Late Show with David Letterman Season 9 Episode 76 Ian McKellan, Phil Simms

Ian McKellan and Phil Simms are the special guests of Late Show with David Letterman season 9 episode 76. In this late-night talk show, host David Letterman welcomes guests from different fields, ranging from actors, musicians, athletes, to politicians and activists.

For this episode, Letterman talks with two remarkable men with distinct backgrounds. Ian McKellan is a renowned actor from England, known for his roles in film, television, and stage. He has won numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Meanwhile, Phil Simms is a former American football quarterback who played for the New York Giants. He was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXI and was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Letterman starts the show by acknowledging the achievements of his guests, particularly Simms' Super Bowl win. The audience applauds as Simms smiles and nods. Letterman then asks McKellan about his recent work, which includes the film adaptation of The Hobbit, another Tolkien classic. McKellan talks about the challenges of playing Gandalf for the fifth time, and how he tries to make each performance unique while staying true to the character's essence.

The conversation shifts to Simms, and Letterman asks him about his transition from being a player to being a sports analyst. Simms admits that it was not an easy adjustment, but he enjoys sharing his insights and experiences with fellow football fans and players. He also talks about the differences between playing for a team and analyzing their games, and how he tries to balance his opinions with respect for his former colleagues.

Throughout the episode, there are also comedic segments that showcase Letterman's trademark humor and wit. For instance, he does a bit where he reads off "rejected titles" for the new Hobbit movie, such as "The Gnome Who Couldn't Walk Straight" and "Bilbo Takes a Stroll." McKellan and the audience laugh along, and Letterman jokes that perhaps he should become a scriptwriter instead of a talk show host.

Towards the end of the show, there are also musical performances by the guest artists, in this case, the band Sleeper. They perform two songs, "Inbetweener" and "What Do I Do Now?" which have a 90s Britpop vibe. The mood is lively, and the audience claps and sways to the music. Letterman thanks the band and his guests, reminding viewers to tune in next time.

In summary, Late Show with David Letterman season 9 episode 76 provides an entertaining conversation between Ian McKellan and Phil Simms, both accomplished in their respective fields. The show also showcases Letterman's humor and musical performances by Sleeper. Overall, it's a delightful late-night experience that's worth watching.