Top 10 Celebs Who Poked Fun at Themselves on Talk Shows

Top 10 Celebs Who Poked Fun at Themselves on Talk Shows

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best times that celebrities made fun of their fame, personality, ego, and/or work on a talk show.

#10: Christopher Nolan Spoofs “Oppenheimer”
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (2015-)

During his interview with Christopher Nolan, Stephen Colbert couldn’t resist parodying the director’s acclaimed film “Oppenheimer.” The host notably tries out his best Cillian Murphy impression, while his guest sprays him with water. Nolan is game to let Colbert poke fun at his movie, while also venturing into slapstick territory. The comedian even ends up chasing the director around in a Benny Hill-style segment. It’s delightful, silly, and surprising all at once. Ultimately, this shows that even a serious artist can make fun of his own work. We’re hoping this isn’t the last time we see Nolan do comedy.

#9: Michael Caine Talks Getting Angry on Film Sets
“The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” (2005-14)

It’s always nice to see co-stars look out for each other. Michael Caine appears on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” addressing Christian Bale’s rant controversy. Caine defends his fellow actor, and then turns the criticism on himself. Speaking about his younger days, he discusses how much worse the tape might have been if it were him on it. It’s funny to imagine him really blowing up on set, but it’s heartwarming to hear him speak highly of Bale, too. He chooses to make the moment more positive, while getting a few laughs in the process. It also proves that his role as Alfred might not be too far from reality, providing help and humor when it’s needed most.

#8: Ariana Grande & James Corden Go to Starbucks
“The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2015-23)

She might be a huge pop star, but Ariana Grande can also make fun of herself. This “Carpool Karaoke” segment takes a detour when she and James Corden stop at Starbucks. With the host carrying her, Grande pretends that she must be pampered at all times. She embraces the silliness of it all by announcing her demands. More specifically, she declares her apparent need to be carried everywhere, prompting some hilarious ad-libs. It all plays out like a comedy skit where the singer pretends to have a massive ego. Her performance skills are perfect, as she’s unafraid to act out in a store full of people.

#7: Arnold Schwarzenegger Plays Through His Career
“The Late Late Show with James Corden” (2015-23)

With a catalog full of action movies and comedies, Arnold Schwarzenegger has a lot of projects to parody. He’s more than willing to join “The Late Late Show” host James Corden to do just that. This trip down memory lane includes the actor suiting up as many of his classic characters. It’s fun to watch Schwarzenegger quote his films, play dress up, and not take himself too seriously. The segment includes several highlights from some fun swipes at the “Terminator” franchise to plenty of laughter during a “True Lies” scene. The Hollywood icon might be remembered for his stoic characters, but this really lets him break down the walls of his tough-guy persona.

#6: Steve Martin & Martin Short Roast Each Other
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (2003-)

Even in their late careers, Steve Martin and Martin Short show no sign of slowing down. This interview also reveals their ability to go after each other. Hijacking the appearance for a full-on roast, neither is afraid to tear themselves down. Jimmy Kimmel also joins in on the fun as the guests critique their age, careers, and comedy styles. Both legends seem to be enjoying the endless criticism. From joking about parties to colonoscopies, the pair are an open book that embrace the fact they’re sometimes out of touch. Needless to say, Martin and Short are a highly entertaining duo that stop at nothing to ridicule themselves and each other, taking it all in stride.

#5: Jon Stewart Jokes about His Showbiz Past
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)

Jon Stewart takes a deep dive into the past during this segment from “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Playing clips from one of Stewart’s older programs, Fallon pokes fun at the guest’s past experience in entertainment. Not only did the latter work with many “Tonight Show” employees, he references highlights from his collaborations with Steve Higgins. He later jokes about how much he’s aged since the 1990s. Not only are the older clips funny, they also inspire Stewart to make several observations at his own expense. This nostalgic appearance ends up being a humble experience.

#4: Conan O’Brien Returns to “The Tonight Show”
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)

As a brief host of “The Tonight Show,” Conan O’Brien might have one of the complicated relationships with the show. This doesn’t stop him from coming out and delivering a showstopping performance, though. Practically taking over Jimmy Fallon’s interview, he jokes about his height and self-consciousness. O’Brien isn’t afraid to get fake angry or have a laugh at his own expense, either. He also delivers hilarious stories, including one about the time he embarrassed himself while getting a selfie. It’s a comedic tour-de-force that lets him run wild. He reminds everyone why he’s a true professional, finding ways to steal the spotlight and be self-effacing at the same time.

#3: Jim Carrey Makes Fun of His Fame
“Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015)

He’s not a stranger to wild performances, and Jim Carrey is no different during this “Late Show with David Letterman” segment. He’s riding a wave of success that leads to some funny bits about his newfound celebrity. We get jokes about motivational tapes and tabloids, the latter of which inspires some fake Hollywood rumors. He leans into the absurdity of fame at every turn, talking about how stuck-up he’s become due to all the money and attention. Indeed, Carrey gives an entertaining example of how his wealth changed his laugh. Letterman helps to set up the actor’s rants, taking in a comic master that knows when to turn the jokes on himself.

#2: Jimmel Kimmel vs. Matt Damon
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (2003-)

This long-standing grudge match dates back to the earlier years of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” You see, the host created a running joke where he’d always run out of time before Matt Damon could show up. As time went on, Kimmel included Damon in several skits lampooning their vicious feud. This stellar and enduring bit has included music videos, botched interviews, and even a hostile takeover courtesy of the “Jason Bourne” star. Through it all, the two performers have never broken character, effectively mocking themselves and each other by not taking things too seriously. We’re all the better for it, and never tire of the hilarious and entertaining hijinks.

#1: John Mulaney & Nick Kroll Have Changed
“Conan” (2010-21)

While not everyone knows them as the duo they are, John Mulaney and Nick Kroll are effortlessly hilarious here. They show up on Conan O’Brien’s program wearing hipster clothes and speaking in obnoxious voices. Their demeanor is accompanied by hilarious content, as they discuss whether fame has changed them and act philosophical. The pair have great chemistry, and seeing them commit to the parody is iconic. They also take aim at celebrities that might have let fame go to their heads. O’Brien, of course, plays along and goes after them for their aggressive performances. Becoming ego maniacs, Mulaney and Kroll perfectly satirize their own personalities and show business in general.

Did we forget another time a celeb went after themselves on a talk show? Let us know in the comments below.