Jimmy Fallon paid tribute to retiring “Late Show” host David Letterman on Monday by thanking Letterman for years of “innovation, fun and just plain weirdness.”
“I, like every kid who grew up watching him, will miss him,” Fallon said. He then pulled out a page from his eighth grade yearbook in which Fallon’s teacher had predicted he would one day take over for Letterman on “The Late Night Show” — a prediction that came true when Fallon took over the show from 2009-2014.
Fallon then shared a story about being invited onto Letterman’s show once he was hosting “Late Night.”
“You don’t want to see a talk show host go on another guy’s talk show to talk about the talk show,” Fallon said.
Nevertheless, he went and was surprised when Letterman asked to see him before their segment. Fallon peaked his head around the “Late Show” curtain to see Letterman sitting at his desk with a smile on his face waving at him.
“I think he taught us how to be smart and stupid for comedy,” Fallon said. “He just wants to have fun and be goofy, and I’ll always remember that.”
10 of David Letterman's Most Memorable Guests (Photos)
Bill Murray was Letterman's first guest on "Late Night," and the actor always makes a splash when he returns, including fabulous entrances as Liberace and Peter Pan.
Dave wasn't always safe behind his desk, as Crispin Glover proved when he showed off his kicking ability for the late-night host.
Madonna stopped by for a profanity-filled visit to the "Late Show" in 1994, where she openly discussed her sex life.
Howard Stern has stopped by numerous times to converse with his fellow talk-show host. Their lively conversations always make for entertaining TV.
Oprah stopped by "Late Night" in 2005 to put an end to her and Letterman's alleged "feud."
Drew Barrymore showed off her moves on Dave's desk -- and, for an encore, flashed the host.
What would later be revealed as an elaborate method acting job, Joaquin Phoenix's bizarre appearance in 2009 confused not only Letterman, but most of America as well.
After years of jokes when she was the first lady, Letterman welcomed Hillary Clinton to the "Late Show" when she was making her Senate run
Barack Obama became the first-ever sitting U.S. president to appear on the "Late Show" in 2009.
After a week of shooting in L.A., Letterman was reunited with his mentor Johnny Carson, who got behind the desk one last time. It would end up being Carson's last TV appearance.
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From Bill Murray to President Obama, we look back at some unforgettable visitors on the host’s ”Late Night“ and ”Late Show“
Bill Murray was Letterman's first guest on "Late Night," and the actor always makes a splash when he returns, including fabulous entrances as Liberace and Peter Pan.
