AceShowbiz - Last night at Los Angeles’s historic Montalban Theatre, fans were treated to a nostalgic return to the golden era of late-night television during the Netflix Is A Joke Festival presentation of This Better Be Funny with David Letterman and John Mulaney. The evening kicked off with a special surprise that brought back memories of the iconic Late Show days: the beloved bandleader and longtime companion of David Letterman, Paul Shaffer, appeared on stage to a standing ovation.

David Letterman hosted the event with his signature charm and wit, welcoming comedian John Mulaney as the featured guest. Before introducing Mulaney, Letterman delighted the audience by reuniting with Shaffer, sharing playful banter reminiscent of their decades-long on-air partnership. At one point, Shaffer joked about meeting Mel Gibson at Moonshadows, lightening the mood before briefly stepping off stage.

However, Shaffer was not gone for long. He returned near the end of the nearly 90-minute show to close out the evening with a heartfelt piano performance. Taking a seat at the keys, he delivered a stirring rendition of the Frank Sinatra classic “That’s Life,” captivating the audience and bringing the night full circle with an elegant touch of timeless music.

The event was more than just a reunion; it was a trip down memory lane for Letterman himself. At the start, he shared a reflective monologue that felt like a “this is your life” moment. Photographs of a young Letterman flashed on the big screen, showcasing his early years in Indianapolis, Indiana, including his high school yearbook photo and shots of him participating on the basketball and track teams at Broad Ripple High School.

He also recounted various milestones from his career, from early stints in radio and television to quirky gigs like serving as a weekend weatherman and reporting live for KTLA at the 1979 Rose Parade. These stories were accompanied by well-received clips of his early TV appearances on shows such as Mork & Mindy and The Mary Tyler Moore Hour.

One particularly memorable anecdote involved a pivotal moment at The Comedy Store early in his career. Letterman recalled how he told a joke that initially failed to get laughs but was later praised by a legendary figure in the comedy world. “There was a man there in the shadows, a man I recognized by the name of Richard Pryor,” Letterman said. Pryor’s encouragement gave Letterman the confidence to continue, marking a defining moment in his journey.

The heart of the evening was the engaging conversation between Letterman and John Mulaney, who shared candid stories about their personal lives, careers, and experiences with celebrity culture. Mulaney’s wife, actress Olivia Munn, was among the audience, and the comic spent time discussing their two children, Malcolm and Mei, and the unique dynamics of his wife’s Chinese-Vietnamese family.

Mulaney’s reflections on his expanding family circle drew laughter and warmth as he described supporting about ten elderly Vietnamese relatives financially, a significant shift from his previous life. “For the first 39 years of my life, I financially supported zero Vietnamese people. Now, sitting here with you tonight, I have about 10 on the books and two take Cash App,” he joked. Mulaney’s humorous take on navigating these new responsibilities included exchanges about appliance breakdowns and money transfers, highlighting the blend of comedy and genuine affection in his storytelling.

Beyond the humor, Mulaney called the experience “one of the greatest things that’s ever happened to me,” praising the cultural richness and warmth of becoming part of a Chinese-Vietnamese family. He described it as “the smartest thing I ever did” and marveled at the remarkable nature of his expanded life.

The duo also delved into Letterman’s questions about other milestones in Mulaney’s life. These included becoming the first comedian to perform at Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Field, receiving an honorary patronage from Trinity College Dublin, taking his son to Graceland, and his involvement as part owner of a Midwestern non-alcoholic beer brand called Years.

During the conversation, Letterman showed interest in Mulaney’s recent work directing the Netflix comedy special Robby Hoffman: Wake Up. Praising Mulaney and a select group of younger comedians for elevating the craft, Letterman expressed admiration for Mulaney’s role in contemporary comedy.

Mulaney described Hoffman as “a total original,” comparing her fearless style to that of the late Sam Kinison. He recounted how Hoffman maintained her unique voice, even when performing in front of couples at an outdoor venue in San Diego, refusing to alter her act to suit the audience.

Explaining how the directing opportunity arose, Mulaney said he had a deal with Netflix to produce specials and offered to direct Hoffman’s. The financial terms were modest, with Mulaney taking no fee and Hoffman expected to net a relatively small amount after expenses. Hoffman’s candid response was that the deal was “not very much,” but she recognized its value as a career move.

Interestingly, Hoffman also noted it was beneficial for Mulaney, saying, “It’s good for you too because you seem street when you do stuff like this.” Mulaney echoed this sentiment, saying the experience made him feel “cooler” and “street,” sparking renewed excitement for his stand-up career.

The pairing of Letterman and Mulaney was a reunion of sorts, as Letterman had previously appeared on Mulaney’s Netflix live series John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA. The conversation touched on prospects for more seasons of the show, with Mulaney confirming a second season from Netflix and noting his busy touring schedule through January 2027.

The discussion also covered Mulaney’s tenure as a writer on Saturday Night Live and his appearance in the Lorne Michaels documentary Lorne by Morgan Neville, who was present in the audience that evening.

Adding a lighter moment, Letterman played a viral clip from Everybody’s in LA featuring Mulaney interviewing Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee, Bubbles. After the clip, Letterman asked Mulaney if he had seen the new documentary about Jackson, Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua. Mulaney replied that he had not.

Overall, the event was a memorable gathering that combined comedy, music, and heartfelt reminiscence. It showcased Paul Shaffer’s enduring talent and his special bond with David Letterman, alongside the sharp wit and charm of John Mulaney. The night at the Montalban Theatre was a testament to the lasting appeal of these entertainers and their ability to connect across generations with humor, storytelling, and music.