When Dave made the bold move to leave NBC after Jay Leno snagged the coveted 11:30 p.m. time slot, it sent shockwaves through the media. I suddenly found myself at the heart of this whirlwind, witnessing an iconic moment in television history. That summer, as the nation fixated on Dave’s lavish new deal at CBS, I, a wide-eyed former student council president from a quiet town in Florida, had a front-row seat to the chaos. Little did I know, this incredible experience would impart invaluable lessons about adulthood and humanity. Here are the top 10 takeaways, served up in true Dave fashion:
10. Share Your Inside Jokes
When I joined the show, we had this wonderfully silly character known as “Green Bean Guy.” He’d burst onto the scene dressed as a giant veggie, accompanied by whimsical music, completely unrelated to whatever sketch was happening. It was outlandish, but it worked. This taught me a crucial lesson: when you bring others into your humor, they feel connected to you. Dave had a knack for making everyone feel like they were in on a private joke, sharing giggles over the absurdity of life.
9. Remember the Absurdity
During that summer, the fascination with Dave was so intense that people were sculpting his likeness out of butter in Times Square! News reporters were clamoring for a glimpse into our world, and yet, Dave showed up to work every day like the humble Midwestern kid he was, unaffected by the external frenzy.
8. Build a Trusting Team
It’s remarkable how many people stayed with David Letterman throughout his career. Recently, I visited to catch a final show and found myself in the control room surrounded by familiar faces from that wild summer 22 years ago. The Late Show was not just a workplace; it was a family.
7. Great Guests Tell Great Stories
The best guests on the show were those who could weave captivating tales—whether they were comedians, musicians, or just quirky folks. Dave often played the role of the straight man, letting their stories shine. This taught me the importance of engagement, whether in work or life.
6. Keep It Light
While the Late Show crew took their roles seriously, that didn’t stop them from having a blast. There were days I had to buy pounds of raw bacon for an ill-fated contest or gather the courage to organize a gaggle of construction workers for a staged march onstage. These experiences showed me that joy can be found in even the most serious settings.
5. Pay Attention to the Details
Dave was meticulous about every aspect of his show, from his choice of ties to the layout of the set. This attention to detail was crucial in making him a compelling host. It taught me that in both storytelling and life, the small details often hold the most significance.
4. Embrace the Moment
The Late Show was filmed live-to-tape, meaning there were no do-overs unless something went terribly wrong. This setup demanded that we be prepared for anything. Dave’s ability to stay cool under pressure was inspiring. Whether a joke flopped or a pet trick went awry, he always found a way to make it work.
3. Never Settle
Despite his monumental success, Dave was never fully satisfied with his work. This relentless drive for improvement was both mystifying and motivating to me. It wasn’t until later that I recognized how rare and admirable his work ethic was in the entertainment industry.
2. Believe in the Impossible
As an intern, I tackled some wild tasks, like convincing a local fast-food joint to let Dave work the drive-thru on camera or organizing a parade of construction workers for the show’s premiere. Each day presented new challenges that sharpened my resourcefulness—skills that would come in handy later in life, especially in motherhood!
1. Always Call Your Mom
Some of my favorite Late Show moments were when Dave would call his mother in Indiana. These segments reminded me of the importance of our roots and the genuine connections we have with our parents. At the end of the day, it’s those everyday relationships that ground us.
As David Letterman prepares to say goodbye to television, I find myself reflecting on the lessons learned from that unforgettable summer. It’s a bittersweet farewell, marking the end of an era. Growing up watching Dave shaped my sense of humor and provided comfort during trying times. Thank you, Dave; you’ll always hold a special place in our hearts, and as Norm MacDonald once said, it’s not sentimental if it’s true: we love you.
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Summary: My time working for David Letterman taught me invaluable lessons about humor, teamwork, and the importance of staying grounded. From sharing inside jokes to embracing the absurd, those moments shaped my understanding of life and work. As we bid farewell to an iconic figure in television, I carry these lessons forward, grateful for the experience.