Do you remember the golden age of late-night television, when Johnny Carson ruled the airwaves? I stumbled upon a gem from the “Carson Tonight Show” on YouTube, featuring the one and only Lee Van Cleef that takes us right back to those good old days.
It was February 9, 1984, and Ronald Reagan was our President. You could buy a gallon of milk for $1.89, a movie ticket cost just $2.50, and the average home price hovered around $80,000. Those were the days, huh? Top of the charts were songs like “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club and “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins. And who could forget the TV shows that defined the era, like “The A-Team,” “Knight Rider,” and “Miami Vice”?
Anyway, let’s talk about that Lee Van Cleef interview on Carson. Remember how he was known as the ultimate bad guy in the movies, playing more villains than anyone else? There’s something oddly charming about how he reminisces on his career, especially when he talks about his iconic hawk-like nose.
He also shares the story of how he got his start in the world of acting, which began with stage work in New York. I can’t help but chuckle at his tale of auditioning for the great Joshua Logan, stripping down to his shorts just to showcase his muscles. It’s a classic Hollywood tale, for sure.
Did you know that Lee Van Cleef’s first role as a heavy was in the legendary film “High Noon”? He sure started with a bang! And who can forget his performance as “Angel Eyes” in “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”?
During the interview, he talks about his role in the 1984 NBC series “The Master,” where he played a good guy for a change – a ninja, no less! It’s fascinating to see how his career evolved over time and how he embraced the depth of his characters, even the villains.
So, my friend, if you’re feeling nostalgic and want to relive the magic of the ’80s, head on over to MadlyOdd’s YouTube channel and give that Lee Van Cleef interview a watch. And hey, why not share it with a fellow Johnny Carson fan, because we could all use a trip down memory lane every once in a while.
