No matter how bad or uncomfortable a Late Show interview seems to be, there’s no way it surpasses the unwavering awkwardness of Joaquin Phoenix’s 2009 interview with David Letterman.
Among the most talked-about incidents in late 2000s television, Phoenix famously chose to remain in character promoting the 2020 mockumentary, I’m Still Here, in which he played a fictionalized version of himself attempting to build a career as a fledgling rap artist.
While I’m Still Here itself remains largely forgotten among contemporary audiences, most viewers continue to remember Phoenix making several real-world appearances immersed in his character from the film, including his notorious Late Show interview opposite then-host Dave Letterman.
Over 15 years since his previous appearance on The Late Show, the 50-year-old Gladiator actor recently returned to the program, sharing his own experiences with host Stephen Colbert about his “uncomfortable” interview with Letterman.
“When I came on this show with Dave, I originally did the pre-interview in character and I realized that it was just a little silly,” Phoenix said. “So I called them back and I said, ‘Listen, this is what I’m doing. I’m coming out here and I’m doing this whole thing. And I just want Dave to like, lacerate me. I just want it to be really dangerous.'”
“That was the kind of intention — I just always wanted to get this reaction and see how I would respond to that,” the actor continued. “So it was beneficial for no one to know, except when needed.”
Before Colbert had a chance to respond, the Walk the Line actor promptly added, “It was horrible. It was so uncomfortable. I regret it, I’ll never do it again. I’m so sorry.”
Exploring the widespread media attention the interview later received, Phoenix went on to reflect, “It was strange because in some ways, it was a success, and it was also just one of the worst nights of my life.”