Laraine Newman Remembers O.J. Simpson Fondly on "Watch What Happens Live"
In a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Laraine Newman, one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live (SNL), shared some surprising and lighthearted memories of the late football legend and actor O.J. Simpson. The conversation took place during a segment called "Work the Polls," where Cohen asked a group of SNL alumni, gathered ahead of the show’s 50th-anniversary special, whether they thought athletes make good hosts on SNL. Newman, who was part of the first cast of the show, didn’t just answer the question—she revealed a personal and humorous anecdote about Simpson’s time as a guest host on SNL back in 1978.
Newman sheepishly raised her hand when Cohen asked if any of the alumni had worked with Simpson during his hosting stint. When Cohen followed up by asking if Simpson was a good host, Newman playfully replied, "And a good kisser," sparking laughter and surprise from the audience and Cohen alike. She then elaborated on her experience, explaining that she and Simpson had shared a kiss during a parody sketch of the controversial 1975 film Mandingo. The sketch, which aired on February 25, 1978, was part of a larger episode that Simpson hosted during his guest appearance on the show. Newman described the sketch as "so horrifyingly objectionable" that it likely wouldn’t be well-received by today’s audiences. Cohen agreed, noting that the content of the sketch would not "play today," highlighting the vastly different cultural and societal norms of the time.
O.J. Simpson’s Legacy: From Football Stardom to Infamy
O.J. Simpson, a Hall of Fame football player, was already a household name by the time he hosted SNL in 1978. However, his career was beginning to decline around that time, as he transitioned from football to acting and sports broadcasting. Despite his charisma and charm on screen, Simpson’s life took a dark and infamous turn in the following decades. In 1994, he was arrested and charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. The highly publicized and dramatic trial that followed became one of the most-watched and talked-about events in American history. In 1995, Simpson was controversially acquitted of the murders, but he was later found civilly liable for the deaths in a separate trial.
Simpson’s life continued to spiral after the trial. He was involved in various legal troubles, including a 2007 conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping, for which he served nine years in prison. He was released on parole in 2017 and has since lived a relatively quiet life out of the public eye. Simpson passed away in April 2023 at the age of 76 due to complications from cancer, leaving behind a legacy that is as complex as it is controversial. While some remember him as a football icon and charismatic personality, others cannot separate his achievements from the tragic events that defined the latter half of his life.
Laraine Newman’s Candid Reflections on Working with O.J. Simpson
Laraine Newman’s revelation about her experience with O.J. Simpson has sparked a mix of reactions, from amusement to discomfort, given the dark turn his life took. During the same 1978 episode of SNL that Simpson hosted, Newman also appeared in a locker room sketch where she played a reporter who couldn’t help but be distracted by Simpson’s physique. The sketches from that episode, including the Mandingo parody, were undeniably risqué and would not align with the more progressive and sensitive standards of modern comedy. Newman’s candid reflections on working with Simpson offer a glimpse into the irreverent and boundary-pushing humor that defined early SNL, but they also serve as a reminder of how much societal attitudes have evolved since then.
Newman’s comments about Simpson have also raised questions about how we remember public figures with complicated legacies. While Simpson’s football career and personality once made him a beloved figure, his involvement in the tragic events of 1994 and beyond has left an indelible mark on his public image. Newman’s lighthearted memories of Simpson, while genuine, highlight the tension between separating the art from the artist and acknowledging the full complexity of a person’s life. Her recollections serve as a reminder that even the most flawed individuals can leave behind moments of joy and humor, even if those moments are overshadowed by darker truths.
The Impact of Laraine Newman’s Comments on O.J. Simpson’s Legacy
Laraine Newman’s remarks about O.J. Simpson on Watch What Happens Live have reignited conversations about Simpson’s legacy, with many fans and critics weighing in on social media. While some have expressed amusement at the lighthearted anecdotes, others have criticized Newman for seemingly downplaying or ignoring the more sinister aspects of Simpson’s history. The debate underscores the ongoing challenge of reckoning with the legacies of public figures who have been involved in serious misconduct or crimes. Newman’s comments, however, do not seem to have been intended as a defense or endorsement of Simpson’s actions, but rather as a nostalgic look back at a specific moment in time.
Newman’s reflections also highlight the importance of context when discussing historical events and cultural touchstones. The Mandingo parody and other sketches from Simpson’s SNL episode are products of a different era, and while they may seem offensive or problematic by today’s standards, they are nonetheless a part of the show’s history. Newman’s willingness to acknowledge the past, even when it is uncomfortable, offers a nuanced perspective on the evolution of comedy and the performers who helped shape it.
Final Thoughts on Laraine Newman and O.J. Simpson’s Shared History
In the end, Laraine Newman’s comments about O.J. Simpson on Watch What Happens Live serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live. While Simpson’s life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies, Newman’s recollections offer a unique perspective on a chapter of his life that many fans may have forgotten or overlooked. The conversation also serves as a timely reminder of how comedy and entertainment can both reflect and shape our cultural values, even as those values continue to change over time. For better or worse, the shared history of Newman and Simpson is a fascinating footnote in the long and storied history of SNL, one that will likely continue to spark conversations for years to come.
