Tom Bergeron to Bristol Palin Conspiracy Theorists: 'F*ck You.'
After a dozen years of consistent emceeing, Tom Bergeron remains one of TV's best and funniest hosts. On Hollywood Squares he traded spicy innuendos with Whoopi Goldberg, and as the host of Dancing with the Stars and America's Funniest Videos he lends a stately air to glitzy proceedings. We caught up with the Emmy-winning Massachusetts native to discuss his favorite funny people, hosting nightmares, and his impatience with Bristol Palin conspiracy theorists.
You have a really smart, droll hosting style that's caught on with America for years. Not to denigrate America's intelligence, but are you surprised by that?
You know, I don't really think about it in terms of having a style. I just kind of basically amuse myself and it usually strikes me as fairly infantile. I'm glad you think it's smart! Particularly with live TV, I have a really good time reacting in the moment to things that are going on around me. I try to think of the viewers' perspective too. If something looks silly to me, I'm guessing it probably looks silly to the viewer and there's no harm in pointing that out. Having said that, on the dancing show, I'm very protective of the couples and the effort they put forth. Everything else is fair game -- the spray tans, the glitter, the extremes of kitsch that we employ. But it seems to work anyway. I think there's an underlying respect for the show that's obvious, and from that foundation I can then poke fun at some of the more extreme elements.
Which couples on Dancing with the Stars have you felt compelled to defend this season or in past seasons?
Nobody in particular, but in general it'll be at any point where I think the judges are going after them and being either unfair or inconsistent in what they're saying to one couple versus another. Sometimes I get it completely wrong. Last week was a case in point where Carrie Ann [Inaba] justly criticized Maksim [Chmerkovskiy], and Brandy and Maks got indignant. They went back and forth, and then Len said, "Your dance was full of this, full of that, full of this," and he was being complimentary. And I said, "But what did you think Carrie Ann was full of?" It was a straight line to swing at, but he used it as an opportunity to defend what Carrie Ann had said, and he kind of put us all in our place. "You two may have had words," meaning Maks and Carrie Ann, "but in fact she had a valid point." That's one of the things the judges know that I'll go at them for if I feel like they're being unfair. They, in turn, have reasons for what they're saying. They're happy to defend themselves.
Is it easy to stay in that hosting zone of dry, diplomatic commentary?
Yeah, I think so. It's interesting to have a friend's perspective on it. Last night Jeff Probst from Survivor was at the show with his mom and his girlfriend. We all went to dinner afterward, and Jeff was saying, "You know, I was watching you" -- we worked together years ago in New York at FX cable -- "It was interesting watching you. You keep the same pace throughout." I knew what he meant. My internal rhythm when I'm doing the show live is to just be sort of watchful. To be listening to everything and not pre-judge where I'm going to go or how I'm going to react, to react honestly in the moment. It's sort of a constant energy, a radar that's turning from one direction to the other. So my reactions tend to be very genuine. I try to make them funny in some cases or when I'm congratulating a couple, I'll try to say something other than just "Good job." Sometimes I'll fall back on that canard though. But there is kind of a mindset I get into when I'm out there, which I kind of like. It's a plugged-in zone I get into -- and I don't know if I answered your question, but there we go!
Would agree that your hosting style is Sajak-ian?
Sajakian. What would that mean?
Well, Pat Sajak keeps a very constant flow, but there's an underlying current of very subversive humor occurring at all times.
Yeah, I think that's fair. No disrespect to Pat, but my video mentor was always [Johnny] Carson. Carson always had complete control on his show and could be supportive and withering. I think Sajak definitely has that quality, and on a show he's done for years. Having done Hollywood Squares, I know that's like five shows a day for I don't know how many days in a row. So it's kind of good to get into a zone where you can wink-wink, nudge-nudge to the viewer occasionally.
Do you miss the old-school, five-a-day grind of game shows at all?
