By BYJACKNEWORTH CHANNELSURFING
During the political season, which seems longer each election cycle, we are often reminded of the “American dream.” How true the dream was, or still is, is debatable, but America is still regarded as a place where a person, with character, skills and hard work, could become whatever he or she can dream of. For New York-born John Kerwin that dream was to be a talk show host. For the past six years of “The John Kerwin Show,” he’s done just that. Now he’s trying to take it to the next level. Take it to the next 10 levels.
The “John Kerwin Show” is a half-hour late-night talk show, which films at Santa Monica’s Time-Warner Studio. Despite a shoestring budget the show has a surprisingly rich look and the dapper Kerwin, 34, is witty and congenial. When the camera is on him and his celebrity guest it could be any talk show in America.
Relaxed and confident, Kerwin is a skilled interviewer, which is a rare commodity. He actually listens to his guests, seems genuinely interested and clearly loves what he’s doing. Celebrities like director Henry Jaglom, actress Sean Young or actors Eric Roberts and David Carradine, who may have reputations for being difficult, are put at ease and seemingly able to present their best self. As it occurs over and over I have to give the credit to the easy-going Kerwin who’s part therapist, part host and part fan.
When the camera pulls back, however, to reveal an audience of 25 (at full capacity) or, that instead of a band, there is only a drummer (youthful and talented Nick Burns) we are aware, and even intrigued, at how low budget this operation is. Any lower and it’d be in an alley. But if you’re in the right mood, this can only add to the charm of the show. (Kerwin originally funded the show with his winnings from “Hollywood Squares!”) This Wednesday evening, Dec. 12, the Kerwin show will celebrate its sixth anniversary. He’s even receiving a letter of commendation from L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Kerwin hopes that in 2009, when Jay Leno leaves the Tonight Show and is replaced by Conan O’Brien, that he might fill Conan’s slot. To that end he’s already had meetings with NBC brass.
To a realist, in this era of big name stars, his chance of replacing Conan might seem a long shot. To someone chasing a life-long dream, realism can be overrated. As Kerwin notes when Conan first took over David Letterman’s slot he was grilled about being “relatively unknown.” Conan quickly corrected the journalists, noting that he was “completely unknown.”
In the name of full disclosure Kerwin’s Ed McMahon-like announcer, Don Margolin, is a childhood friend of mine. Don was a pilot with Delta Airlines for 30 years but secretly longed to be a performer. (Not so secret anymore.) Don has a deep voice, loves to dance and sing. Kerwin takes full advantage as he playfully explores his announcer’s willingness to be part of any gag. I thought Don and I worked well together in Hebrew school (we ditched classes more than we attended) but he and Kerwin have improved on style. And I would hope so.
Even though they only film monthly, the show requires a team of 20 volunteers. With producer Rob Baker and director Mark Katz, the crew does a remarkable job. The graphics, the set, the camera work, the lighting, and yes, the announcing, are very professional. Kerwin opens with five jokes, then moves to the desk and a few prepared bits, and then on to an interview. He honed his stand-up skills at Catch a Rising Star and the Comic Strip in New York and when he moved to Los Angeles he became the house emcee at the famed Hollywood Improv, all of which provided a great training ground.
In 2004, John was signed to host “The Yesterday Show with John Kerwin.” Dick Cavett was his first guest and became something of a mentor as the two have maintained a friendship. Unfortunately “The Yesterday Show” was not picked up, but it provided Kerwin with valuable experience and helps to explain his unusual ease.
Kerwin eats, breathes and sleeps being a talk show host. Until the day of the show the set actually sits in his studio apartment. (Sounds a tad crowded.) By next May, Kerwin hopes to hear about Conan’s spot. He wonders if it would help or hurt his chances if he finally acknowledged that he’s dating Lindsay Lohan. Of course then he’d have to admit they met in rehab. “If only it were true,” he adds with a sigh.
“The John Kerwin Show” airs on Time- Warner, Saturdays at 8 p.m. (Check local listings.) Past shows can be seen on YouTube.
JACK NEWORTH also writes the “Laughing Matters” column, which appears every Friday. He
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 8, 2007. Read the original PDF.