Before
we bring this rodeo to a close, I think a couple things should be
said. There has been a lot of speculation in the press about
what I legally can and can't say about NBC. And this isn't a
joke. To set the record straight, tonight I am allowed to say
anything I want...
[An audience
member then laughed.]
Um, no,
it's not a joke, but thanks, Sir. Tonight I really am allowed
to say whatever i want, and what I want to say is this:
Between my time at "Saturday Night Live," the "Late
Night" show, and my brief run here on "The Tonight Show,"
I have worked with NBC for over 20 years. Yes, we have our differences
right now and yes, we're going our separate ways. But, this
company has been my home for most of my adult life. I am enormously
proud of the work we have done together, and I want to thank NBC for
making it all possible. I really do.
[The
audience applauded.]
A lot
of people have been asking me about my state of mind, and I'll be
honest with you: Walking
away from "The Tonight Show" is the hardest thing I have
ever had to do. Making this choice has been enormously difficult.
This is the best job in the world. I absolutely love doing it,
and I have the best staff and crew in the history of the medium.
I will fight anyone who says I don't, but no one would.
But,
despite this sense of loss, I really feel this should be a happy moment.
Every comedian... every comedian dreams of hosting "The
Tonight Show," and, for seven months, I got to do it. I
did it my way, with people I love. I do not regret one second
of anything that we've done here.
[The
audience applauded again.]
And
yeah... and I encounter people when I walk on the street now who are
just, uh, who give me sort of a sad look. I have had more good
fortune than anyone I know, and if our next gig is doing a show in
a 7-11 parking lot, we'll find a way to make it fun. We really
will. I have no problems. And, I don't want to do it in
a 7-11 parking lot.
[The
audience laughed.]
But,
whatever. Uh, finally, I have something to say to our fans.
The massive outpouring of support and passion from so many people
has been overwhelming for me. The rallies, the signs, all this
goofy, outrageous creativity on the Internet, and the fact that people
have traveled long distances and camped out all night in the pouring
rain...
[The
audience cheered.]
It's
pouring! It's been pouring for days and they're camping out
to be in our audience. Really, you... Here's what all
of you have done. you made a sad situation joyous and inspirational.
So,
to all the people watching, I can never, ever thank you enough for
your kindness to me, and I'll think about it for the rest of my life.
All
I ask is one thing, and this is... I'm asking this particularly of
the young people that watch: Please do not be cynical.
I hate cynicism. For the record, it's my least favourite quality.
It doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody
in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get.
But, if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will
happen. I'm telling you: Amazing things will happen.
[The
audience applauded.]
I'm
telling you. It's just true.
As
proof, let's make an amazing thing happen right now. Here to
close out our show are a few good friends, led by Mr. Will Ferrell...
