Late-night TV has been home to countless unforgettable guest appearances that left audiences in awe. Among the standouts: Raquel Welch, who mesmerized viewers with her beauty and charisma on The Dick Cavett Show; Drew Barrymore, who famously danced on David Letterman’s desk; and Elvis Presley, who made a powerful return to the spotlight with a performance after his military service.
Late-night talk shows have given us some of television’s most unforgettable moments—thanks to guests who brought shock, charm, controversy, and pure star power.
Madonna turned heads when she openly flirted with Johnny Carson, while Michael Jackson’s landmark interview with Oprah shattered viewership records. Angelina Jolie took a more serious turn, opening up about her humanitarian work on Late Show with David Letterman.
Will Smith’s emotional “Red Table Talk” with Jada Pinkett Smith stunned the world with its raw honesty, and Judy Garland’s witty appearance on The Tonight Show still echoes as an iconic moment. Donna Summer boldly challenged sexism during her time with Carson, and Cassandra Peterson’s “Elvira” persona kept audiences intrigued.
Dionne Warwick showed her range by stepping into acting on The Dean Martin Show, while Whitney Houston lit up The Tonight Show with Jay Leno with an unforgettable vocal performance.
Zlatan Ibrahimović charmed The Late Late Show crowd with his larger-than-life personality, and Zsa Zsa Gabor’s unexpected game of Twister on Johnny Carson’s show became late-night legend. Adrienne Barbeau’s captivating stories made waves on The Tonight Show, and David Bowie delivered a mesmerizing performance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Joan Crawford left viewers spellbound with her complex persona on The Merv Griffin Show, and Farrah Fawcett’s famously braless appearance on Carson’s show still sparks conversation decades later.
Each of these guests helped shape late-night TV into the cultural phenomenon it is—one unforgettable moment at a time.
Video below 👇
