On July 28, 1987, actor Crispin Glover made headlines when he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. The promotion for his film River’s Edge quickly turned into an unforgettable moment that would leave the late-night host visibly shocked. Glover’s peculiar behavior, which included wearing a wig and platform shoes, set the tone for an interview that deviated sharply from the norm.
As Glover walked onto the stage, it was evident that he was not in a typical promotional mindset. His demeanor was nervous and awkward, which prompted David Letterman to begin with straightforward questions. Yet, Glover struggled to engage in a conventional dialogue. Within minutes, he shifted to a disjointed monologue about how the press misrepresented him, even pulling out newspaper clippings to read excerpts to the audience.
When Letterman pointed out Glover’s apparent distress, the conversation took a bizarre turn. Glover unexpectedly challenged Letterman to an arm wrestling match, which the host declined. In a surprising move, Glover then kicked in Letterman’s direction, stopping just short of making contact. This prompted Letterman to stand up and leave the set, stating, “I’m going to check on the Top Ten.” Upon returning from a commercial break, Glover had disappeared, and Letterman explained to the audience that the actor had a cab to catch, considering the notorious traffic in Midtown Manhattan.
“I would’ve loved to have chatted more with Crispin Glover, but I understand he had a cab to catch. Traffic this time of night here in Midtown is pretty brutal,” Letterman said, attempting to maintain a lighthearted tone amidst the awkwardness.
This appearance did not mark the end of Glover’s interactions with Letterman. Just weeks later, he returned to the show, where his behavior was equally peculiar. Glover spent much of the time laughing uncontrollably and stuttering, providing no clear explanation for his previous antics.
Over the years, speculation has arisen about whether Glover was portraying a character from his upcoming film Rubin & Ed, which would later see limited release in the United States. Glover himself has remained tight-lipped about the incident, often responding to inquiries with humor. He has stated,
“I neither confirm nor deny that I was ever on the David Letterman show.”
Fans and critics alike have been left to interpret Glover’s intentions, with some suggesting that he was performing a piece of avant-garde art that simply went over the heads of the audience and host alike.
For those seeking deeper insight into Glover’s motivations, he has invited people to attend his live shows, where he offers a more detailed account—under the condition that they are not media representatives. In the absence of definitive answers, the incident remains a curious chapter in late-night television history, illustrating the unpredictable nature of live performances.
While the exact reasons behind Glover’s actions may never be fully understood, the moment continues to resonate as a reminder of the unexpected turns that can unfold on live television.
