During a recent appearance on the Australian program Sam Pang Tonight, Rosie O’Donnell discussed her experiences hosting The Rosie O’Donnell Show, revealing Keanu Reeves as one of her most difficult guests. The veteran TV host candidly shared that despite her affection for Reeves, his presence on talk shows posed unique challenges, highlighting her focus on the actor’s struggles with on-camera conversation.
Keanu Reeves’ Reserved Nature Made for Awkward Moments
O’Donnell recounted that while Keanu Reeves was kind and visually striking during his 1997 visit promoting Devil’s Advocate, his quiet demeanor made for a tough interview. She described how Reeves often responded with brief answers, such as “Good,” when asked how he was feeling, creating uncomfortable pauses that could not be edited out since the show was live.
“One of the worst, who, I love the guy, but he’s not good on talk shows: Keanu Reeves,”
O’Donnell stated.
She recalled having to remind Reeves that the format of the show required more engagement, saying,
“You know, Keanu, it is a talk show. You have to talk.”
This candid interaction shed light on Reeves’ discomfort in such settings despite his popularity. O’Donnell also noted his shyness, which contrasted with the usual dynamic expected in live interviews.
Audience Reactions and Subsequent Appearances
Viewers and commentators observing the interview pointed out Reeves’ shy yet endearing demeanor throughout the exchange, praising O’Donnell’s skill in making him feel moderately more comfortable during the broadcast. Responding to her question,
“You don’t do a lot of these shows, do you? Do you hate them?”
Reeves admitted,
“I’m not comfortable with them, but they’re fun. It’s alright,”
prompting O’Donnell to lightly offer,
“Do you want a snack or something?”
O’Donnell further clarified that Reeves returned to her show in 2001, at which point he had adapted better to the talk show environment. She emphasized,
“a lovely man and a good-hearted guy, so I don’t wanna throw him under the bus,”
making clear her respect for him despite the earlier difficulties.
Favorites Among Celebrities and O’Donnell’s Current Endeavors
While Reeves was noted as a challenging guest, O’Donnell praised other celebrities for their presence on her show, naming Marti Short as one of the funniest and kindest guests she ever hosted. The Rosie O’Donnell Show, which aired from 1996 to 2002, remains a significant part of her career history.
Currently, O’Donnell is in Australia to support her comedy tour, Common Knowledge, continuing her long-standing connection to the entertainment industry there. Her reflections on past interviews underscore the varied experiences that come with hosting a live talk show, revealing how even iconic stars like Keanu Reeves have their moments of unease in front of the camera.
