The New York Observer - David Letterman Article

The New York Observer - David Letterman Article

For David Letterman, it was a little touch of Harry in the night:

On Monday, Nov. 3, at 11:58 p.m., Mr. Letterman and his longtime girlfriend, Regina Lasko, became the parents of a nine-pound, 11-ounce, 21-inch boy, who took his first public breath at New York Hospital on East 68th Street, near York Avenue.

Mr. Letterman, 56 years old, announced the birth—which had taken place while his program, which was being guest-hosted by his band leader Paul Shaffer, was being broadcast on the east coast—on the CBS Late Show Tuesday night.

"I could never imagine ever being a part of something that turned out this beautiful," Mr. Letterman told his audience, holding a photograph. "He’s 9 pounds, 11 ounces...21 inches long.

"Here’s the name of the boy, I named him after my father. My father — this is interesting perhaps only to me. My father passed away when he was 57. I’m 56 years old and yesterday I had my first child. So I named him for my father and his name is Harry Joseph Letterman. So God bless Dad and God bless Harry."

Then, of course, he went into the Lettermanese:

"First thing I took him home and dangled him over the balcony."

Minutes later, he turned the event—a blissful one for a man who has undergone the works in the past few years—open-heart surgery, shingles, anxiety, self-doubt—into part of his rather courageous Eric Eriksonian evolution as a human being.

He also presented a Top Ten List called "Reasons I’m Excited to be a Father:"

1. There is now tangible evidence that I have had sex

2. Two words: Swedish nanny

3. Anxious to put to use all the practice I’ve had raising my pet monkey, Kenny

4. Great new excuse for not hanging out with Regis

5. I stocked up on moist towelettes from the hospital supply room

6. Asking Mom to watch baby perfect way to keep her away from dog track

7. Only the most cold-hearted state trooper would ticket a guy with an adorable baby

8. My used hairpieces make cuddly, fuzzy pals

9. All of America will get to watch him grow up on television, just like Cody Gifford!

10. Instead of "You suck, Dave," I can look forward to "You suck, Dad."

It was, as usual, pretty damned funny TV writing. And, all in all the moment, as so many things Mr. Letterman has been involved with in past few years, was pretty damned human, courageous and moving. From the most ironic American comedian—the man who practically gave his generation irony—Mr. Letterman has, like the country he speaks to, become direct, scarred, and strangely, emotionally direct.

Which put him at odds with the weird attack that NBC had opened up Monday, which took shape in The New York Times, as NBC Entertainment chairman Jeff Zucker declared decisive, incontrovertible victory in the Late Night Wars, telling Bill Carter rather gracelessly, "There is no more late night war." And: "The national media has always been more drawn to the dark, brooding cynicism of Dave, rather than the populist wit of Jay."

Dark, brooding ….

Could Harry have showed up at any more crucial moment in the battle? Yes, it was true, as Mr. Zucker emerged "crowing," The Tonight Show with Jay Leno led Mr. Letterman by two million viewers, and two million is a great many viewers. But leaping into the fray to help his new daddy from day one comes what new warrior? Harry! Showing his father’s humanity, his decency, his growth as a human being! Could any baby do any more?

And 3.8 million viewers or not, David Letterman is now playing to an audience of one.

Congratulations, Dave and Regina.

And congratulations, Harry Joseph Letterman, on having a great dad.

"It’s a boy! Letterman reborn"

By JOE HAGAN

Late Show With David Letterman Webpage>

The NY Observer
Article

November 5th 2003

The NY Observer David Letterman article

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