Unforgettable Moments with Writer Jill Goodwin

Unforgettable Moments with Writer Jill Goodwin

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Working at The Late Show 2.1 From intern to writer 2.2 Memories of being an assistant
3. The Influence of Johnny Carson 3.1 Discovering Johnny Carson's jokes 3.2 The impact of Johnny Carson on the author's career
4. A Memorable News Report 4.1 Assisting with a news story about swine flu 4.2 The process of pitching and airing the segment
5. Creating Comedy Sketches 5.1 The challenge of creating a Dick Cheney animation 5.2 Unexpected success and recurring sketches
6. Medical Science and Advancements 6.1 Exploring medical advancements on the show 6.2 Dave's fascination with medical devices
7. Writing Monologue Interrupts 7.1 The responsibility of writing interrupt jokes 7.2 Personal anecdotes of successful interrupts
8. Celebrating Dave's Birthdays 8.1 Pitching unique birthday ideas 8.2 The author's perspective on the cake incident
9. Super Bowl Adventures 9.1 Going to the Super Bowl with Biff 9.2 Behind-the-scenes antics at the Super Bowl
10. Being an Extra and Making Dave Laugh 10.1 The honor of being asked to participate 10.2 The satisfaction of making Dave laugh
11. Recurring Thoughts and Late Show Memories 11.1 Fond memories and recurring thoughts 11.2 Special moments on the last Late Show
12. Bill Murray's Memorable Entrances 12.1 Crafting entrances for Bill Murray 12.2 Bill Murray's dedication to his roles
13. Conclusion

Working at The Late Show

Working at The Late Show was a dream come true for Jill Goodwin. Starting as an intern and working her way up to become a Writer, she experienced many memorable moments during her tenure. As an assistant to the executive producers, one of her responsibilities was keeping track of jokes sent in by freelancers, which led to the surprising discovery that Johnny Carson himself would contribute jokes via fax. This revelation marked the beginning of a long-standing friendship and creative collaboration between Jill and the legendary comedian.

The Influence of Johnny Carson

Johnny Carson's support and friendship played a significant role in Jill Goodwin's career at The Late Show. As a writer's assistant, Jill had the privilege of receiving a call from her best friend, Emily, who was covering a press conference with Lieutenant Governor discussing swine flu symptoms. Inspired by this news, Jill pitched the idea to the head writers, and the segment aired that very night, showcasing the collaborative nature of the show.

Creating Comedy Sketches

Working in the graphics department, Jill often had to come up with ideas for monologue interrupts. One of her more comical and slightly traumatic memories was requesting a rudimentary Dick Cheney animation, expecting it to be a one-off joke. However, much to her surprise, the sketch became a recurring bit, delighting Dave and the audience. Another memorable segment involved exploring the advancements of medical science, with Dave showcasing a battery-powered heart Pump and discussing the fascinating mechanisms behind it.

Writing Monologue Interrupts

Jill recounts the process of writing monologue interrupts for Dave. Among her personal successes was the Saint Pat farmer joke, which she pitched and was selected to air. This kind of interaction allowed the writers to add their creativity and personal touch to the show. Jill shares her fondness for the supportive and collaborative environment fostered by Dave and the entire Late Show staff.

Super Bowl Adventures

The Late Show had its fair share of adventures outside of the Studio, including attending the Super Bowl with Biff Henderson. This experience involved crafting unique jokes and sketches for the event, often featuring props like wigs and mustaches. Jill recalls the challenges of getting Biff's wig on correctly and the hilarious moments that ensued.

Being an Extra and Making Dave Laugh

Jill's role expanded beyond writing as she occasionally found herself being asked to be an extra in remotes and pre-tapes. Although it was an unexpected task, Jill felt honored to participate and make Dave laugh. She recounts the Adrenaline rush of being number nine in a top ten list and the satisfaction of receiving a genuine laugh from Dave.

Recurring Thoughts and Late Show Memories

Over the course of thousands of shows, recurring thoughts and memories became a part of Jill's Late Show experience. She reflects on the emotional farewell episode, where Dave was hologrammed in for his goodbye speech, leaving everyone touched. Another fond memory was the presence of beloved guest Bill Murray, who always brought unique entrances and surprises to the show. Jill shares her gratitude for the Graphics Department's skillful portrayal of a joke involving the Queen's portrait unveiling.

Conclusion

Working at The Late Show was a formative and memorable experience for Jill Goodwin. From starting as an intern to becoming a writer, she witnessed the collaborative spirit, creativity, and dedication that made the show a success. Jill cherishes the friendships and opportunities she gained during her time on the show, acknowledging the valuable influence of Johnny Carson and the lasting impact he had on her career. The Late Show allowed her to grow as a writer and performer, providing countless unforgettable moments and memories.