Rosie O’Donnell recently shared her experiences with celebrity guests on her iconic talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show. During an appearance on Sam Pang Tonight in Australia, she highlighted the challenges of interviewing certain stars.
Keanu Reeves: The ‘Worst’ Guest
When discussing her best and worst interviewees, O’Donnell stated that Keanu Reeves was one of her least successful guests. Despite expressing her affection for him, she remarked, “He’s not good on talk shows.”
O’Donnell recalled her 1997 interview with Reeves, who was promoting the film Devil’s Advocate. She emphasized that while Reeves is “sweet” and “gorgeous,” his responses were often limited. In her own words, “I’d say, ‘So, Keanu, how’s it going?’ [and he’d respond] ‘Good.’”
This lack of engagement led to a humorous moment for O’Donnell, who noted, “You know, Keanu, it is a talk show. You have to talk.” The live format made it challenging, as they could not retape the segments.
Reeves’ Personality and Subsequent Interview
Despite the awkwardness, viewers found Reeves endearing, describing him as “shy” and “adorable.” O’Donnell mentioned that she was able to help him feel more comfortable as the interview progressed. She humorously queried, “Do you want a snack or something?” during the chat.
Interestingly, O’Donnell disclosed that Reeves returned to her show in 2001, where he seemed to have improved his on-screen demeanor. She elaborated, stating that he is “a lovely man and a good-hearted guy,” reinforcing her admiration for him.
Other Notable Guests
In contrast to Reeves, O’Donnell praised Martin Short as one of her favorite guests. She described him as “the funniest and nicest guy” to have on the show. O’Donnell’s fondness for her celebrity guests, including Barbra Streisand, highlights her long-standing connections with various stars.
The Rosie O’Donnell Show aired from 1996 to 2002, and O’Donnell is currently in Australia for her comedy tour, Common Knowledge. Her revelations about Keanu Reeves and other guests offer a glimpse into the dynamics of celebrity interviews, shedding light on both the challenges and joys of hosting a talk show.
