Did anyone see The Late Late Show last night? All I have to say about it is... wow. Craig Ferguson
used the show to pay tribute to his father, Robert Ferguson, who died on Sunday. Dressed in a black suit and tie, Craig
opened the show with a monologue that was moving, emotional, and funny all at the same time. In it, he gave the audience
memories of his rough-and-tumble dad, who worked in the Post Office back in Craig's native Scotland, talking about his
relationship with him and how his passing has affected him. From time to time, Ferguson had to catch himself as he
reminisced; he got especially emotional when he described an affectionate gesture his dad gave on his deathbed, one
that he hadn't done since Craig was a kid. It was moving, fascinating television.Then Craig had Dr. Drew Pinsky on to talk about the loss of a parent and pay further tribute. The interview -- what I saw of it, since it was getting late -- was not at all hokey or inappropriate; Dr. Drew was able to get Craig to open up a little more and was able to relate his emotions to ones that everyone feels when they lose a loved one. Again, it was fascinating to watch.
But I didn't see who was on after Dr. Drew. Can anyone who watched it let me know what happened after that?
Video of the monologue, by the way, is at the CBS web site.















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2-07-2006 @ 5:00PM
TG said...
The Late Late Show with "TV's Craig Ferguson" has become required viewing for me. Since I am the only night owl I know, there was no one to call to suggest that they turn on the TV right away to hear the tribute to his father last week. I've read the other comments in this space, and they've captured the feeling that I had of one true spontaneous and heartfelt TV moment that was so beautifully sad, sweet and funny all at the same time. I couldn't get over Ferguson's bravery and sincerity to devote the entire show to something so personal without seeming to exploit the event for anything more than it was--the acknowledgement of a great figure in his life whom we all came to know for that one marvelous, shining hour of broadcast TV. It was a video hug for the viewers, and we thank you for sharing, Craig.
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2-10-2006 @ 4:26AM
Carolyn said...
Craig's tribute to his father was wonderful, but I only got to see the first half of the show. My tape went black (appropriately, I guess) for the second half and I am wondering how I could see it. Is there anyone out there in LA from whom I could get a copy? My guess is that this show won't repeat. It certainly should, but Craig may not want it to. Who knows. If you can help, please email me at keeko35@hotmail.com. THANK YOU.
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2-19-2006 @ 11:37PM
Heather said...
Best gift of self ever shared on this usually shallow medium. Thank you.
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2-20-2006 @ 3:04PM
Heather said...
As I have previously stated. Craig Fergusons program in tribute to his Dad was touching. I have lost my Dad and my Mom is in poor health. My Daughter is in the Military. To hear a stranger unravel emotional family treads so wonderfully was the finest program Ive witnessed on a medium that seldom rises above what it is. Thank you.
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2-25-2006 @ 3:49PM
Hillary said...
Craig Ferguson has more class under his little finger than anyone since Johnny Carson. I hope that Leno grabs him if Dave Letterman doesn't as the next replacement AND MAKE IT SOON! I tape his show every night, just in case.... He's not afraid of admitting his shortcomings and is so humble about his fantastic talent that he personifies everything I revere in humankind. Too bad I'm 69 because I totally adore this wonderfully, handsome, witty, intelligent, well-read, travelled person and would happily spend the end of my days just watching him perform. I've "been there, done that" after living in L.A. for 25 years and now Honolulu for another 25 (and it doesn't hurt to have an ancestry of English/Scotch-Irish!)
Craig, if you ever read all these accolades, you deserve the best! Remember the lines to an old tune "...don't change a hair for me, not if you care for me"? -- well, keep on keepin' on and may we be blessed with your talent for years to come!
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4-01-2006 @ 8:35PM
Ally said...
Just a few words What a man that Craig Ferguson is! Not many celebs open up like that.I really feel he really loves his faithful fans alot that he opens up like that. Bravo Craigy We all love you!:)
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4-15-2006 @ 7:42PM
Frances Gordon Howard said...
I didn't find Craig Ferguson until a few weeks ago. WOW! What a talent! Letterman has gotten old and grumpy. I married old and grumpy, don't need more on tv. Let us see Ferguson at a decent hour, HE'S FUNNY. ...Name with held for obvious reasons
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4-26-2006 @ 4:31PM
Jody G. said...
Does anyone know how I can view the episode where Craig pays tribute to his father, or at least read a transcript?
Thanks.
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6-16-2006 @ 7:25PM
Christy said...
Craig's monologue is here: http://www.lfcolo.com/CraigFerguson/Monologues.htm
Just click on Jan 30, 2006.
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1-31-2006 @ 2:34PM
Walt said...
yeah... You missed the band. Four guys in kilts... missed the name... One bagpipe, two drummers, and one giant horn blower. Excellent Scottish wake music. At the end of the show, they did another number and Craig was up there banging on the drums, too.
