Celebrity interviews offer fans a rare glimpse into the lives, thoughts, and personalities of the biggest stars in the world. Whether it’s a candid revelation, a career-defining moment, or a heartfelt confession, these iconic conversations often make headlines and leave a lasting impression. Here are some of the most memorable and impactful celebrity interviews that captivated audiences and provided unforgettable moments.
1. Oprah Winfrey’s Interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (2021)
a. Royal Revelations and Breaking Free In one of the most widely watched and talked-about interviews of recent years, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry sat down with Oprah Winfrey to discuss their departure from royal life. The couple made shocking revelations about their experiences within the British monarchy, including allegations of racism and the intense pressures of royal life.
- Iconic Moment: Meghan’s disclosure about her mental health struggles and how she felt unsupported within the royal family was a powerful moment. Harry’s reflection on breaking free from “the system” also underscored the weight of the couple’s decisions.
- Why It’s Important: This interview shed light on the mental health challenges and personal toll of public scrutiny, sparking global conversations about the role of the monarchy, racism, and media influence.
2. David Letterman’s Interview with Barack Obama on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (2018)
a. Reflective and Poignant Conversation Former U.S. President Barack Obama appeared on David Letterman’s Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction for a deeply reflective conversation about his presidency, his personal life, and the current political climate. This was Obama’s first major interview after leaving office.
- Iconic Moment: Obama discussed how his sense of identity was shaped by his upbringing and experiences as a father, particularly reflecting on how he views leadership and service after his presidency.
- Why It’s Important: The interview was notable for its calm, measured tone and focus on the personal side of leadership, offering a deeper look at Obama’s post-presidential life and his thoughts on American democracy.
3. Robin Roberts’ Interview with Michael Strahan and R. Kelly (2019)
a. Emotional Outburst and Controversy In a highly publicized and intense interview, R. Kelly sat down with Gayle King to address the allegations of sexual abuse against him. The interview became one of the most iconic and controversial celebrity conversations due to Kelly’s emotional outbursts and attempts to defend his actions.
- Iconic Moment: R. Kelly’s breakdown during the interview, where he stood up, shouted, and cried, claiming he was being unfairly targeted, became a viral moment that defined the interview.
- Why It’s Important: The interview highlighted the media’s role in holding public figures accountable, particularly amid the #MeToo movement, and brought widespread attention to the serious allegations surrounding R. Kelly.
4. David Frost’s Interview with Richard Nixon (1977)
a. Historic Political Admission David Frost’s series of interviews with former U.S. President Richard Nixon remains one of the most famous political interviews of all time. In these conversations, Nixon faced questions about the Watergate scandal and his resignation, leading to one of the most significant admissions in U.S. political history.
- Iconic Moment: Nixon’s acknowledgment, “I let the American people down,” was a rare moment of personal accountability and marked a pivotal point in the public’s understanding of the Watergate affair.
- Why It’s Important: The Frost-Nixon interviews were groundbreaking for their candidness and direct questioning, serving as a model for how journalists could confront political figures about their actions.
5. Howard Stern’s Interview with Lady Gaga (2011)
a. Raw and Candid Insights Howard Stern is known for getting celebrities to open up in surprising ways, and his interview with Lady Gaga was no exception. During the conversation, Gaga spoke about her rise to fame, her creative process, and her struggles with depression and drug use, providing fans with a raw and unfiltered look at her life.
- Iconic Moment: Gaga’s live acoustic performance of “The Edge of Glory” during the interview was a highlight, showcasing her musical talent and emotional depth.
- Why It’s Important: This interview helped solidify Lady Gaga’s image as a bold, vulnerable artist unafraid to confront her personal demons, further endearing her to her fanbase.
6. Diane Sawyer’s Interview with Whitney Houston (2002)
a. “Crack Is Wack” and the Downfall of a Superstar In an infamous interview with Diane Sawyer, Whitney Houston discussed her battle with drug addiction, public scrutiny, and the pressures of fame. This interview has since become one of the most memorable moments in pop culture, especially due to Houston’s candid, sometimes erratic responses.
- Iconic Moment: Houston’s now-legendary line, “Crack is wack,” delivered in response to rumors about her drug use, became an unforgettable quote that has been widely referenced in pop culture.
- Why It’s Important: The interview was a rare and troubling glimpse into the personal struggles of one of the world’s greatest talents, foreshadowing her eventual tragic decline and death.
7. Zach Galifianakis’ Interview with President Barack Obama on Between Two Ferns (2014)
a. Comedy Meets Politics In a surprising turn for political interviews, President Barack Obama appeared on Zach Galifianakis’ satirical talk show Between Two Ferns to promote the Affordable Care Act. The interview, filled with dry humor and awkward pauses, showed Obama’s willingness to reach younger audiences through unconventional means.
- Iconic Moment: The back-and-forth banter, with Galifianakis asking absurd questions and Obama delivering sharp, comedic responses, created a lighthearted yet effective promotion of a serious issue.
- Why It’s Important: This interview demonstrated how political figures can use humor and alternative media to engage with younger audiences in a memorable and impactful way.
8. Oprah Winfrey’s Interview with Tom Cruise (2005)
a. The Famous Couch Jumping Incident In one of the most infamous moments in talk show history, Tom Cruise appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and expressed his love for actress Katie Holmes by jumping on Oprah’s couch. His hyper-energetic behavior during the interview became a viral moment that overshadowed the rest of the conversation.
- Iconic Moment: Cruise’s spontaneous couch jumping and his declaration, “I’m in love!” became an instant meme, leading to widespread mockery and curiosity about his personal life.
- Why It’s Important: The interview marked a turning point in Cruise’s public persona, leading to increased scrutiny of his personal life and his affiliation with Scientology.
9. David Letterman’s Interview with Joaquin Phoenix (2009)
a. Strange and Unsettling Performance Art Joaquin Phoenix’s bizarre appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman remains one of the most puzzling interviews in late-night television. Appearing disheveled, unresponsive, and distant, Phoenix acted out a character for his performance art documentary I’m Still Here, but it left audiences and Letterman himself confused.
- Iconic Moment: Phoenix’s awkward responses and long silences became legendary, culminating in Letterman’s quip, “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.”
- Why It’s Important: The interview sparked a debate about the line between performance art and reality, and it later became clear that Phoenix had staged the behavior for the sake of his documentary.
10. Barbara Walters’ Interview with Monica Lewinsky (1999)
a. Confronting a Scandal Barbara Walters’ interview with Monica Lewinsky was one of the most-watched TV interviews of all time, with 74 million viewers tuning in. Lewinsky spoke about her affair with President Bill Clinton, her feelings of regret, and how the scandal impacted her life.
- Iconic Moment: Lewinsky’s candid admission, “I was in love with him,” humanized her in a way that previous media coverage had not, offering her a chance to tell her side of the story.
- Why It’s Important: The interview played a crucial role in reshaping public perception of Lewinsky, moving her from a tabloid figure to a person who had been unfairly vilified by the media.
Conclusion
These iconic celebrity interviews have left a lasting impact, shaping public opinion and offering intimate insights into the lives of some of the world’s biggest stars. Whether through shocking revelations, emotional confessions, or humorous exchanges, these conversations continue to resonate, highlighting the power of interviews to capture the humanity behind celebrity.
