What's the connection between him rationalizing making jokes and the effects they're having on the victims (the whole Kevin Cosner bit), and his former drinking problem?
@Graphiix44 re:making jokes and his drinking problem. Craig has become well respected for knowing when some things are not funny--laughing at person when they are in crisis, is not funny. He identified with what Britney Spears was going through because he had been "in her shoes" so to speak. He reminded us that alcoholism isn't a joke. He also sent a message to those of us who needed hope and help.
14 years sober next month...if I make it. He has exactly the attitude that I've seen in people with long-term sobriety. Not judgmental, humorous, grateful for what he has.
@nolbie I've been to a taping and you are given instructions on everything from when to laugh, and how to laugh so I imagine they were having the audience laugh just to try and keep things light even though he's discussing a serious matter.
How long does it take for an audience like this to not just blindly expect a joke around every goddamned corner? Yes, he made some jokes along the way but people were laughing before they even realized what was being said. Is it so frightening to actually listen and make up your own mind of what is or what isn't funny?
"Oh jee I don't know where this is going I better laugh, this is a comedy show after all!"
Feb 18, 2012. 20 years of sobriety for Craig. Thank you God. Thanks to "the organization very close to the front of the phone book" and to his rehab and the friend who took him there. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, Craig is crazy but a crazy we need. Thank you Craig for all you have given us...including inspiration.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Good speech or not. He is by far the worst "late night" talk show host on television. Can't call grapes oranges here. Plus he uses such a blatant laugh track. Ah.
this video made me first realize that i have a problem. and it made me think. this video made me realize (4 years ago!) that i need help. and i was sober for almost a year. and i am writing this drunk. and whenever i think i need help, i watch this video, and i get a little better. alcoholism isnt some joke. its a serious problem. and i've got it. and so many others have. so... no jokes. this is a problem. support the ones you know, and help them. thank you
What a absolute legend, this should be played as a motivational speech to highschool students year in year out.
He restores my faith in humanity, and the fact he made so many horrific mistakes in his life and still righted the ship at his age should be seen by EVERYONE. We live in a world where perfection is considered excellence and imperfection is frowned upon as hyperbolic disappointment. Everyone forgets that humans arrnt perfect, everyone at some point in their lives makes mistakes.
its funny that he shows compassion for Britney Spears but not for all the bashing he does to Khloe Kardashian now. Hes says some pretty foul shit about her
@aniggnigg while i do see your point, i think theres a difference. Spears has gone through an actual, direct and hard crash with herself. spear's life more or less went directly into the shitter for a brief while, while the antics of Kardashian seem to be just a joke. "HAAI! I WENT INTO REHAB, AINT I SWEET?" while not really giving an actual damn about any of it. correct me if im wrong, i refuse to watch any realitytv in any form.
@aniggnigg Regarding Craig going after the Kardashians but not Britney Spears. As he said, he will go after the pompous and powerful, the Kardashians are frivolous and warrant disdain. He did not make funny of Britney Spears because she was obviously in trouble, for her he shows compassion and empathy. If and when the Kardashians warrant compassion or empathy, Craig will provide it as well. He noted Charlie Sheen's breakdown and offered compassion as well. I applaud his humanity.
i'm grateful for the person posting this on youtube
i'm grateful for craig ferguson having the character to say something like this on national TV despite knowing that everyone was waiting for a punch line during the entire monologue
Wow I came here from watching an interview he did on his show like in 2010 and you could almost not tell he had an scottish accent. It is a lot stronger in this video.
This is why i love Craig soo much!! He is such a beautiful person and im soo glad he was able to turn his life around because if he hadn't of, none of us would have been able to see the amazing talent he is!
Craig (if you're listening), I'm in 12 steps, and I still remember Confidence and Paranoia. I'm 45 and completely with you mate. Red Dwarf rocks! But yes, I'm hearing your "self medicating." We have to go through the shite of it. I was a tonsured monk in an Orthodox monastery. Then the wheels fell off the wagon!
And dasC3, I'm going into Monday with shakes, shivers, sweats, and a puke bucket. But I'm doing it! Not going to the liquor store, Repeat. Repeat.
@Evster2012: It took me nearly three years to understand that I need help. You'll make it man!!! Never lose faith in yourself, even if you have relapses, NEVER EVER GIVE UP! It's absolutely worth it. I even wasn't sure if a therapy could help me the moment I entered the door. So, here's the short version of my story. 5 times in hospital for 4 weeks to detoxicate from a lethal doses (had to learn to walk again). 12 month stationary therapy and sober for more than 2 years now. Still a long way...
