CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago is counting down to the Oscars this weekend, with Conan O’Brien hosting for the very first time.
The comedian took time out from his rehearsals to say he’ll be ready on Hollywood’s biggest night, and has a lot of love for Chicago.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
“I used to live in Wrigleyville, and my roommate was Jeff Garlin from ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’ We lived on the top floor, and he would always make me carry his laundry up the stairs,” O’Brien shared. “I performed in a show there with my friends Robert Schmigel and Bob Odenkirk. It was called ‘Happy Happy Good Show.’ Chicago is truly my happy place; the audiences are intelligent, welcoming, and warm.”
O’Brien also learned to Irish dance in Chicago.
Oscars 2025: Everything you need to know about the 97th Academy Awards
“There was a regrettable incident in my career where I accidentally kicked a young lady in the back of the head while attempting big kicks,” O’Brien recalled. “Fortunately, she was okay. To make amends, I took her to Twin Anchors and treated her to some ribs. I’ve had the pleasure of filming many lighthearted and enjoyable projects with locals from Chicago. In comedy, mistakes can lead to golden moments. Embrace mishaps as they provide an opportunity to connect with the audience and show that we are all human. This is where improv skills can really shine.”
O’Brien even said he wants to visit ABC7 Chicago’s Hosea Sanders next time he’s in town.
“I have great admiration for everything you have going on, and I would love to visit your apartment someday and hang out because it seems like the coolest place in the world,” he expressed. “There was a moment when I was feeling low, doubting my appearance at the Oscars on Sunday, but witnessing your joy, lifestyle, and demeanor has reignited my enthusiasm to keep pushing forward.”
March 2 is Oscar Sunday! Watch the 2025 Oscars live on ABC and Hulu.
Live red carpet coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.”
Watch all the action on the red carpet live on ABC, streaming live on OnTheRedCarpet.com and on the On the Red Carpet Facebook and YouTube pages.
The 97th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. and will be followed by a special preview of “American Idol.”
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