My Almost Appearance on The Late Show

image credit

During my freshman year in college Late Night with David Letterman was a popular program on our 6th floor dorm’s television set along with frequent visits from Pizza Shuttle.  I have to admit I haven’t watched Letterman in years because I no longer stay up until 1:00 am in the morning on a weeknight.  Letterman’s last show aired last night which inspired me to share this story on how I almost had the opportunity to be on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Flashback ten years ago when I had shorter straight hair and less wrinkles, but still felt awkward having my picture taken. My husband was on a business trip in New York City and my friend Anne and I flew out a few days later to do some shopping and sight-seeing.  On a whim, Anne and I stood in line at the Ed Sullivan Theater hoping to score tickets to The Late Show. During our time spent waiting in line, enthusiastic interns with the show asked us to fill out a questionnaire regarding any claims to fame we might have.  My friend Anne was on an Oprah segment where they secretly filmed people washing their hands in the restroom.  Anne was the “how not to” example. To Anne’s credit, she was on a time crunch and in a rush to get back to her seat. After all, it was The Oprah Show.  My initial thought was I’ve got nothing.  Then I thought of something that just might coincide with Dave’s quirky sense of humor.

A little known fact about me is that I was the first library card holder in Mt. Top, Pennsylvania. When the Mt. Top Area Library opened it’s doors my mother, brother and I were the first three in line.  The library was located in an old home with creaky wood floors.  The librarian typed the information on a piece of cardstock back in the day when people used typewriters and there was no lamination process.  Our photo was in the local paper and I drew the lucky number one and my brother and mother were two and three.

This little bit of memorabilia almost got me a spot on The Late Show for one of David Letterman’s segments with audience members.  I can’t remember the exact segment, but it was something along the lines of stupid human tricks.  Having been a huge Letterman fan during my college years I thought my library story would be right up his alley. I later got a call  from the producers to be on the show, but I had already returned home from New York.  They kept my information on file, but the appearance never happened.  I did however get to attend the taping of his show with Anne and Ted Turner was the guest that day. I guess being the first library card holder of the Mt. Top, Pennsylvania Area Library wasn’t that important after all!

Are you a fan of The Late Show or have any Letterman stories to share?  Please leave a comment.