Known for her honesty, Rosie O’Donnell hasn’t held back from her time as a talk show host, even when it comes to her experiences with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
During her appearance on the October 14 episode of Sam Bang tonightformer host of The Rosie O’Donnell Show Speaking about one of her most embarrassing interviews, she revealed that Keanu Reeves was among her toughest guests, although she made it clear she had nothing but love for him.
“I love the guy,” O’Donnell said. “But he’s not good at talk shows.”
The 63-year-old comedian explained that although Reeves is “very nice” and “seems great,” he was a difficult guest to make because of how quiet he was during their 1997 interview.
“He wouldn’t answer any questions,” she recalled with a laugh. “I say: ‘So, Keanu, how are things going? How do you feel?’ And he says: ‘Good.’”
The clip was broadcast live, which made things more difficult, O’Donnell said.
“We were unable to re-register,” she explained. “You know, Keanu, it’s a talk show,” I finally said after about three minutes. “You have to speak up.”
Fortunately, the interaction didn’t end badly. Rosie shared that when Reeves later returned to the show, he “made it.”
“He’s a beautiful man and a good-hearted man, so I don’t want to throw him under the bus,” she added warmly.
During that original 1997 appearance, Reeves was there to promote Devil’s advocateWhich he starred alongside Al Pacino.
When Rosie started asking about his experience working with Pacino, Matrix The actor seemed hesitant, prompting her to playfully remind him, “Sorry, you know, but it’s a talk show, we have to ask questions.”
At one point, Reeves admitted that he was not used to doing television interviews, saying: “I’m not comfortable with them.”
Although the encounter may have been awkward at the time, O’Donnell’s story shows the genuine affection she still has for Reeves, a Hollywood favorite who has long been known for his kindness and humility, even if talk shows aren’t exactly his comfort zone.