Podcasts > The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett > Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

By Steven Bartlett

In this episode of The Diary Of A CEO, Jimmy Fallon discusses his path from altar boy to Saturday Night Live cast member and host of The Tonight Show. He shares how his early desire to make people laugh shaped his career choices, his strategic approach to landing a role on SNL, and his method for connecting with guests on The Tonight Show by creating genuine, comfortable environments for conversations.

The conversation with Steven Bartlett also covers Fallon's personal life, including the impact of losing his mother in 2017 and how this experience changed his approach to health and family life. Beyond his television work, Fallon describes his ventures into various business opportunities, from founding a production company to creating color-changing shoes and developing charitable food products.

Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

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Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

1-Page Summary

Fallon's Childhood and Early Career Aspirations

In their conversation, Steven Bartlett and Jimmy Fallon explore how Fallon's early desire to please others and make people laugh shaped his career path. Fallon shares that his experience as an altar boy provided his first taste of performing, which influenced his entertainment aspirations. Despite minimal compensation at early gigs and numerous rejections, Fallon remained committed to his craft, particularly driven by his dream of joining Saturday Night Live (SNL).

Fallon's Journey and Success on Saturday Night Live

Fallon's strategic approach to joining SNL included studying at the Groundlings improv troupe and building industry connections through his manager, Randy Segal. His breakthrough came during his SNL audition when he performed an Adam Sandler impression, earning a rare laugh from Lorne Michaels. Fallon recalls his mirror sketch with Mick Jagger as a particularly memorable moment that exceeded his dreams.

Fallon's Approach to Hosting and Connecting with Guests

On "The Tonight Show," Fallon emphasizes creating genuine connections with his guests through personal interactions and authentic curiosity. He visits guests in their dressing rooms before shows and adapts his interview style to each individual, focusing on creating a comfortable environment that leads to engaging conversations.

Impact of Losing Fallon's Mother on His Perspective

Fallon opens up about his mother Gloria's passing in 2017, describing her as his biggest supporter who he spoke with daily. Her death has led him to focus more on health and longevity, incorporating exercise into his family life and getting regular checkups to ensure he can be present for his children.

Fallon's Entrepreneurial Endeavors Beyond His TV Work

Beyond television, Fallon has ventured into various business opportunities, including founding a production company, creating shoes with color-changing leather, and developing the "Tonight Dough" ice cream with proceeds going to charity. Bartlett notes that Fallon has also expanded into the beverage market with canned matcha lattes and authored children's books, all aligned with his mission of creating joyful experiences for others.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Groundlings improv troupe is a renowned improvisational comedy theater and school based in Los Angeles, California. It has been a significant training ground for many successful comedians and actors, including alumni like Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig. The Groundlings is known for its sketch comedy and improv performances, helping performers hone their comedic skills and develop original characters. Many comedians credit their time at The Groundlings for shaping their careers in comedy and entertainment.
  • Lorne Michaels is a prominent Canadian-American television writer and producer known for creating and producing iconic shows like Saturday Night Live. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to television, including Primetime Emmy Awards. Michaels has a background in comedy writing and broadcasting, starting his career in Canada before moving to the United States to work on various comedy shows.
  • "The Tonight Show" is a long-running American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. It has had several hosts over the years, with Jimmy Fallon being the host since 2014. The show is known for featuring celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, musical performances, and other entertainment segments. It is taped at NBC Studios in Rockefeller Center in New York City.
  • Matcha lattes are beverages made by combining matcha, a finely ground green tea powder with hot milk. Matcha is known for its vibrant green color and rich umami flavor. It is commonly used to flavor various foods and drinks, including lattes. The preparation involves whisking the matcha powder with hot milk to create a frothy and flavorful drink.
  • Jimmy Fallon has expanded his ventures beyond television by founding a production company, creating color-changing leather shoes, and developing the "Tonight Dough" ice cream for charity. Additionally, he has entered the beverage market with canned matcha lattes and authored children's books, all in line with his goal of creating joyful experiences for others.

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Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

Fallon's Childhood and Early Career Aspirations

Steven Bartlett and Jimmy Fallon delve into the memories and experiences that shaped Fallon’s ambitions and comedic career, marked by an early passion to please others and a determination to pursue a dream, despite facing numerous obstacles.

Fallon's Desire to Please and Make People Laugh

Since childhood, Fallon has held an intrinsic desire to ensure others are enjoying themselves, much like a host determined to provide a good time at a party. This trait has carried into his career, heavily emphasizing the importance of pleasing his audience. Reflective of his people-pleasing nature, Fallon recalls wanting to make his parents and grandparents proud. An anecdote from his past as an altar boy revealed one of his first experiences of performing in front of an audience, something Fallon recognizes as influencing his aspirations in the entertainment industry.