Amy Yasbeck followed Drew. I didn't know why until she started talking with Craig. She was perfect to get him out of the funk of the first half of the show.
Overall, excellent. And yes, when Craig got to the part about the gesture by his dad, it brought a tear to my eye as well.
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1-31-2006 @ 3:18PM
Bob said...
This was great great television. Ferguson is becoming the new gold standard for late night. I cried a couple of times - I guess since I'd lost my Dad not so long ago. This show brought to mind the emotional wallop that Letterman achieved on his first show back after 9/11.
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1-31-2006 @ 3:22PM
shawn s said...
the band was called the Wicked Tinkers, and they were AWESOME!
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1-31-2006 @ 4:12PM
Meesh said...
I'm SO glad someone else saw this! I even remember thinking, "god I hope someone at TVsquad saw this and documented it"
I NEVER watch that show, but for some reason tuned in last night.
It was such a beautiful, heartbreaking thing to watch. Having lost my father, I empathized deeply with Craig, and his need to just talk about him.
My best friend's father died this weekend as well. Her dad was a wonderful man whom I've called "Dad" the entire 20 or so years I've known him. (I actually struggled to think of his first name when telling someone about it.) Watching this show was very cathartic for me.
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1-31-2006 @ 4:46PM
Jan I said...
This tribute is the most touching and real I've ever seen - a valuable lesson in how to grieve.
I've been watching for 3-4 months now, and am amazed at how wonderfully delivered is each night's monologue.
If Letterman is smart, he'll put Craig on in primetime immediately!
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1-31-2006 @ 5:09PM
Darla said...
I watched last night's show...I'm a regular viewer and IMDb poster, where Craig has a family of fans who consider themselves part of his Clan. I and many others there really felt Craig's loss, all the more because of his sincerity and openness. The most mentioned part of the show on IMDb is his dad putting his hand on Craig's head...this brought not just tears but sobs to many, male and female alike. Everyone was thinking about there own dads, no matter whether they were alive or passed on. Many people found one thing that Craig said that reminded them of their own dad...for me it was the whistling. My dad used to be a wonderful whistler...he's still with us, but fights for every breath because of severe asthma and emphysyma, and can no longer whistle.
I didn't think it was possible for my respect and admiration for Craig to increase...I already regarded him very highly. But last night moved Craig to a new level in many viewers eyes. He demonstrated, without it being his goal, yet another way that he is different from the crowd. Craig is not a personality...he's a person.
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1-31-2006 @ 5:25PM
Christine said...
Thank you, Craig, for letting us into your heart and sharing your loss with us last night.
All of us in late-night tv-land feel honored to have learned more about you and the special people in your life….I know you helped me understand my father better. Thank you.
You are such a class act and your father must be so proud. Smart. successful, sober...compassionate, cheeky and despite the grief, enjoying life…who could possibly want anything more for a son?
Keep banging that drum, Craig. Big hugs.
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1-31-2006 @ 6:21PM
Ashlynn said...
It was an honor to have Craig open up and share his emotions with us and I applaud him for doing that. I'm sure that took a lot of courage. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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1-31-2006 @ 6:49PM
Kathryn Jane said...
I as well found Craig's eulogy to his dad to be most moving. My dad's passing in April of 2002 and my mom's passing in September of 2003 left a big hole in my heart that can never be filled. Craig's remembrance of his dad brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat and opened wounds experienced by my mom's and dad's passing. I was so touched by Craig's description of his dad putting his hand on his head to show his affection. My dad also had difficulty demonstrating his love and affection for us four kids, but he, too, provided for us well and was always there for us whenever we got into any "scrapes". As Dr. Drew said, "Your dad will never be gone; he will always be with you." It is so. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my mom and dad, pray for them, and tell them how much I love them. I gave the eulogy for each of them at their funeral services and I never have said goodbye - only that they would live forever in heart and I would see them in my dreams. I am unwavering in my faith that I will be with them again one day. I hope Craig, too, can find such faith and peace...
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1-31-2006 @ 8:47PM
gigglechick said...
i thought that it was fantastic. in my opinion, next to letterman, he's the best host out there. i was choking back tears and it was killing me that i couldn't give him a hug.
after dr. drew, he had amy yazbeck on (the late ritter's wife) and it was pretty moving...
then he wound up drumming with the wicked tinkers (CF was a drummer way back in the day)
but i am glad that he did the show last night... i think that sometimes people need to see that.
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1-31-2006 @ 9:50PM
Jim said...
I just watched the episode on TiVo. A point of clarification: The "giant horn" played by a member of Wicked Tinkers was a didjideroo. Appropriately, the second tune they played was called "Highland Laddie."
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