No, I don't. Hollywood Squares was my first, and thus far only, game show. It was a fun format and an interesting time. I had these nine stars to play off, so a lot of my desire to improv came off of that. But I really like and prefer actual live television. This is a great little sandbox for me to play in.
You clearly appreciate funny, off-the-cuff people. Who's the funniest comic foil you've gotten to work with on TV?
That's a really good question. One of my favorites early on when I was doing a show on FX and then on Fox for a season was -- she was the first name who came to mind when you asked that question -- Bonnie Hunt, who is, like you said, smart-funny. I love working with smart-funny people. Just going back and forth and having that kind of rapport. John Ritter was like that, and he was a friend. It was a pleasure to be in that kind of company. There are a number of people that I've had the real benefit of playing with and making laugh. I remember sitting one time at Hollywood Squares -- we'd do three shows, break for lunch, and then do two -- and during one of those lunch breaks there were four of us sitting on the couches. It was me, Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway. I was in heaven. I was in heaven not only picking their brains, but making them laugh. It was such a treat. Whenever I could make Carol or Tim or Harvey laugh, that was like a gold star on my report card.
You won the Daytime Emmy for game show hosting, but you tied with Bob Barker. Was that bizarre?
Well, what felt more bizarre than winning in a tie was winning at all. That was the year that Millionaire was so big on ABC. Because they didn't have a category in the Primetime Emmys in those days for hosting, they put Regis into the Daytime Emmys even though it was a primetime show. The show was so big, he rescued the network. The expectation was that he was going to win. When they announced that category and said, "We have a tie!" and the first winner they said was Bob Barker, we all assumed the next name they'd say would be Regis. When they said my name -- maybe it's on YouTube -- the look of shock on my face was genuine. I just had no expectation. I went up and looked at Regis sitting in the front row with Michael Eisner, who ran Disney at the time, and I said, "Don't feel bad, Regis, Eisner's buying you the Statue of Liberty." Because he really saved the network. I was stunned. I even said when I accepted the award, "I thought I just came for the dinner." I mean, it was a tie, but it was such a shock. I remember waking up in my hotel room at two in the morning to make sure the Emmy was still there, that I hadn't imagined it.
I've heard you say you have no interest in hosting again. You've done a guest stint on Castle, I know, but what other venues would you like to try?
Well, I don't know. I think that was an interview I gave with Broadcasting and Cable, and I think the interviewer was asking if there was anything else I wanted to host. With my current plate with this show and America's Funniest Videos, which we call "the annuity" at my house, I don't have any desire to host anything else now. That may change in the future if these things go away. But besides hosting, apart from live TV, there's no format I'm dying to do. Now I'm at the point in my career in my mid-fifties where I've done this for awhile, and I'm just doing other things like lending my voice to a Disney animated series. Just meeting different creative people in the business. My agent said there was an expression of interest from the How I Met Your Mother people, but they wanted me, if I was available, to play a game show host. And I said, "Well, no." I did the host thing on Castle because it was Castle and it made for a great flow on my network and all that. But the idea of going on an episodic show and playing a host has no real appeal at all. I'd rather play the maniacal killer or something like that.
Do you have any hosting nightmares? Things that could still go wrong on live TV as you run the show?
You know, I guess I had a dream that was the hosting equivalent of being in class, having a test, and not having studied for it. I haven't worked in radio in over 15 years, but the other night a month or so ago, I had this dream I was at my hometown radio station, and the song was ending, and I had no idea what was going on other than I was there. It was the equivalent of being caught naked in class. I was at an open microphone without any idea of what to do.
