Jack Hanna On Letterman: A Lookback On Their Iconic Relationship
For over two decades, Jack Hanna has been a frequent guest on the Late Show with David Letterman. The beloved animal expert and conservationist has brought a wide range of creatures onto the set, from giant snakes to baby tigers. But it wasn't just the animals that made Hanna's appearances so memorable.
The Early Years
Hanna first appeared on Letterman's show in 1985, when he was the director of the Columbus Zoo. He brought a variety of animals with him, including a sloth and a penguin. The segment was a hit, and Hanna became a regular guest.
Over the years, Hanna's appearances on the show became more elaborate. He brought in more exotic animals, and he and Letterman developed a playful rapport. Hanna would often tease Letterman about his fear of snakes or spiders, and Letterman would joke about Hanna's khaki wardrobe.
The Animals
Of course, the animals were always the main attraction. Hanna brought in all kinds of creatures, from adorable baby animals to massive snakes and crocodiles. Some of the most memorable moments include:
The Penguins
In one segment, Hanna brought in a group of penguins. Letterman was particularly taken with one penguin, which he named "Pete." The penguin became a recurring character on the show, and Letterman even had a fake feud with Pete.
The Komodo Dragon
In another segment, Hanna brought in a giant Komodo dragon. Letterman was visibly nervous around the massive lizard, and Hanna had to reassure him that it was safe.
The Cheetah
In perhaps the most iconic segment, Hanna brought in a cheetah. The big cat was incredibly fast, and Hanna had to hold on tight as it ran around the studio. Letterman was in awe of the cheetah, and the segment became a classic.
The Jokes
While the animals were the stars of the show, Hanna and Letterman's banter was just as entertaining. The two developed a playful dynamic, with Hanna teasing Letterman about his fear of animals and Letterman poking fun at Hanna's khaki outfits.
Some of the best jokes from their segments include:
"Is it Dangerous?"
Letterman would often ask Hanna if the animals he brought on were dangerous. Hanna would always reply with a deadpan "No, not at all." This became a running joke on the show.
"What's in the Bag?"
Hanna would often bring in animals in bags or boxes. Letterman would ask what was in the bag, and Hanna would reply with something like "Oh, just a little something I picked up on the way over."
The Khaki Jokes
Letterman would often make fun of Hanna's khaki outfits, saying things like "Is that the only shirt you own?" or "Did you get dressed in the dark?" Hanna would always take the jokes in stride.
The Legacy
Jack Hanna's appearances on Letterman were beloved by audiences and helped to make him a household name. He became known as a passionate advocate for conservation and animal welfare, and his work on the show helped to raise awareness about these issues.
Question and Answer:
Q: Did Jack Hanna ever get hurt on the show?
A: There were a few close calls, but Hanna never suffered any serious injuries. In one segment, a large snake wrapped around his neck and started to squeeze, but Hanna was able to stay calm and remove the snake safely.
The Response
The response to Jack Hanna's appearances on Letterman was overwhelmingly positive. Audiences loved seeing the animals up close and personal, and Hanna's easygoing personality made him a fan favorite. Many people credit him with inspiring them to care more about animal welfare and conservation.
The Legacy
Jack Hanna's appearances on Letterman helped to cement his status as a beloved animal expert and conservationist. He went on to have his own TV shows and continued to work tirelessly to promote animal welfare throughout his career.
Summary Table:
| Animal | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sloth | 1985 | Hanna's first appearance |
| Penguin | 1990 | Letterman names the penguin "Pete" |
| Komodo dragon | 1994 | Letterman is nervous around the lizard |
| Cheetah | 1997 | The iconic cheetah segment |
Conclusion
Jack Hanna's appearances on Letterman were a highlight of the show for over two decades. The combination of exotic animals and playful banter between Hanna and Letterman made for some unforgettable moments. Hanna's legacy as a passionate advocate for animal welfare and conservation continues to inspire people today.
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