Ali Arsalan
In a nostalgic moment, legendary late night host Jay Leno recently took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his iconic interview with actor Hugh Grant on The Tonight Show.
In a candid conversation with Chris Wallace on Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, Jay Leno fondly recalled the unexpected turn of events surrounding Grant’s appearance in 1995.
Jay Leno’s reflection on his famous interview with Hugh Grant brings us back to a memorable moment in late night television that reminds us of the unique and unfiltered charm that late night interviews can possess.
Jay Leno Recalls The Unforgettable Moments In Iconic Hugh Grant 1995 Interview
The memorable interview took place shortly after Grant’s arrest for soliciting a sex worker, causing a media frenzy. Undeterred by the controversy, Leno seized the opportunity to ask the question on everyone’s mind, playfully questioning Grant with his signature humor: “What the hell were you thinking?” The audacious query sparked laughter from the audience.
“You know, in life, there are good things and bad things, and I did a bad thing,” confessed Hugh Grant to Jay Leno during their conversation on The Tonight Show back then. Despite the gravity of the situation, the remainder of the interview took on a lighthearted tone as Grant delved into how the arrest had affected his personal life and the whirlwind of media attention that followed.
He went on to explain that before Grant’s scheduled appearance, he had a candid conversation with the actor to confirm his willingness to still appear despite the storm of controversy. Leno recalled Grant’s response, where he took full responsibility and expressed understanding.
Grant’s Honest Revelations On Arrest And Media Criticism
Grant showed up for the interview without an entourage of publicists, free from the heavily managed image of modern times, and remained refreshingly honest about the situation. In a subsequent appearance on The View, Grant playfully poked fun at his arrest when questioned about his long-standing criticism of the British press.
“Everyone thinks, ‘Oh, well he’s just bitter because he got arrested with a hooker in 1995,’ But actually it had nothing to do with that because that was never uncovered by tabloids. It was that the bloody police gave everyone the information. It was nothing to do with that.”
Hugh Grant
In conclusion, Leno’s recollection of the event highlights Grant’s candidness and the lack of excessive media handling in those days. The conversation between Leno and Grant serves as a testament to the enduring impact of iconic moments in television history.
You can watch new episodes of the show called “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” on Friday mornings on Max. If you prefer watching it live, it also airs on CNN on Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.