Fallon's Comedy Roots and Snl Ambition

Fallon's Determination to Pursue His Dream Despite Rejection and Hardship

Fallon’s dedication to his craft is evident from his earliest gigs at the improv in LA, where the compensation was minimal, but invaluable in terms of the experience gained. His willingness to perform whenever possible eventually led him to better opporutnities, including a memorable moment when he had to follow Jerry Seinfeld on stage early in his career.

His unique acts, such as doing impressions with a troll doll, highlight his creative approach to comedy. He had long harbored the ambition to join "Saturday Night Live", a show that represented the pinnacle of cool and edgy show business for Fallon. This dream was supported by consistent hopes and childhood prophecies from his peers, suggesting he was destined for fame.

Fallon’s journey to join SNL wasn’t easy, filled with rejections and struggles. He learned the importance of honing his acting skills, facing embarrassment, and being deemed as "too green" during his initial auditions. Yet, the push from an acting teacher to learn to perform with others proved to be a turning point for his stand-up career.

The path to achieving his dream required sacrifices, including dropping out of college and taking a leap of faith by moving to LA. This bold move was validated through a connection at Metroland who believed in Fallon's potential and helped him find a manager in LA. The constant rejections in auditions for shows and movies, and the emotional challenges that came with them, didn't deter Fallon. He candidly shares how these e ...

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Fallon's Childhood and Early Career Aspirations

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an iconic American late-night live sketch comedy show that has been airing since 1975. It features a mix of comedy sketches, celebrity hosts, musical performances, and a rotating cast of comedic actors. The show is known for its satirical take on current events, popular culture, and politics. SNL has been a launching pad for many comedians and actors who have gone on to achieve great success in the entertainment industry.
  • The Improv in LA is a famous comedy club located in Los Angeles, California. It is known for providing a platform for comedians to perform and showcase their talents, often serving as a stepping stone for those aspiring to make it in the entertainment industry. Established in 1974, the Improv in LA has been a significant venue for stand-up comedy, offering opportunities for comedians to hone their craft and gain exposure in the industry.
  • Metroland is a term that can be used to describe various things, but in this context, it seems to be referring to a connection or contact that Jimmy Fallon had in the entertainment industry who believed in his potential and helped him find a manager in Los Angeles. This connection played a role in supportin ...

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Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

Fallon's Journey and Success on Saturday Night Live

Jimmy Fallon's determination and strategy played a critical role in his journey to join "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), and he reflects on how achieving this dream had a profound impact on his career, leading him to "Late Night" and ultimately "The Tonight Show."

Fallon's Determination to Join SNL

Fallon's Strategy: Improv Study, Industry Connections, Memorable Audition

Fallon focused his aspirations on SNL during his formative years, making it a priority over attending parties and even eating well. He recalls working at the Improv for a paycheck of $7.25, believing the exposure on stage was invaluable despite the decrease in financial stability. Determined to be a part of SNL, he studied at the Groundlings, an improv troupe in Los Angeles, and sought connections that could lead him to his goal. He took classes like many who had made it onto the famed show, honing his improvisational skills. Additionally, Fallon hired Randy Segal, a manager with connections to Brillstein Gray, as part of his strategic industry network. His commitment was further solidified by negotiating a holding deal with Warner Brothers Television that allowed him to leave if he had the chance to audition for SNL.

Fallon recalls being obsessed with SNL from an early age, sharing a memory of touring the set with his father and watching it live every Saturday night. This early dedication led to a relentless pursuit, marked by his decision to specialize in impressions and impersonations as his way onto the show. His first audition did not go as planned; however, he did not allow this to discourage him. Instead, Fallon improved his act and prepared for another opportunity, which eventually came.

Fallon Achieves His Dream Of Joining Saturday Night Live

Fallon's Reflections On Achieving This Goal and Its Career Impact

Fallon describes his SNL audition, during which he performed a new impression: Adam Sandler. This choice was strategic since Sandler had just left the show and no one else was impersonating him at the time. Despite the nerves and the anticipation surrounding Lorne Michaels' observed silence during auditions, Fallon's impression led to a rare moment where Michaels laughed. Followin ...

