On July 28, 1987, actor Crispin Glover made headlines during his appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. The star of the film River’s Edge delivered a performance that quickly deviated from the traditional late-night interview format, leaving both the host and the audience bewildered.
From the moment Glover entered the stage, his demeanor was markedly different. He wore a wig and platform shoes, and his apparent nervousness set the tone for what was to come. Initially, David Letterman posed standard interview questions, but Glover struggled to engage, leading to an increasingly awkward exchange.
Within minutes, Glover began to express his frustrations regarding media coverage. He pulled out newspaper clippings from his pocket and read excerpts, seemingly disregarding the interview. Letterman pointed out Glover’s distress, prompting an unusual request from the actor to arm wrestle. When Letterman declined, Glover unexpectedly launched a kick towards him, stopping mere inches from the host’s face. This moment proved too much for Letterman, who stood up and exited the set, saying he would check on the show’s “Top Ten.”
Upon returning from a commercial break, Letterman informed the audience that Glover had left. “I would’ve loved to have chatted more with Crispin Glover, but I understand he had a cab to catch,” Letterman explained, referring to the heavy traffic in Midtown Manhattan.
Glover made a second appearance on Letterman’s show a few weeks later, which was marked by similarly erratic behavior. He spent much of the time laughing nervously and stuttering, offering no clear explanation for his previous antics.
The bizarre nature of Glover’s first appearance has led to speculation over the years that he may have been performing as his character from the film Rubin & Ed, which was released in the United States five years later. Nonetheless, Glover has remained tight-lipped about that night. When asked in interviews, he often responds humorously, stating, “I neither confirm nor deny that I was ever on the David Letterman show.”
Glover’s cryptic responses only add to the intrigue surrounding his memorable late-night visit. For those seeking further insight, he encourages fans to attend his live shows, where he shares more detailed stories—albeit not about his infamous Letterman experience.
Ultimately, Glover’s unpredictable performance left an indelible mark on late-night television history, illustrating the fine line between entertainment and confusion. As audiences continue to speculate about what truly happened that night, the incident remains a defining moment for both the actor and the late-night host.