Let's talk about this season of Dancing with the Stars. Can you gauge audience reaction during the taping? Is there noticeable commotion when Bristol Palin gets the lowest scores but isn't eliminated? Or when--
Here's the thing. Let's address the Bristol thing. That's the thing I get the biggest kick out of on the show. I'm going to put on my political hat. I'm a liberal Democrat, and I state that proudly. But I have no patience with my friends who believe there is a conspiracy keeping Bristol on the show. They'll say, and they're friends of a similar political persuasion though I have friends across the spectrum, "Oh, well! She's still on the show! She's obviously not the best dancer! She gets the lowest scores!" My response to that is similar to my response to the midterm elections. I'll say, "OK, right. So who did you vote for instead of Bristol?" "Uh, well, I don't vote!" "Well, then, f*ck you." I mean, basically! You can clean that up. I have no patience for that! If you don't participate to create a different outcome -- and this can be true in national politics or a TV reality show -- then don't piss and moan if you don't like the way it's playing out. You know, I'm sorry! I think Bristol is clearly not the best dancer here, but she's a charming young woman who's shown an incredible growth from week one to this week. If she happens to get more votes for whatever reason, more power to her. If you don't like it, vote for someone else. But that's been the part of the show that's amused me, how quickly people are to seize on conspiracy theories when people aren't involved in the process.
Jennifer Grey is so great to watch. She might be my favorite contestant ever. What's it like watching her in person?
She's an absolute sweetheart. In some ways, I think she doesn't realize how good she is. She's had a couple of crises of confidence which I think she's weathered nicely. She had our first perfect score last night, and her dad showing up last week -- Joel Grey -- gave her an important and well-timed pep talk. She really is a sweetheart who's doing a wonderful job. She's one of those people in the cast who you think could be hoisting that -- as we say -- coveted mirror-ball trophy.
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Comments
This whole thing is suppose to happen to wake us liberals up, it is just like high school where kids would lie, steal and cheat in order to get their way. We have been sitting behind and letting sarah palin's points of views go on without us correcting all of her BS. The tea party movement is in an uproar because President Obama is BLACK, their white robes are coming out of hiding. Bristo Palin is not suppose to be one of the final three, I have been watching DWTS and noticed that they are on sarah whipped.
That's ok, becasue as time goes by republicans and tea party will show their true colors and America will get bored with their stupidity, it sounds good now because they have conviced the majority of Americans that we aree all going to hell in a handbasket.We will get motivated the way we were when President Obama was elected as long as we stop listening to the venom that is spewing out of sarah palin's mouth, and letting people know that as long as we understand that everytime President Obama was trying to get things done the republican, tea baggers were spreading doom and gloom instead of giving solutions, and saying no to everything. Their 15 minutes of fame is running out. yes I know I did not put sara, republican and tea party in capitals becaue they are not worth me shifting keys.
WHO CARES ABOUT THIS CRAP...WAKE UP
People...Vote, no complaining.....
Don't worry there is a contingency plan. If they announce Bristol's name. Kayne West is going to leap onstage and snatch the mirrored glitter ball trophy and announce to the world that Brandy was cheated. Brandy will assume the "shocked " look on her face.
It clearly is not fair to the other contestants when people on certain right wing websites are both bragging and instructing on how to vote more than 300 times--which is entirely deceitful. It makes all the legitimate votes meaningless. Palin should have stepped down, but her tweet, just like her mother's, portray her as a victim. We're oh so tired of that. Your mother is a quitter, Bristol is ridiculous going around the country talking about abstinance with a baby on her arm---it's all about MONEY. Mommy got $20 million since quitting as Gov., we'll see how Bristol turns this gig into a money machine. They are professionals at it. Go home grizzlies. You're scary. I'm done. I'm not watching anymore.
I actually enjoy Tom the most of anyone on this show, i have tuned in to watch Max and Cheryl, IMHO, the best pros on the show, I also enjoy Bruno very much, he's very alive, very fair, I also like Len's british dryness, Carrie Ann, I don't respect, because she truly does not respect the passion that the pros give, and she was not a good dancer herself. BUT for Tom to say that 'I think Bristol is clearly not the best dancer here, but she’s a charming young woman who’s shown an incredible growth from week one to this week. If she happens to get more votes for whatever reason, more power to her' shows incredible "deer in the headlights" as well for him. No, she has not improved. She's getting help not only from the teapartiers, but also from votefortheworst.com. YES. Tom, i truly enjoy you, but unfortunately, I won't anymore, because your show has now become the biggest laughing stock, worse than Idol. It is also sad that Bristol and her partner truly believe that they deserve to be there.