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Fallon's Journey and Success on Saturday Night Live

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Groundlings is an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe based in Los Angeles, known for its alumni who have gone on to achieve success in film and television, including "Saturday Night Live." Established in 1974, The Groundlings Theatre & School has been a training ground for many comedians, offering classes in improvisation and sketch writing. The theater also hosts regular shows featuring original sketch comedy and improv performances, showcasing both emerging talent and seasoned performers. Alumni of The Groundlings often credit the institution for honing their comedic skills and providing a platform to launch their careers in the entertainment industry.
  • A holding deal is a contract where an artist is paid to be available for future work while a network or agency develops a project for them. It typically involves exclusivity for a set period, preventing the artist from working with other entities during that time. Holding deals are common in the entertainment industry to secure talent for upcoming projects and maintain a relationship with performers between engagements.
  • Lorne Michaels is a prominent Canadian-American television writer and producer known for creating and producing iconic shows like Saturday Night Live. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to television and has be ...

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Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

Fallon's Approach To Hosting and Connecting With Guests

Jimmy Fallon is known for his unique approach to hosting "The Tonight Show," where he leverages his authentic curiosity and interest in people to create a genuine connection with his guests. This approach has led to memorable interviews and a warm atmosphere on the show.

Fallon's Curiosity and Interest in Interviewees

Fallon expresses a profound interest in his guests, stating that he's eager to learn about them, whether they are high-profile celebrities or less well-known figures. His aim is to delve deep into conversations and not just superficial exchanges.

Fallon's Techniques For Guest Comfort and Rapport-Building

He focuses on making guests comfortable because he doesn't want them to feel as though they're being set up to look bad. Fallon indicates that he jumps right into the interview with a smooth flow, incorporating humor to keep things light.

To further build rapport, Fallon personally visits guests in their dressing room to engage in real-life conversations. These interactions can sometimes last longer than the interview itself, suggesting a genuine investment in creating a comfortable environment for the guests.

Fallon's Adaptability to Each Guest

Fallon's Focus On Creating Engaging Moments With Guests

Fallon admits to struggling with the fact that not everyone will like him, but he keeps his spirits up with the knowledge that staying true to oneself is the best way to combat negativity. This authenticity translates into his interviews, where he tailors the approach for eac ...

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Fallon's Approach To Hosting and Connecting With Guests

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Jimmy Fallon employs various techniques to make guests comfortable during interviews, such as engaging in real-life conversations with them in their dressing rooms before the show, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. He also focuses on maintaining a smooth flow during interviews, incorporating humor to lighten the mood and ensure guests feel at ease. Additionally, Fallon's genuine interest in his guests and his aim to delve deep into conversations help establish a connection and build rapport, making the interview experience more comfortable for the guests. These strategies collectively contribute to a welcoming environment that encourages guests to open up and engage authentically during their time on the show.
  • Jimmy Fallon tailors his approach for each guest by observing how the conversation naturally unfolds in the initial minutes of the interview. He adapts his tone, questions, and interactions based on the guest's responses and demeanor. This personalized approach allows Fallon to connect more authentically with each guest, creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere. By being attentive and responsive to the guest's cues early on, Fallon ...

Counterarguments

  • While Fallon's curiosity is seen as authentic, some critics argue that his style can sometimes lack depth, favoring light-hearted banter over more substantive discussions.
  • The comfort of guests is important, but some viewers might prefer a more challenging or confrontational interview style that can lead to more revealing or newsworthy moments.
  • Personal visits to guests' dressing rooms, though well-intentioned for rapport-building, could be seen as unnecessary or invasive by some guests who value privacy before a show.
  • Tailoring the approach to each guest is a skill, but it can also lead to inconsistency in the quality and style of interviews, potentially alienating some viewers who prefer a more predictable format.
  • Playful interactions contribute to me ...

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Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

Impact Of Losing Fallon's Mother On His Perspective

Jimmy Fallon opens up about his deep bond with his mother, Gloria, and how her passing has profoundly altered his perspective on life, family, and the time he has left.

Fallon's Bond With His Mother and the Impact of Her Passing

Jimmy Fallon shares that his mother was his biggest fan and provided a constant stream of support and encouragement. He spoke to her daily, sometimes multiple times a day, and she built his confidence. He recalls how she would engage with him about his appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and other shows, emphasizing her role as his number-one supporter.

Fallon paints a picture of his mother's sense of humor, recounting stories and incidents shared within the family, such as the scary moment when she choked at a restaurant, which showed the family’s close-knit nature. These anecdotes showcase the personal connection and shared joy they had in recounting family events.

Fallon's Grief and Honoring His Mother's Memory

The loss of his mother in November 2017 was the toughest thing Fallon has had to go through. He was concerned about forgetting her but found that she remains a constant part of his memories. He contrasts her emotional role with that of his father, noting her as the affectionate figure who provided emotional support. He fondly remembers the moment he shared his success of getting on "Saturday Night Live" with her.

