John C. Reilly joins Conan O’Brien to chat about Clown Ministry, iconic roles, his live show Mister Romantic, and relating to chimpanzees. Audience questions include smoothie preferences, starring in Bollywood, and terrible anniversary celebrations.
John C. Reilly's 'Mr. Romantic' show blends unrequited love songs with audience interaction for soulful entertainment.
Daniel Day Lewis' method acting dedication, staying in-character for months, showcases commitment to authenticity.
John C. Reilly's memorable on-set experience with a chimpanzee and playful surprises evokes memories of Elvis' chimp Scatter.
John C. Reilly's childhood fascination with hats sparked a lifelong passion, symbolizing nostalgia and playfulness.
Deep dives
Creating Mr. Romantic Show
John Riley introduces 'Mr. Romantic', a vaudeville show where a mythical character emerges from a box, seeking everlasting love. Through unrequited love songs and comedic interactions with the audience, 'Mr. Romantic' aims to provide soulful nourishment and laughter to the audience, portraying failed attempts at finding eternal adoration.
Interacting with Daniel Day Lewis
Reflecting on working with Daniel Day Lewis, John Riley shares Lewis' method acting approach where he stayed in character for months on the set of 'Gangs of New York'. He recounts the intense experience and Lewis' commitment to his roles, illustrating his dedication to portraying characters authentically.
Wal-Kard Shenanigans
John Riley recalls an eventful day on the set of 'Wal-Kard' involving making out with Cheryl Ladd, a playful chimpanzee, and evoking memories of Elvis' chimp 'Scatter'. From on-screen interactions with a chimp to the antics of Scatter, the day was filled with unique experiences and unexpected moments.
Early Hat Enthusiasm
Reflecting on his childhood fascination with hats, John Riley shares how his early exposure to a mysterious black hat shaped his love of headwear. The joy of playing with the 'robbers hat' as a child sparked a lifelong passion for collecting and wearing hats, a symbol of nostalgia and playfulness.
Musical Inclination
Delving into his love for music and collaborations, John Riley discusses his band, John Riley and Friends, known for their bluegrass and old Americana tunes. Embracing both music performance and theater, Riley explores the enriching experiences of creating and performing music with talented artists.
Unexpected Improvisation with a Chimp
During the filming of a scene involving a chimpanzee, actor John C. Riley unexpectedly improvised with an angry line towards the chimp, causing it to run away. The director advised Riley to change his approach from sentimental to confrontational, resulting in a memorable and comedic interaction.
Engaging with Fans During Live Show
At a live show, Conan O'Brien connected with fans, including one who traveled 2,000 miles to attend. The fans shared personal stories and engaged in humorous banter with Conan, showcasing the deep connection and humor shared between Conan and his audience.
Actor John C. Reilly feels f***ing stoked about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.
John sits down with Conan to chat about the Clown Ministry, his most iconic roles, nourishing souls with his live show Mister Romantic, and relating to chimpanzees. Plus, Conan takes live audience questions about his taste in smoothies, starring in a Bollywood movie, and the worst way to celebrate an anniversary.
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