Get-well wishes go out to Ellen DeGeneres, who, TMZ reports, injured her back over the weekend and will host Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s shows (at least) from a bed placed on her talk show set. No details were immediately known about why she’s in the reclined position, but we certainly look forward to hearing the story.
Regardless, DeGeneres won’t be dancing anytime soon. Which you may not think is a bad thing until you (re)watch recent guest Ryan Gosling teaching her how to salsa. They don’t actually get busy until 9 mins. and 30 secs. into the interview but you’ll want to see the whole chat anyway. Fracture, Gosling’s new movie with Anthony Hopkins, may not earnhim another Academy Award nod, but while promoting it, he gave the best performance on atalk show in recent memory — and a master class in how to be a memorable talk-show guest, as you’ll see after the jump.
Gosling started off with a story about how hisbeehive-wearing mother was miserable at the Oscars because herhairdresser had falsely predicted that would be the look— until heexplained the situation to stranger Meryl Streep, who then leaned overand said, "You know, I almost wore my hair up, too. I’m so jealous, Iwish I had."
He offered a movie plug that didn’t feel like one. Goslingtalked about how Hopkins will start barking like a dog on set if hesees you taking yourself too seriously: "But the thing is thateverything he does is so good that it sounds exactly like adog. You can almost hear it. You’re like, ‘It’s a three-leggedshepherd," he paused, "with a kidney problem."
Then he had fun with an audience member who hadsuggestively strutted her stuff to "Shake Your Body (Down to theGround)" during the commercial break: "She’s not just a dancer, she’s astoryteller…. She has a deeper understanding of the song than we do."
Finally, hetaught Ellen to salsa, taking her hand and saying, "I’ll try not to getfresh with you, but it’s a very sexy dance, you’re a beautiful womanand I’m only human." Deadpan, he then placed her hand in the properposition — on his butt. She laughed. Viewers giggled. His publicist shouldbe very proud. That’s how you do a talk show, boys. Be charming; use a clever story to plug your movie with that beloved costar instead of a boring "he’s such a professional" line; be funny and personable; and play. When you do that, no one feels the need to ask about your private life. Or to show this clip of you as a Mouseketeer.
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Wow, after viewing that clip, I think I’m in love wiht him.
Wow, after viewing that clip, I think I’m in love with him.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Ryan Gosling is the best. Period.
I saw this interview when it originally aired and I had the same exact reaction. However, I kind of wish he had been a worse guest so that Ellen could have trotted out that classic Micky Mouse Club clip. That was hysterical!
TMZ.com is reporting it as a back injury to Ellen
Um, wow, can he marry me please.
I have liked Ryan Gosling since I saw him in “Remember the Titans”, 7 years ago, and have barely seen him talk as himself. This clip changes that, and I can only like him for the better!
He is soooo cute! Love love LOVE him! AND he’s an amazing actor. He’s going to be a huge star.
Very nice. My brain just exploded, however, watching that Mickey Mouse Club clip. Ryan Gosling as a boy band mini-heartthrob is just mind-blowing.
His best work was by far the teen comedy “Breaker High”. I think it was a Canadian show. Pure genius
I’ve had a crush on him ever since.
Just. Plain. Yum. I mean, really.
Bwahaha!! That Mickey Mouse Club Clip was too much! I bet his friends won’t let him live that one down. Oh the baggy XXL beige clothes! Oh the pre-pubescent hip thrusting!
Those are some tight jeans he’s wearing.
I loved the beehive/Oscars/Meryl Streep story.
He seems very sweet but I don’t know if I’d say that his performance on Ellen was “memorable.”
Wow, I think he almost turned Ellen straight!
Great MMC clip… memories…
Oh dang! He’s a sexy man.
I’m done. I’m so freakin’ done. That Mickey Mouse clip is just pure genius. Wow. And from all the cheesy-ass songs that were out there in the world at that time, the show (and boys) decided to go a TOTALLY different route and sing the great Jodeci’s “Cry For You”? Bringing the raunchy’s group and its’ song to the kiddy masses? Brilliant! I mean, baggy jeans, “Ooh, yeah!!!” and all.
It’s official. I’m in love with Ryan Gosling. He’s too damn cute/sexy/funny/charming. Just love him.
Michelle- Nice mention of Breaker High. Totally loved him on that show. He was the only reason to watch it!
First time I saw him was in “Murder By Numbers”, and I have to say, I really wasn’t all that impressed by him (or the film for that matter), so I was VERY surprised when I heard he’d been nominated for an Oscar. I’ve yet to see any of his other movies, but I have to say, after watching that clip, I’m much more likely to – there’s something about him that just comes off like he’s the kind of person who can put his own ego aside to really take on a character, and that’s not all that common.
Awww, Sean from Breaker High (anyone? anyone??)- all grown up and getting nominated for Oscars. I heart this guy, seriously. Plus, Sean and Tamara were totally my favourite BH couple;)
Ok, I am officially smitten with Ryan Gosling. I had a huge crush after Half Nelson, because, let’s face it, there’s nothing hotter than a good-looking teacher strung out on crack
, but now, I am officially in love.
Ryan G is good…but if you want memorable no one does it better than John Krasinsky (Jim from the Office). He is the perfect talk show guest: funny, charming.I saw his “Ellen” interview and it was amazing…
But were not talking about John Krazinsky, whoever that is.
This is the Ryan Gosling hour.
He’s so cute, my 16 year old daughter simply adores him.
He is adorable. He reminds me of my nephew, so I may be a bit biased.
If you haven’t seen “Half Nelson”, run to the nearest video rental place & get it.
He was amazing in that film. Just a hauntingly beautiful performance.
I couldn’t get it out of mind for days afterward.
That was really great to watch! It does make me think of how many entertainers are not very entertaining when they have to be themselves. Watching stars at awards shows always brings that point home. It’s so nice to see when someone can actually rely on themselves to provide entertainment.
Your comments are right on. When I watched him on Ellen I thought it was the perfect host/actor interview. He was so disarming and comfortable and I LOVED seeing him show Ellen how to salsa. The look on her face was priceless.
Funny how they used a Justin Timberlake song as his entrance music. He and Ryan were best friends on the MMC and roommates their second year on the show.
wasn’t that great. i think Leah Remini is always great.
Joan, ITA. Sean and Tamara were my favourite as well! I have adored Ryan since BH.
PS – Have you seen Tamara on the Special K commercials? She still looks adorable!
I am just saying that he was great, compare to others, but I don’t think that his performance on Ellen was “memorable.”