Thank you for the upload. I'm an alcoholic too! I CAN'T drink! That is the secret of staying sober... If I am not able to drink, there is no reason to go on and kill me with that stuff. But what sounds so easy is a hard and long way to learn for an alcoholic - like me!!!
I just read his book, American on Purpose. I tried for a few weeks to read an award winning novel about priests and Nova Scotia, and found it a dreary overwrought bore of a book, but Craig's book was not only hilarious, it was full of the stuff of life - family and heartbreaks and passages of youth and so much more. Fascinating stuff, i read it in 4 days.
It's a great talent who can effectively mix humor with a deadly-serious message.
Craig's right. We *have* been holding the video camera up to the weak and vulnerable...worried about capturing the best angle and lighting while conveniently forgetting the dying person in front of the lens.
That says a lot about us...and not much of it is particularly flattering.
I remember when this originally aired and how proud I was that he took the time to show compassion for Brittany Spears. Instead of just making jokes at her expense. Go Craig! Thanks for posting :)
his accent is so nice
mujavant 3 days ago
Hope Kostner saw this.
RicAdbur 1 week ago
this, this segment, is the work of a saint, thank you craig. whenever i feel tempted, i watch this.
thank you.
erootkwu 1 week ago
I remember Craig when he was Bing Hitler back in Scotland. Good for you, Craig, we still love you back across the water...
dfriendlydude 2 weeks ago
What's the connection between him rationalizing making jokes and the effects they're having on the victims (the whole Kevin Cosner bit), and his former drinking problem?
Graphiix44 2 weeks ago
@Graphiix44 re:making jokes and his drinking problem. Craig has become well respected for knowing when some things are not funny--laughing at person when they are in crisis, is not funny. He identified with what Britney Spears was going through because he had been "in her shoes" so to speak. He reminded us that alcoholism isn't a joke. He also sent a message to those of us who needed hope and help.
TheFred3733 1 week ago
I'm 90 days today :D
jkokinos100 2 weeks ago 6
@jkokinos100 shot, keep it up!
Graphiix44 2 weeks ago
Comment removed
spasman 2 weeks ago
I'm going on 3 months sober..nothing compared to some of you guys but damn it's hard.
kiffar 2 weeks ago 2
lol, what's at the front of a telephone book? I HAVEN'T SEEN ONE IN YEARS!
myrpok 2 weeks ago
@myrpok its in alphabetical order...AA or alcoholics annonymous
bigandychallenge 2 weeks ago 2
@myrpok AA
SM986 1 week ago
14 years sober next month...if I make it. He has exactly the attitude that I've seen in people with long-term sobriety. Not judgmental, humorous, grateful for what he has.
honestmango 2 weeks ago 2
I like how conditioned the crowd is, they don't even notice that he isn't trying to be funny anymore.
nolbie 2 weeks ago 3
@nolbie I've been to a taping and you are given instructions on everything from when to laugh, and how to laugh so I imagine they were having the audience laugh just to try and keep things light even though he's discussing a serious matter.
bradktulu6 2 weeks ago
Good Guy Craig
TheAwakenedHeretic 2 weeks ago 10
beautiful. beautiful.
curiousmel 2 weeks ago 3
sober? huh? I always thought he did his shows while drunk... that's what made him so entertaining..
DarkKlown99 2 weeks ago
Best "Leave Britney Alone" video ever.
deadapostle 2 weeks ago 9
How long does it take for an audience like this to not just blindly expect a joke around every goddamned corner? Yes, he made some jokes along the way but people were laughing before they even realized what was being said. Is it so frightening to actually listen and make up your own mind of what is or what isn't funny?
"Oh jee I don't know where this is going I better laugh, this is a comedy show after all!"
Sheep.
huhmz 2 weeks ago 2
@huhmz Pretty sure most of the laughs are choreographed to aid the joke
smacktalking 2 weeks ago
"She clearly needs help" - *Laughs*
Must be tough trying to have a serious conversation with brainless turkeys.
Omikron404 2 weeks ago 6
Man he lost his accent, sounds so different.
stupidguyaabbcc 2 weeks ago
Feb 18, 2012. 20 years of sobriety for Craig. Thank you God. Thanks to "the organization very close to the front of the phone book" and to his rehab and the friend who took him there. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, Craig is crazy but a crazy we need. Thank you Craig for all you have given us...including inspiration.
TheFred3733 2 weeks ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Good speech or not. He is by far the worst "late night" talk show host on television. Can't call grapes oranges here. Plus he uses such a blatant laugh track. Ah.