Fallon speaks to how he continues to reflect on the positive memories of his mother rather than dwell on the sadness, identifying her as a key influence in shaping who he is. He takes comfort in knowing he was able to express his love for her before she passed, a rapid event he feels might have been preferable to a prolonged decline.

The intensity of his grief left him feeling like there was a hole in his heart and lungs, an experience which eventually gave way to remembering the happy memories.

Fallon's Appreciation For Family and Relationships

Fallon's story about his mother indicates the significance of family ties. He reminisces about spending joyous times with her in the kitchen, demonstrating their cl ...

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Impact Of Losing Fallon's Mother On His Perspective

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Create a 'gratitude jar' where you write down moments of support and encouragement from loved ones on slips of paper and collect them in a jar. Whenever you need a confidence boost or a reminder of your support system, pull out a slip and reflect on that memory. This tangible collection of positive affirmations can serve as a personal cheerleader during challenging times.
  • Start a family storytelling night where each member shares a funny or heartwarming story from their past, fostering a sense of closeness and shared history. This regular event can strengthen family bonds and ensure that everyone's experiences are celebrated and remembered, much like a living family album.
  • Develop a personal wellness plan that includes not just ...

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Jimmy Fallon: I Wasn’t Prepared For The Hate… It Was Brutal. I Was Starving, Living on $7.25!

Fallon's Entrepreneurial Endeavors Beyond His TV Work

Jimmy Fallon is renowned for his work on television, but his entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the screen, touching various ventures centered on creating joyful experiences.

Fallon's Business Ventures Portfolio: Production to Consumer Products

Fallon's Drive to Create Joyful Experiences and Products

Fallon founded a production company that’s been responsible for several shows, series, and films, further expanding his presence in the entertainment world. Steven Bartlett reflects on Fallon's wide-ranging entrepreneurial activities, including founding this production company, creating shoes, and the indulgent ice cream 'Tonight Dough'. Fallon himself agrees that the common theme for all his ventures is the pursuit of bringing happiness to people, something that traces back to his childhood desire to please others.

Jimmy Fallon's ambition in content creation extends to the music industry with his series of comedy albums, like "Holiday Seasoning." Even when the outcomes aren't always as expected, like with his attempt to create a new verb "Holiday Seasoning," his drive to generate joyful experiences remains undeterred.

In the realm of philanthropy, Fallon has managed to blend charitable giving with consumer delight through the sale of "Tonight Dough" ice cream, where proceeds go to charity.

Fallon isn’t just focused on adult audiences; he’s also tapped into the children’s market. Fallon talks about writing children's books and specifically mentions the creative process behind "Dada," which humorously aimed to get children to call for their fathers as their first word, expressing his desire to create entertaining experiences for both kids and parents.

Fallon's Skill In Pursuing Opportunities Aligned With His Passion For Entertainment and Making People Smile

Fallon’s Entrepreneurial Spirit and Risk-Taking in Pursuit of a Creative Vision

Jimmy Fallon's decision to drop out of college to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles showcases a notable leap of faith that aligns with his inclination toward entertainment and making people smile. This early risk-taking set a precedent for Fallon’s entrepreneurial path.

Steven Bartlett discusses the intricate nature of product development, revealing Fallon's dedication in venturing into different ...

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Fallon's Entrepreneurial Endeavors Beyond His TV Work

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Gobstoppers" sneakers are a unique footwear concept where the leather colors change the more they are worn, creating a personalized and evolving look for the owner. Jimmy Fallon introduced these sneakers as part of his entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing his creativity in product development. The idea behind the design is to offer a dynamic and individualized experience for the wearer, aligning with Fallon's fo ...

Counterarguments

  • While Fallon's ventures aim to bring happiness, not all consumers may resonate with or appreciate his brand of humor or products.
  • The success of Fallon's production company and other ventures may partly rely on his existing fame, which could present a barrier to entry for less well-known entrepreneurs.
  • The concept of "Tonight Dough" ice cream supporting charity is commendable, but it could be argued that it also serves as a marketing strategy to enhance brand image and sales.
  • Fallon's children's books, while entertaining, may not necessarily be educational or contribute to early childhood development in a significant way compared to other children's literature.
  • Dropping out of college to pursue entertainment opportunities worked for Fallon, but it is a high-risk move that may not be advisable or successful for everyone.
  • The introduction of canned matcha lattes and other consumer products may not align with all consumers' tastes or preferences, and some may criticize the health implications of such products.
  • The "gobstoppers" sneakers, while unique, may not appeal to all consumers, and some might quest ...

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