David Letterman’s Comedy Audition: How He Missed ‘Airplane!’ But Won Hearts

David Letterman is a name synonymous with late-night television, known for his iconic career, unique humor, and remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry. With a career spanning several decades, Letterman has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, talk shows, and even acting.

The Birth of “Late Night with David Letterman”

How Letterman revolutionized late-night television with his irreverent style of comedy

David Letterman’s journey to becoming a late-night television icon began on February 1, 1982, with the premiere of “Late Night with David Letterman” on NBC. This show revolutionized late-night television, introducing a fresh and irreverent style of comedy. Letterman’s witty humor, offbeat sketches, and his penchant for engaging in absurd antics with his guests made the show an instant hit.

Ventures in Acting

Letterman’s foray into acting and his notable roles on television and in film

While Letterman was best known for his work in late-night television, he also ventured into acting with notable appearances in both television and film. One of his standout roles was in the 1992 film A League of Their Own, directed by Penny Marshall. In the movie, Letterman played a baseball announcer, showcasing his comedic talents on the big screen.

A Missed Opportunity: Letterman’s Audition for “Airplane!”

The story behind David Letterman’s audition for the comedy classic “Airplane!”

Earlier in his career, long before he was a dominant force on TV, Letterman was doing his best to break into some comedic acting roles. This landed him an audition for a comedy classic.

According to Variety, a book giving the oral history of Airplane! dished on Letterman’s audition for the film.

“He wasn’t an actor, but he was funny. And he looked great onscreen—like, leading-man good looks. But the thing about David is, he’s just really uncomfortable with the whole idea of acting. I think it all seems too phony to him, like he’s bullshitting. It just wasn’t him,” said co-director Jeff Zucker.

Letterman had the chance to secure the lead role in the film, which would have been a major career victory at the time.

Letterman’s Candid Reflections

David Letterman’s humorous take on his audition for “Airplane!” and its outcome

When talking about his audition, Letterman said, “[In my audition], I get out there, and they had set up a cockpit for the aircraft with chairs. I had a chair, and there was another chair where the copilot would be. We did the scene once, and then they came in and gave me some notes, and then we did it maybe two more times. And I kept saying all along, ‘I can’t act, I can’t act, I can’t act,’ and then one of them came to me after the audition and said, ‘You’re right: you can’t act!’”

Fortunately, Letterman had a good laugh about it, and even he recognized that he would not have been right for the lead role in the film.

“I liked those guys, and when Isaw the movie, it was just delightful, and I was delighted to see it knowing that I didn’t have to look at myself. Because that would’ve ruined it. If not the whole movie, it certainly would’ve ruined it for me,” he said.

The Legacy of “Airplane!”

Exploring the success and enduring popularity of the comedy classic “Airplane!”

Kicking off in 1980, Airplane! has been cruising through the annals of cinematic history ever since. Known for its slapstick humor and iconic one-liners, this film is a true classic in the world of comedy.

Upon its release, Airplane! soared at the box office, becoming a commercial hit. It grossed over $83 million in North America alone, an impressive sum for its time. Critics and audiences alike praised its unique brand of humor, and it quickly gained a cult following.

Today, Airplane! remains a beloved comedy classic, cherished by audiences of all ages. Its timeless humor continues to entertain new generations, and it’s a staple of late-night movie marathons and comedy film collections. The film’s enduring popularity is a testament to its comedic brilliance.

A Rare Win-Win Scenario

Reflecting on how Letterman’s missed opportunity in “Airplane!” benefited both him and the film

While Letterman did not get a role in the film, this is a rare example of things working out for both sides. It’s not often that something like this happens.

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