Dave416 2 weeks ago
@Dave416 Idiot!
AJJL4041 2 weeks ago
@Dave416 You're a fucking moron on so many levels.
ampdgmr 2 weeks ago 4
great speech, he seems like a good person
Juaniguitarra86 2 weeks ago
I like how "news outlets" is in quotations.
EllaJeann 3 weeks ago
Seeing this, gave me so much respect for Craig. Such a great, and open man.
SingMeALoveSong133 3 weeks ago
this video made me first realize that i have a problem. and it made me think. this video made me realize (4 years ago!) that i need help. and i was sober for almost a year. and i am writing this drunk. and whenever i think i need help, i watch this video, and i get a little better. alcoholism isnt some joke. its a serious problem. and i've got it. and so many others have. so... no jokes. this is a problem. support the ones you know, and help them. thank you
Ronika14 1 month ago 21
What a absolute legend, this should be played as a motivational speech to highschool students year in year out.
He restores my faith in humanity, and the fact he made so many horrific mistakes in his life and still righted the ship at his age should be seen by EVERYONE. We live in a world where perfection is considered excellence and imperfection is frowned upon as hyperbolic disappointment. Everyone forgets that humans arrnt perfect, everyone at some point in their lives makes mistakes.
joemaster89 1 month ago 13
This is Legen wait for the dary
SonnyRed298 1 month ago
That monologue was special.
trlspann 1 month ago
well it wasn't funny (he says as he wipes a tear away from his eye).
TheTj500 2 months ago
its funny that he shows compassion for Britney Spears but not for all the bashing he does to Khloe Kardashian now. Hes says some pretty foul shit about her
aniggnigg 2 months ago
@aniggnigg hahahaha that is why i watch his show
SpacebagTV 2 months ago in playlist Liked videos
@aniggnigg while i do see your point, i think theres a difference. Spears has gone through an actual, direct and hard crash with herself. spear's life more or less went directly into the shitter for a brief while, while the antics of Kardashian seem to be just a joke. "HAAI! I WENT INTO REHAB, AINT I SWEET?" while not really giving an actual damn about any of it. correct me if im wrong, i refuse to watch any realitytv in any form.
somberlight 1 month ago 3
@aniggnigg Regarding Craig going after the Kardashians but not Britney Spears. As he said, he will go after the pompous and powerful, the Kardashians are frivolous and warrant disdain. He did not make funny of Britney Spears because she was obviously in trouble, for her he shows compassion and empathy. If and when the Kardashians warrant compassion or empathy, Craig will provide it as well. He noted Charlie Sheen's breakdown and offered compassion as well. I applaud his humanity.
TheFred3733 2 weeks ago 6
what wrong with that audience? they laughed at anna nicole smith dying
bombassniggafuly 2 months ago 6
@bombassniggafuly dont blame them too much, they were expecting a comedy show, ya know.
KillerCLbee 2 months ago
and congrats to his subsequently becoming an american citizen - CF is a worthy addition.
dasecretasianmn 2 months ago
i'm grateful for youtube
i'm grateful for the person posting this on youtube
i'm grateful for craig ferguson having the character to say something like this on national TV despite knowing that everyone was waiting for a punch line during the entire monologue
dasecretasianmn 2 months ago 8
Wow I came here from watching an interview he did on his show like in 2010 and you could almost not tell he had an scottish accent. It is a lot stronger in this video.
Kroellmaster 2 months ago 3
@Kroellmaster I think that he gets more Scottish when he's emotional, reverting back to his younger self, &c.
ardiar2011 1 month ago
Craig's story brought a tear to my eye every time I see this. Thank God this great person is still with us.
Enkidu2006 3 months ago 3
Thank God for that glass of sherry. Imagine this world without Craig Ferguson
aliensync 3 months ago in playlist Favorite videos 9
This is why i love Craig soo much!! He is such a beautiful person and im soo glad he was able to turn his life around because if he hadn't of, none of us would have been able to see the amazing talent he is!
frankielamps00008 3 months ago 5
That is horse *Ooh la la!*. That is horse *wassacominago*
RockoSDMF 3 months ago
Sorry, 12 WEEKS therapy! :) Not a year... stupid me :)
MrDasCS 3 months ago
Craig (if you're listening), I'm in 12 steps, and I still remember Confidence and Paranoia. I'm 45 and completely with you mate. Red Dwarf rocks! But yes, I'm hearing your "self medicating." We have to go through the shite of it. I was a tonsured monk in an Orthodox monastery. Then the wheels fell off the wagon!
