How I Got This Way (25 page)

WHAT I TOOK AWAY FROM IT ALL

New York is a breeze as long as you’re lucky enough to know the somebody who knows all the other right somebodies.

A generous spirit is an unforgettable spirit—and also irreplaceable.

My great friend and the entertainment reporter, Claudia Cohen, opened up New York City for me when I first arrived.

Steve Friedman

Fifteen fun-filled years later I would sing “Thanks for the Memories” to Kathie Lee on the day she left the show.

Steve Friedman

And then, in 2001, the exuberant Kelly Ripa came on and the laughs continued.

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In the time between cohosts, I won my first Emmy! Later, Kelly and I managed to get one together.

© American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

But awards aside, the real thrills have been in meeting and getting to know some truly amazing people.

Jack Paar was the one who showed me what my true talent was—it was what he did so well to open his own show:
just talk about your daily adventures.

The very wise, droll, and somewhat mysterious Charles Grodin always kept me on my toes. I never knew what he’d say—or what he meant after he’d said it.

Steve Friedman

Jerry Seinfeld, of course, stole our show’s philosophy of talking about “nothing” and became a billionaire. But I still think his is the best sitcom ever!

Then there’s Dave Letterman, making a rare guest appearance on our show. We’ve had some memorable moments together on his show as well. . . .

Disney/ABC Domestic Television

How could I ever forget the Christmas I became the good cheer guy on Dave’s
Late Night
holiday card . . .

Worldwide Pants, Inc.

or the time Dave desperately tried to figure out who the surprise guest was under that Shrek costume? (Me, of course!)

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