Tiffany Haddish and Marlon Wayans had an appropriately humorous and heartfelt reunion on the Oct. 19 episode of “The Ellen Show,” during which Haddish asked an unexpected question that developed into an honest, genuine resolution.
Haddish was flexing her emcee muscles as guest host and filling in for Ellen DeGeneres as a temporary replacement. The two stars were joking around and reminiscing about their long friendship when Haddish seized the chance to ask Wayans something she appeared to have wanted to bring up for some time.
“So this is something I’ve been wanting to bring up now,” started Haddish. “I know we friends and I know you love me.”
“I adore you, girl,” Wayans interrupted.
“And you have helped me in so many different aspects and gave me some great advice,” she continued. “But this is what I want to know. I have auditioned for so many of your movies that your friends, family on. Why do I never get cast?”
“Here’s the thing,” Wayans began before Haddish interrupted.
“You even made a role. That said, Tiffany Haddish type. I auditioned for my film. I auditioned to play me,” Haddish emphasized to audience laughter.
Wayans was blunt. “You wasn’t right for the part,” he stated, to more laughter.
“Here’s what happened,” Wayans continued. “Me and my family always say you’re funny. As producers, you hire people and you cast people. You were always funny. But you were always on 10. And sometimes you just be inappropriate. It’s like a love scene and you want to sit on the actor’s lap and fart.”
“It’s like, no, Tiffany, it’s not for this scene,” he laughed. “So it was just maturation hit you.”
“It’s like for me even, right now, I feel like I’m ready for — I’ve been preparing 30 years for what’s happening to me right now,” he added. “And it all happens to you at a certain time when maturity and that stardom hits you. Never nothing personal. We love you. Always thought you was funny. And me and my family proud of you.”
Wayans also thanked Haddish for bringing his niece onto her new production company She Ready and congratulated her efforts. He joked that if it’s relatives Haddish needs, he has more where that came from.
“I’m so proud of you,” Wayans said. “But I’m happier that you actually employed my niece so I don’t have to. Because I got too many to take care of. You going to do a He Ready? Because I got some nephews to help out too.”
YouTube viewers were impressed by the frank discussion between the two comedians and Wayans’ candid response, with some comments suggesting that Haddish would do well to heed his advice.
One commenter said, “I respect and I’m sure she can appreciate his feedback. He’s seasoned and he didn’t B.S. her. All celebrities should have a mentor that is willing to give appropriate feedback and criticism. That was dope and love.
A user posted, “Loved this…especially her witty comebacks. She asked a very hard question at the end and took the answer like a champ! Ellen should definitely have her on as a temp host more often. She ready!”
Another post said, “He spoke straight facts, I hope she understands and applies what he said to her about always being on 10.”
The Oct. 19 appearance wasn’t the first time Tiffany has acted as host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” She came on as guest host on a show at the start of October, when she called the date the “Tiffany Haddish Show,” and she was largely a big hit with viewers.