And dasC3, I'm going into Monday with shakes, shivers, sweats, and a puke bucket. But I'm doing it! Not going to the liquor store, Repeat. Repeat.
Evster2012 3 months ago
@Evster2012: It took me nearly three years to understand that I need help. You'll make it man!!! Never lose faith in yourself, even if you have relapses, NEVER EVER GIVE UP! It's absolutely worth it. I even wasn't sure if a therapy could help me the moment I entered the door. So, here's the short version of my story. 5 times in hospital for 4 weeks to detoxicate from a lethal doses (had to learn to walk again). 12 month stationary therapy and sober for more than 2 years now. Still a long way...
MrDasCS 3 months ago
Thank you for the upload. I'm an alcoholic too! I CAN'T drink! That is the secret of staying sober... If I am not able to drink, there is no reason to go on and kill me with that stuff. But what sounds so easy is a hard and long way to learn for an alcoholic - like me!!!
dasCS 3 months ago
His accent got thicker and thicker throughout the monologue.
BlueDevilStrong1227 4 months ago
@BlueDevilStrong1227
You can tell that as he was getting more and more into it, it started to show.
sorum 4 months ago 2
I just read his book, American on Purpose. I tried for a few weeks to read an award winning novel about priests and Nova Scotia, and found it a dreary overwrought bore of a book, but Craig's book was not only hilarious, it was full of the stuff of life - family and heartbreaks and passages of youth and so much more. Fascinating stuff, i read it in 4 days.
seef0 5 months ago
this made me cry because after i lost my wife i feel like a hopeless drunk. 8 days straight right now. Thanks Craig I'm going to try again tomorrow
xyrxes1 5 months ago 10
@xyrxes1
Keep it up.
sorum 4 months ago
Man he is such an amazing speaker. This really makes you think about how fucked up and selfish the media is.
Inspirational
bbeeaattlleesss 5 months ago 3
This makes an amazing amount of sense to me... Thank you for being "real" with us, Craig!
surlyviking 5 months ago
Comment removed
JaimeinUK 5 months ago
God bless him for this. He is the only person in the media who showed her any support or sympathy when she was clearly on the edge of life and death.
thewildbunch12 5 months ago 2
i's upsetting that he had to put jokes in that for the audiences sake. but a hell of a speech.
billymahonyy 5 months ago
When he gets emotional about something, he's scottish accent gets thicker and thicker. So cool!
linkinparkkid 5 months ago 7
...oh Craig you make fun of everyone lol.. and you know it..
moviebuff383 6 months ago
Dunno why the ell this vid was removed. This vid can save lives.
______
Thanks for posting.
JaimeinUK 6 months ago 5
He really seems like a genuinely nice man.
wrenwright 6 months ago 4
I wish his message had reached Amy Winehouse
PunkMartyr 6 months ago 3
But did you show the same concern when Freakazoid kept calling Guttierrez "Weenie," Roddy?
Did you?
NO.
epsteinsmutha1 7 months ago
Thank you for your honesty that so many Americans' can relate to.
msgorton 7 months ago 3
craig, please do the same about amy winehouse
MrKillingvenom 7 months ago
What happened with Kevin Costner? Does anyone have a link to when Craig talked about it? I'm curious now.
AshitaNoKanousei42 7 months ago
Just a great monologue. Anyone that has struggled with similar issues can identify.
jksonny 7 months ago
I send this video clip to many people a lot can be learned, thanks CBS for keeping this on here.
Dusty8417 7 months ago 2
Interesting how it took the audience like 3 minutes to understand that he was actually serious.. (still laughing at 2:20 "she died")
YoNiQe 8 months ago
It's a great talent who can effectively mix humor with a deadly-serious message.
Craig's right. We *have* been holding the video camera up to the weak and vulnerable...worried about capturing the best angle and lighting while conveniently forgetting the dying person in front of the lens.
That says a lot about us...and not much of it is particularly flattering.
laronmaron98 8 months ago 151
@laronmaron98 Ricky Gervais said it best. To get those crutch shots of celebrities getting out cars. You are literary the gutter press : /
andyAAWW 3 weeks ago
I remember when this originally aired and how proud I was that he took the time to show compassion for Brittany Spears. Instead of just making jokes at her expense. Go Craig! Thanks for posting :)
chappy8399 8 months ago 3
thanks for posting this - the stupid CBS ad supported one won't play cause their ad won't load.
slayme3 1 year ago 49