Conan O'Brien Calls Letterman a 'Comic Revolution' in Tribute

In light of David Letterman's impending departure from THE LATE SHOW, friends of the comedian have been penning tributes to express their affection and respect.

The latest of which, CONAN O'Brien took to Entertainment Weekly to say a few words. In an essay entitled, "Immediately Everything Was Wrong," he mixes humor with heartfelt admiration.

"I looked at the screen and immediately everything was wrong," the star of CONAN recalls of the first time he saw THE LATE SHOW host. "The guy didn't look right. His hair resembled an ill-fitting vintage leather motorcycle helmet. His front teeth had a massive gap that looked almost painted-on as a joke."

"And on top of it all, he was doing a comedy show in the morning. What the hell? Who does a comedy show in the morning? What's wrong with this guy?"

O'Brien continues, "Like every comedian of my era, I watched Dave's subversive, untamed morning show with delightful incredulity."

"Dave's show was that rare phenomenon: a big, fat show business hit that seemingly despised show business. Dave didn't belong, and he had no interest in belonging. He amused himself, skewered clueless celebrity guests, and did strange, ironic comedic bits that no one had seen on television before. Everything about that show was surreal and off-kilter. Where late night television had once provided comfort, this man reveled in awkwardness."

O'Brien describes the show as "the Holy Grail" of comedy.

"Not one single writer/performer in the last 35 years has had Dave's seismic impact on comedy," O'Brien says. "But in today's' world of 30 late night programs, it's tempting now to take Dave for granted. Do not. Dave was a true revolution-and I believe his innovations are up there with the light bulb and the Twix bar."

He concludes by referring back to his first memory of the TV host in the '80s, "Immediately, everything was wrong, wrong in every way-and because it was so wrong the world since has been a better place. So before the man leaves, I'd like to say, from all of us: Thank you, David Waldingfield Letterman."

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