She dances exactly like Kate Gosselin, from the beginning and NOW! NO, Tom, there has been what...a 2% improvement? you guys are fooling yourselves into believing that she's getting the votes because she has improved, Tom, you and the judges do not understand what is happening, and that is why she should win it.
If i stalk the DWTS/Paling blogs for more than 5 minutes , someone will always mention the phantom website that tells you how to vote via various emails. Doesn't work and it been tried for ten seasons. Please keep moving Nothing to see here. But here is what you will learn
1) " I'VE BEEN A FAN SINCE THE FIRST SEASON" . TRANSLATION: I never watch the show but felt the need to comment.
2) HOW COULD A FAT GIRL MAKE IT INTO THE FINALS TRANSLATION: I didn't know Marie Osmond was a former contestant before Weight watchers. ( and she didn't float across the floor either)
3) DWTS IS A RACIST PROGRAM for ELIMINATING BRANDY NORWOOD . TRANSLATION: Kyle who??? Emmit Smith, Warren Sapp and Jerry Rice in the finals don't count.
4) THE PRODUCERS SHOULD BAN SARAH PALIN FROM THE AUDIENCE. TRANSLATION:: ITS OK for Sarah and Michael J Fox along with Jamie lee Curtis to cheer for Ms. Grey weekly. Its OK for Whitney Houston and Russell Simons to be seen each week ushering a stand O for Brandy Norwood but no Sarah Palin cheering for her daughter.
5) I"M NEVER WATCHING DWTS AGAIN TRANSLATION:: GOT MY DVR ALREADY PROGRAMED FOR MONDAY NIGHT
6) THE VOTING IS RIGGED. TRANSLATION:: I never picked up my phone to vote but why does that matter.
7) THERE'S A RIGHT-WING CONSPIRACY . TRANSLATION:: MY favorite contestants was eliminated using the same voting procedure thats been in place for 10 seasons without any complaints BUT its still the Tea party's fault.
8) I'M REALLY REALLY FURIOUS. TRANSLATION:: I don't understand that its just a television program and I 've never learned the rules to know that only the judges will decide who gets the mirrored glitter ball in the finale program.
9) SARAH PALIN SHOULD GO BACK TO ALASKS . TRANSLATION : I voted for change and now I'm in foreclosure , unemployed , can't pay my student loans and have to pay higher taxes. Its the Palins fault.
10 ) ITS THE TEA PARTY 'S FAULT. TRANSLATION:: Why can the government take total care of every aspect of my life??.
It's a tv show folks, Get over it!
Why is everthing posted so damn political it is just a TV show if you don't like it don't watch it!
This is one of the most idiotic, ignorant, and braindead posts I've ever read. Go read a book Grace and learn something, you dimwit.
My wife watches and has always enjoyed DWTS, but she has stopped watching due to the meritless votes being cast for Bristol Palin. I watched the last episode and must say that Bristol movements are unrhythmic to say the least. She just can't dance, PERIOD!!! I hope she has better movements when making love, otherwise, she is doomed to spinsterhood or worse, prostitution. Of course, Mama is getting rich so it doesn't matter that she can't dance. I don't watch shows like DWTS. They are just moneymakers for jackasses like Tom Bergeron and his producers. Bristol is putting big bucks in their pockets that's for sure!!! I could care less who wins or who loses. Based on what I know about the Palins, Tom and his producers, none will enter God's Spiritual Kingdom that for sure!!!!!!!
Being a fan of Cheryl's you must remember maybe 2 seasons ago when Ty Murray , the sweetest little bull riding fella was her partner. Ty had no musicality, couldn't dance a two- step , was too shy to touch his partner and was so bow- legged he could barely walk across the dance floor. Poor lil dude never improved , but he outlasted 7 fellow contestants. No one complained then. So why the animosity towards Bristol?
