Adam Sandler Saves Day For Letterman
Last-Minute Switch From Guest To Host, As Letterman Is Sidelined By Stomach Virus
9NEW YORK, March 21, 2007 | by Judy Faber
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He's one of Indiana's favorite sons, a late-blooming dad, and a late-night talk show host.
(CBS) David Letterman wasn't camera-ready Tuesday, but "Late Show with David Letterman" went on nonetheless, thanks to some fancy footwork.
A CBS spokesperson tells TheShowbuzz.com that Letterman had to go home sick with a stomach virus, but he was able to find a last minute fill-in to handle his "Late Show" hosting duties: Adam Sandler.
Sandler was already scheduled to appear on the show as a guest, along with actor Don Cheadle, to promote their new film "Reign Over Me," a drama about a man who reconnects with a college roommate after losing his whole family in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Cheadle, who was nominated for an Oscar for 2004's "Hotel Rwanda," remained on the guest roster for the night, providing a leg up for Sandler, whose other guests were auto racing driver Danica Patrick, roots rock singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams, and comedian Todd Barry.
"This is bizarre, but it's cool," said Sandler, as he settled into the big chair at Letterman's desk.
The 40-year-old comedian and actor also spoke about his ten-month-old daughter during his banter back and forth with musical director Paul Schaeffer.
Sandler brought out his bulldog Matzoh Ball as a "practice guest," asking questions of the inscrutable pooch.
He brought one other thing with him – a touch of humility - as he tackled the job so many comedians crave.
At one point during his interview with Cheadle, Sandler proclaimed: "I really suck at this!" and switched seats.
This is believed to be the first time the "Late Show" host has shown up for work and been unable to do the show.
Wednesday night's show was taped Monday, and will feature Letterman as host with actor Jack Black, CBS News correspondent Lara Logan, and beer-launching refrigerator creator John Cornwell.
The shows airing Thursday and Friday are both repeats due to delays by NCAA basketball tournament games.
Letterman is expected to be back on the job on Monday.
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have known how it was introduced. There's a
new-fangled thing called YouTube that will in
all probability have at least clips to view.
the Tonight Show, and personally trained him to
take on that Position. NBC had other thoughts, and
the LenoWitch who represented the now-defunct, but
once very funny, chin-boy at that time had someone
at that table by the orbs, and that tepid mess at
11:35PM is the sad result. Carson was pissed.
Even faded-over-time, David doesn't have it in
him to be the sellout Leno is. The Tonight Show
is dead. Unless you view racism as entertainment.
the Tonight Show, and personally trained him to
take on that Position. NBC had other thoughts, and
the LenoWitch who represented the now-defunct, but
once very funny, chin-boy at that time had someone
at that table by the orbs, and that tepid mess at
11:35PM is the sad result. Carson was pissed.
Even faded-over-time, David doesn't have it in
him to be the sellout Leno is. The Tonight Show
is dead.