Topic: Is Late Show host David Letterman a space fan?
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1336 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 03-15-2011 11:08 PM
Is Late Show host David Letterman a space fan?
On Tuesday's show, Dave (announcing a guest) said, "Let's welcome Gordon Cooper -- no that's not right, let's welcome Bradley Cooper."
J.L Member
Posts: 674 From: Bloomington, Illinois, USA Registered: May 2005
posted 03-15-2011 11:11 PM
I believe he is. I seem to recall him fondly telling of a VIP trip to KSC in the previous year or so to attend a shuttle launch. Talk show great Johnny Carson was also a big space enthusiast.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-16-2011 11:08 AM
In the early 80s, when Letterman was on NBC, Gordon Cooper used to call in to the show for a number of comedic skits.
But J.L.'s recollection is correct, Letterman attended the 'first last launch of Atlantis' or as it's also known, STS-132, as NASA's guest. Afterward, he spoke passionately on his show about how great an experience it was.
That clip is no longer online but about a month later, Letterman had astronaut Mike Massimino on his show as a guest. Massimino had served as his guide while at Kennedy Space Center.
DSeuss5490 Member
Posts: 299 From: Columbus, Ohio USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 03-16-2011 03:59 PM
Buzz Aldrin has been on Letterman doing the Top 10 List. A quick search came back with nothing on YouTube, but the clip has to be there. I know I've seen it online somewhere.
AstronautBrian Member
Posts: 287 From: Louisiana Registered: Jan 2006
posted 03-16-2011 06:09 PM
quote:Originally posted by J.L: Talk show great Johnny Carson was also a big space enthusiast.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I think Johnny Carson was a pretty serious amateur astronomer. I think I read somewhere that he owned a pretty good range of telescopes. I'm sure, as a natural extension of astronomy, he was interested in spaceflight as well.
Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 03-16-2011 06:21 PM
I think both Carson and McMahon were at the Apollo 11 launch.
And Letterman is a space fan. He's even got a little between his front teeth!
Kevmac Member
Posts: 267 From: College Station, TX Registered: Apr 2003
posted 03-16-2011 11:24 PM
A few years ago on a Saturday morning while I was volunteering at the NASM Udvar Hazy Center, David Letterman and his family showed up for a personal tour of the museum. I'm not a big Letterman fan but I was impressed that he came in acting and dressed like a normal tourist with no entourage or requesting any special attention.
posted 03-15-2011 11:08 PM
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