John Oliver is a huge fan of soap operas and primetime dramas. Now, he wants to explore those worlds. The Last Week Tonight host made a passionate plea to dive into a “juicy” soap role.
Key Takeaways
- John Oliver made an impassioned on-air plea on Last Week Tonight, challenging casting directors to give him a role that’s “juicy” and features his dramatic close-up.
- Oliver is a self-proclaimed “longtime fan” of the genre’s unhinged drama, which suggests it’s more than a joke—it’s a genuine career transition.
- Which soap opera is waiting for Oliver’s cameo?
John Oliver Wants to Get Into Soaps
As previously reported via Deadline, on the latest installment of Last Week Tonight, the late-night host dedicated a portion of his segment to lobbying for a “juicy” role on a soap opera. In his 10-minute monologue, Oliver shared his passion for daytime drama.
The political commentator and comedian was inspired by Stephen A. Smith’s recurring role on General Hospital as “Brick.” Oliver admitted that he was “jealous.” He made a passionate plea to casting directors to get him a “ridiculous” role on any of the big five soaps.
“To all the soap operas out there, let me say this: I am officially offering myself to you,” Oliver declared. “Write me a role, and I’ll be on your set so fast, it’ll make your head spin.”
But first, Oliver admitted that he has “a few conditions.” He doesn’t want to guest-star as himself, as other celebrities or public figures do. Oliver also wants a “ridiculous” and “juicy” storyline that involves someone either getting “slapped” or murdered.
Or, maybe it could involve “someone’s long-lost” relative. But most importantly, Oliver wants to focus on the “dramatic closeup of my face.” He promised that he would “give my all” to be a soap star.
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Fully Committed to the Bit
Oliver demonstrated his passion for this career transition. He followed up with a reenactment of Smith’s hospital shooting spree on GH. 30 Rock alum Jack McBrayer joined Oliver for the skit.
He took on the role of Colonel Sanders, an old-school callout to George Hamilton’s portrayal of the KFC founder on the ABC soap in 2018. But it wasn’t all fun and light-hearted jokes on the talk show. Oliver then addressed the latest U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
But this plea has us wondering which daytime drama is best-suited for Oliver. He already expressed his love for General Hospital and how it incorporates outside talent.
He could take on the role of a bumbling but sinister British agent who arrives in Port Charles claiming to be a long-lost cousin of the Cassadines. Or he could appear on DAYS, which is known for its wild plots. Oliver could play a mild-mannered librarian in Salem who’s the mastermind behind a new cult.
Who should write John Oliver’s soap opera debut? Sound off below in the comments section with the ridiculous plot and name you’d give his alter-ego.
READ: Why HBO Max host John Oliver thinks Doctor Odyssey Season 2 should be a given.
