On his first night guest hosting for “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday, Martin Short brought his signature humor and wit to the late-night stage. The actor, known for his comedic prowess, wasted no time diving into the political landscape, asking sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez what Jimmy Kimmel would typically do at that moment. Guillermo’s response was straightforward: “He would be talking about Donald Trump.”
Short, ever the quick wit, responded with a quip about the former president: “Well, I guess you can’t go to Outback Steakhouse without ordering the Bloomin’ Onion.” He then launched into his first political joke of the night, saying, “Donald Trump says he’s close to announcing his running mate and has reportedly narrowed it down to three people. It was four, but O.J. died.”
The comedian continued to poke fun at Trump, particularly targeting Trump’s baseless claims that President Joe Biden would use stimulants before debates. “He’s something, that Trump. He says he wants them both to submit to a drug test before the debate,” Short said, referencing the advanced ages of both candidates. “Do you have any idea how long it takes to get a urine sample from men who are close to 80? I’m 74, and the only time I don’t have to pee is when I’m peeing.”
As the night progressed, Short’s longtime friend and “Only Murders in the Building” co-star, Steve Martin, made a surprise appearance on stage. Martin, always the humble comedian, shared his thoughts on being asked to guest host. “I was honored when Jimmy asked me to be the first guest host, but I said no,” Martin told the audience. “I said, ‘You’ll be able to find someone who’ll do it for scale. Don’t you worry.’”
Short, in his typical fashion, expressed his gratitude for Martin’s presence with a touch of humor. “I really do appreciate you being here, Steve,” he said. “There are very few people in this world that I truly admire, and Steve Martin is very close to being one of them.”
After Martin exited the stage, Short brought back one of his most beloved characters, Jiminy Glick, for an interview with Bill Hader. Glick, known for his outrageous and often hilarious interviews, did not disappoint. By the end of the segment, Hader was in tears from laughter, showcasing Short’s enduring ability to entertain and delight audiences.
The night was a testament to the enduring comedic partnership between Short and Martin, who have worked together for decades. Their chemistry and mutual respect were evident, making for a memorable first night of guest hosting for Short.
Short’s ability to blend political satire with personal anecdotes and character-driven humor made for a dynamic and engaging show. His quick wit and sharp observations kept the audience laughing, while his interactions with Martin and Hader added a layer of warmth and familiarity.
The success of Short’s first night as guest host highlights the importance of seasoned comedians in the late-night landscape. Their experience and ability to connect with audiences are invaluable, especially in a time when humor and levity are much needed.
As Short continues his stint as guest host, viewers can expect more of his trademark humor and perhaps more surprise appearances from his famous friends. His ability to navigate the complexities of political satire while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining tone is a testament to his skill as a comedian.
In an era where late-night television often serves as a platform for political commentary, Short’s approach offers a refreshing blend of humor and insight. His ability to make audiences laugh while also making them think is a rare and valuable talent.
Overall, Martin Short’s first night guest hosting for “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was a resounding success. His blend of political humor, character-driven comedy, and heartfelt interactions with friends made for an entertaining and memorable show. As he continues his guest hosting duties, audiences can look forward to more laughs and perhaps a few more surprises along the way.
Source: IndieWire
