13 The Last Later (Greg Kinnear)
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This article is from the Greg Kinnear FAQ, by Chris Clark crclark@dreamscape.com with numerous contributions by others.
13 The Last Later (Greg Kinnear)
(thanks to VA)
September 18, 1996
Studio 5, where Later is taped, has been split to provide half the space
for taping of Access Hollywood (yet another celebrity/showbiz/promoting
suck up show). In other words, there were chairs for only 40 people to see
Greg's last taping. Some of those were taken by relatives, etc of the Later
staff. That left many disappointed fans turned away for not being in line
early enough. Who would have known?
For the lucky few who did get in, it was definitely worth it. After going
through a metal detecting device and having purses peered into by security
people, off go the few lucky fans to witness the last two tapings of Later
with Greg Kinnear!
Jim, the audience warm-up guy, had it easy 'cause the 40 were already in a
frenzy of anxious anticipation. Jim introduced that cutie Jon Esposito who
received huge applause with Talk Soup memories floating in the air. When
Greg came bounding out on the stage, everyone stood up and applauded loud
and long to show their appreciation and, I suppose, simple adoration :-).
Oh yeah, let me get this out of the way right now. For those who have never
seen Greg other than on the tube or big screen (with the knowledge that
Sabrina did not do justice to his looks!), he looks even better in person.
I know that seems almost impossible, but it happens to be true.
Ok. So Greg comes out and eventually everyone quiets down and takes their
seats. Greg was beaming. He took questions from the audience. One guy
wanted to know if John Henson was going to be taking over for Greg on
Later. This was such a funny question. Greg answered it seriously though.
He said he didn't know if John was one of the people being considered for
his replacement. But the question broke up several in the audience. What a
cruel stroke of fate for Greg fans!
Someone asked Greg if he had been working on his Jack Nicholson
impersonation. This gave Greg an opportunity to bring everyone up-to-date
on being picked to costar with Nicholson in Old Friends and that shooting
was to begin in 5 days in NYC. The best part was that it also gave him an
opportunity to tell the audience about a joke that the news staff at KNBC
had played on him just before he came on stage.
Greg said he usually watches the local news over the monitor while in the
hair/makeup room prior to the show. The local news anchors, Colleen
Williams (gorgeous, of course) and Paul Moyer (overpaid, naturally) were
relating a news story regarding a change of plans for Old Friends. They
said the start of shooting had been cancelled due to a serious disagreement
and subsequent falling out between Jack Nicholson and director Jim Brooks.
Greg quickly realized they were playing a joke on him but that didn't keep
his heart from jumping out of his chest just like Jim Carrey's in the Mask!
(Later on, during the taping of the second show, Colleen was spied talking
to the crew to get the word on Greg's response to their little joke. She
had that same goofy smile on her face that most women seem to get when
they're anywhere in close proximity to THE MAN!
Then Greg did his Nicholson impersonation and asked "That wasn't very good
was it?" Someone said it wasn't all that bad. Greg replied, "Well, that was
my Micheal Keaton." (You sorta had to be there, but it WAS funny!)
The first guest was Jon Lovitz. This episode is set for broadcast on Oct 9.
Lovitz was extremely hilarious. Greg made one little faux pas. He once
mentioned to Lovitz something about this "is the last show." Maybe it'll be
cut out. Of course, the very last show was with Garry Marshall, immediately
after the Lovitz show.
Jon and Greg chatted a lot during the breaks, but the music was so loud
that no one in the audience could overhear anything they said. It was
noticed via the clever reading of lips that Jon was going to show up
somewhere afterward where Greg was going to be also. Hmm...Probably one of
those celeb-filled going away things for Greg. After Jon had turned back
through the door from which he had entered, Greg did the coolest thing. He
ran and jumped off the stage right toward the audience and yelled "You guys
are GREAT!" He said he'd be right back after changing clothes.
More time with Jim, the audience warm-up guy.
Garry Marshall was Greg's guest for his very last "Later." There was a cold
opening about Greg leaving. No sentimentality; very funny! Garry brought a
couple of outtakes from the dailies of Dear God. I hope they don't cut
anything out when they run the show on Oct 10 'cause they're funny!
During one commercial break, Greg checked his hair in the monitor and ran
his hand through it a couple of times. It was a little longish and sun
bleached, in other words: Perfect! The very last segment was saved for Greg
to say Bye. All I can say is "What a CLASSY guy!" It's a MUST SEE for Greg
fans.
Greg waved a big BYE to the audience before disappearing for the last time
through that door. It was wonderful to be there that September evening and
feel the excitement and joy associated with his final "Later" taping.
Littlefield put it so well when he said Greg is a rare talent. Can't wait
for the next movie Greg!
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