I don't want to and I'm going to go on. record again as saying this. >> I'm okay if if people want to list me as. one of the greats that came up through. Star Search along with Beyonce and Adam. Sandler and, you know, Dave Chappelle. and Fine, go for it. I was not insulted. You were the one that was insulted. >> I was upset. And now my name has been.

ripped [laughter and clears throat]. >> from this promotion. Yes. >> I think I've figured it out. >> while you guys were. >> Oh, wait. So, we brought in [laughter]. >> I'm sorry. We brought in we saw we. brought in Melmed. >> We brought in Melmed who [laughter] in. his who brought in a ton of notes and um. and then blithered and blathered and. then you quietly have the answer. >> No, because thanks to Melmid's. suggestion. I I decided to Google Again, just kind. of Conan O'Brien and Star.

>> Oh, so you did in a second what he's. been spending he's he's been in a. library for six weeks, >> but you also did the thing he said was. erroneous in the first place. >> So, Blake, could you put this on the. screen? I found this article from June, if you look at the date, >> June 5th, 2023. And it was by this. website or this publication and it lists. 39 stars. And Conan, you are along with. some of those others that we saw on that. screenshot. You are listed here. I'm. going to. >> That's crazy. This has to be. >> Wait a minute. So, wait a minute. This. is an article from. >> from 2023,

>> but it says it's in the Saturday Evening. Post, >> right? So. >> that's a magazine that went out of. business [laughter] when we when we won. World War II. >> The last person read the last Saturday. Evening Post. >> So my guess is that whoever at Netflix. was in charge of putting this list. together, found this article, and did. not do any further research. >> Are the Backstreet [snorts] Boys listed. in this? >> Uh, let's Sharon Stone. >> Who Steve Odin called? >> Backstreet Boys are listed. >> Oh, wait. It says that's crazy. >> So I I think Aguardo.

>> Charles Manson [laughter] I I think. >> that's insane. >> That is insane. I I think what. >> also just to elaborate I I'm going to. what do we say? Piggyback on that. >> I I think that is what AI that is what. AI would would take an article like this. in addition to what has already been. existing and it would spit out your name. because. >> So AI is reading the Saturday Evening. Post. >> No, no, no. I don't think it's reading. It's it's that someone has entered this. data into the platform, right? No, AI is.

is not a factf finding. Google is more. of a factf finding tool. >> or maybe some intern just found that. article and then just took a bunch of. articles and and I guess the point is. the the verification is the important. part that in in business, you know, and. and I will I know you're falling asleep, Conan, but I I will I'm not. But you. know what? I I got. >> I just woke up cuz I have a dentist. appointment. I think the important. [laughter] thing is damages. Netflix. owes money or an explanation. >> All of us an apology. >> Yes, they do.

>> Well, I don't see how you guys come. I. don't see how you guys [laughter] come. into it. >> We're part of your lore now. >> No, no. I Please, no damages for you. >> There is. You mentioned legacy though, right? You mentioned legacy and the idea. of there's a legal claim of false light. where it's, you know, it's highly. offensive. your professional legacy, where you came from, where you started. Right? >> Am I right? And I I know you hate when I. use this word, but I'm going to use it. again. I've been using a lot lately. They're getting some RZ off of my name. Right.

>> Yes. >> Suddenly it suddenly they're like Anel. Elgort. >> because they use my name. Yes. >> Is that a a person and b I use RZ. correctly? >> It is a person. I don't think you used. it correctly cuz Netflix is like is a. streaming service. So why would the. streaming ser I guess maybe I don't know. >> they wanted to sex. >> I just want you to stay. >> they wanted to sex up. >> this. >> you think you sexed it up. >> Yeah I gave them riz. you made this rated G. >> Yeah. >> Ah you brought it down for something you.

know fly over state. >> Listen I think for [laughter] the first. time this what's valuable with this. conversation and I'm desperate to figure. this out because I want it to be. valuable. Um I think for the first time. someone finally has pointed out that AI. might be problematic. >> Oh. >> yes. And that's what I was trying to. articulate. >> Okay. Yeah. And I know I'm going to get. comments. You don't know this. You don't. I I'm speaking generally. >> Are you reading the comments you get?

Don't you. >> never read your I said comments may and. yes I read every Are you kidding me? This is the mailman. So, when you're on. our podcast, you read the comments. >> If I don't read them, they are sent to. me though, right? >> Well, if I don't read them, they're sent. to me anyway. >> Usually, oh, did you see this? Did you. see this? And usually the negative ones. >> Hey, can I question? Do you bill me for. your time when you're reading your. comments? [laughter]. >> Of course I do. Comment. >> Do people of Right. Cuz I got a bill.

from you the other day for $600,000. >> Yes. [laughter] And it said and that was. a discount. >> That was a friends and family. >> So don't read the comments. >> You testified because of how he. objectifies you. >> I I I'm not going to tell you exactly. what these comments I pointed out that. he's a good-looking fellow. >> You objectified him and now the comments. think it's okay to do that. >> Oh. So now we live in an era where one. guy can't say to a male employee, "You're a good-looking guy. Uh sexy. >> I want to do you.

>> I'll do you." Like a ham sandwich. No. >> [laughter]. >> What? >> I just made it up. >> I'll do it like a hamster. It's a joke I. read in a 1945 version of edition of the. Shane Post. [laughter] Listen, we're. going to wrap this up, but Malmed, thank. you uh for the uh deepest sleep I've had. in a while. Uh restorative sleep really. like cells dividing uh cells that. usually don't regenerate, nerve cells. regenerating in my body right now. because you uh droned on. But I also. thank you for your expertise for putting.

the time in. And I want to thank you, Eduardo, for within seconds [laughter]. >> of this guy consulting. shelves full of old English legal. volumes. >> and you just checked out the internet. and it said, I think it's this article. [laughter] and you went, uh, excuse me, might be this one. And you in the. corner, you opened a book that's as uh. large as an adult heavy man and you blew. onto it. Dustin Moth flew everywhere.

>> That's true. You know what he did. though? You verified. >> That's true. >> That's that's the genius what he I mean. that's what they needed to do. Yeah. >> Right. >> Trust but verify. >> Yeah. >> Verify this has been gotten to the. bottom of. But I don't think. >> uh satisfaction is here at Netflix. You. owe an apology and you owe. That's right. Cut that. >> Yes, cut. We're coming to your office. and we're going to start cutting some. And you've been warned,

>> Netflix, I just want to point out I. don't take part in this feud. >> This guy wants to pleasure a. [laughter]. >> I know. >> I think you are a very comely Uh, [laughter]. I like the turn of your ankle. Uh, I. like the way the sun glistens off your. brow. No. >> And I I want no trouble from you. You. king of all streamers. You And rightly. so. Rightly so. Netflix. [laughter]. Uh. >> sell out. No, we want an apology. Send.

on my thoughts. Love you, Netflix. Bye.