Winter-2022

always the host’s show. It’s Late Night 101. Q: You left “The Daily Show” to host “The Late Late Show” on CBS. Can you tell us about that experience? What were some of your favorite parts of the job? A: The CBS “Late Late Show” was easily my favorite job. I did it for five years and had a blast. I was living in Dennis Hopper’s old house in the Hollywood Hills and during the day, was hosting a network late-night show—my career goal. I loved working on the com- edy for the show with my writer friends. And I got to interview so many great people—Bill Murray, Willie Mays, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Will Ferrell. And of course, the legendary Clint Eastwood—thanks to my friend from Carmel, Dina Ruiz. She was married to Clint and told him to do the show. Thanks, Dina. Q: What are some of your most cherished experiences working in Monterey/Carmel, and beyond? A: Well, I was working in Salinas and living in Carmel—in a small studio apartment right next to Katy’s Place. I simply fell in love with the area. Carmel-by-the-Sea is my favorite place in the world. I come back all the time—there’s nothing better than Christmas in Carmel. I just celebrat- ed my birthday there in August and went to my favorite restaurant, L’Escargot. My friend Kerry Loutas is the owner/chef and he does an amaz- ing job. He uses just the right amount of butter. Of course, the next day I run on the beach to burn all those decadent calories. Q: Tell us what you are up to now.You have a wonderful new podcast out? A: I have this very satisfying Instagram ac- count—mrcraigkilborn—where I celebrate my magical life and my aristocratic sensibility and valiantly try to help and heal the young people. And that led to my new podcast “The Life Gorgeous” where I interview friends or maybe the head coach of my Minnesota Timber- wolves, Chris Finch.We cover a variety of top- ics, including the top five movies of all time, favorite Italian dish, the right way to live, and the magic of crumbled blue cheese. It’s my way of giving back to the old fans. Eventually, I have an obligation to write a book of my adventures in late night and in life. The working title is “Above the Fray.” I definitely have a unique perspective. I’m a bit of an enigma. I liked working in late night, but I loved leaving. I escaped the silliness. And now as the world has gone mad, I’m a non-participant. Most of my time is spent either in a French restaurant or in my mahogany-paneled den. And it’s in my mahogany-paneled den, ladies and gentlemen, where I listen to Bill Evans and watch old Hitchcock movies, enjoying red wine and cheese and…living “The Life Gorgeous.” Craig Kilborn has starred in several hit films, including “Benchwarmers,” “Bojack Horsman,” “Expendable,” and is pictured here in the cult classic, “Old School”—alongside co-stars Will Farrell, Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Ellen Pompeo and Elisha Cuthbert. Photo: TCD/Prod.DB /Alamy Stock Photo 130 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 “In 1989, I got hired by KCBA in Salinas, which serves the Salinas/Monterey/Santa Cruz areas, the 110th market in the country and the most beautiful market in the country.”