The Rosie O'Donnell Show
June 14, 1996

Nathan appeared during the first week of Rosie's new talk show. Not to be outdone by Rosie's first guest, George Clooney, who brought her flowers and champagne, Nathan brought Rosie a gift, too -- a "Lane tradition": a bottle of Thunderbird and a jar of Major Grey's Chutney ("a breakfast treat - wonderful on English muffins"). The chia pet didn't make it through the Lincoln Tunnel.
They talked about the "Barbara Bush" connection to his drag appearance in The Birdcage ("I model everything after Barbara Bush. She's my idol.") He congratulated Rosie on the success of her show.

More highlights:

N: "People drive up on tractors and say 'You helped me get in touch with my feminine side ... I now realize I have a flair for color.'"

N: "[Robin Williams] is a one-man Shriner's convention ... incredibly generous and supportive."
N: On meeting Clint Eastwood in drag [Nathan in drag, not Eastwood]: "If you're ever doing another western, maybe you'll consider me. 'Yeah, as the school marm.'"

R: Spoke of Nathan's Tony and how fabulous he was as the host for the Tony Awards show.

N: Spoke of the low viewing audience for the Tonys ("If they had gotten Turbo from American Gladiators ..."). I guess things have changed.

Nathan kind of kidded Rosie about her appearance in Grease, but also complimented her on the good reviews.

N: "I want to make more movies ... I'm exhausted. It's worse than a Kathie Lee Gifford sweat shop."

N: On being approached by people who seem to know him from his youth: "'Would you sign this? Would you take a picture with the family? Would you come live with us? We have a room!'"

Nathan and Rosie discussed proud brothers named Danny (they each have one).

Rosie brought out a stuffed Timon doll and said "That's you!", then brought out a Pumbaa doll "Here's Ernie!". There was a comment about Rescue 911 and Timon giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to an iguana ("That's another story."), then Rosie asked Nathan to sing Hakuna Matata as they waved the stuffed animals around (to the crowd: "Come on, you know the words!").

Mutual admiration and cheek-kisses were exchanged and that was it.



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