Glad to hear you and wife have stopped watching. Its the right thing for the both of you and for everyone else who is too upset to watch. Thats what remotes are for.
Gee Steve~ You haven't connected the dots. Today the mirror ball trophy , tomorrow the Oval Office. Pretty soon non-dancers will have world domination and only people with two left feet will be allowed to vote. Wallflowers Unite!
The people support her because they relate to her. She probably reminds a lot of people of someone in their own family, who is trying to find him/herself.
She is not a professional entertainer, and you can see she's pretty much terrified out there, putting her ego on the line in front of millions of people each week. Pretty gutsy, I'd say
She pays attention to the judges, and gets better each week, If the program were simply about dancing, the public would not be allowed to vote. And, if she were your kid, or brother or sister, wouldn't you be there to show support?
But, it's not just the dancing. The program is designed to get ratings, and sponsors, by using audience participation.
Reading these comments shows that there are a lot of hard hearted people out there. Be nice...
The problem with Palin is that she got pregnant three times before she even became an adult. The first was aborted but the second her mother took credit for. Trig, just happened to be born after she was away from school for 8 months for mono? I don't think so. She finally admitted to the third one.
She has a kid. I would say that qualifies her as an adult. She accepted the invitation to this event in an attempt to further her career so she is open to criticism. And the general consensus I get is people could care less who her mother is, they're upset because she is a horrific dancer who keeps moving on because of who her mother is.
I think it's petty to even complain about this. It's just a show. No need to pull out a shotgun. But, I can see where fans of the show are upset. This girl is only getting votes because of who her mother is and a push by supporters of her mother to support her. Let's just thank god our political poles aren't as shaky as ABC's vote system.
And for people who don't understand how votes are tallied on a show like these. An outside company is hired to monitor the amount of time the lines are busy for each contestant. They use a formula to convert this into a number of votes. When you call, you're not really logging a vote per-say, but tying up the lines so the company can't get through, which translates into votes. It's very unreliable and complicated.
Bergeron is an uneducated, moron who never attended college. Calling him smart is too funny. Telling viewers to FU is disgusting. He should be fired. Period.
My God, you are ALL morons.
What a great comment from Tom! It basically comes down to: "We aren't competent to detect vote fraud, or if we are, we don't care that it is happening. If you don't like the results, you should fight fire with fire and commit vote fraud yourself!"
...Why is anyone watching 'reality TV' again?
Check out dialidol. It measures busy signals for the couples. Usually the couple with the least signals goes home. Bristol has always had the most or nearly the most. She gets a lot of phone calls.
Darn it, double post 🙁 Mods please delete if you can...
Fire him. What a small punk of a man. Write the network.
A complete and total pompous ass. Comparing yourself to Pat Sajak and Regis? Listen moron, you are a high school drop out who almost no one actually knows... including those who watch the show. Sajak and Regis are household names and American TV pop culture icons, and earned it by being more than someone with a 1970's bad radio voice. Not funny. The kind of loser guy you avoid at parties. You are pathetic, remarkably ugly and were only hired with a multitude of others passed and at a very low wage. So full of yourself for a tiny man. The fact that it became a hit is in-spite of you, NOT because of you. I've never seen a show stay off a host as much as they do you. You are an embarrassment, and Disney should fire you. You should keep your mouth shut. Talking about roles in movies or TV shows you would turn down?! Hilarious. Who the F do you think you are?! FIRE this fool is right. You truly suck.
It's an obvious Tea Party stack job, the same way the Christian right voted against Adam on American Idol. It's the really a metaphor for our entire political system of late. Majority rules and the rightwing majority are idiots.
On any of these reality shows that take into account an audience vote, I'd prefer to have the ability to vote the worst contestant off the show than vote for my favorite contestant. But that's just me. In the end, who really cares? It's a stupid show with 3rd rate "celebrities".
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