GRAHAM NORTON, 62, REVEALS SIX CELEBRITY GUESTS HE “COULDN’T STAND” — INCLUDING HOLLYWOOD NAMES
LONDON — At the age of 62, beloved Irish television host Graham Norton has revealed for the first time the six celebrity guests on his iconic BBC chat show The Graham Norton Show whom he found the most challenging to interview. In a candid moment that has ignited discussion across entertainment circles, Norton shared behind-the-scenes details that shed new light on what goes into creating relaxed, humorous live celebrity interviews. (News US Fandoms)
Best known for his charm, quick wit and unique red sofa format, Norton has become one of Britain’s most popular talk show hosts since The Graham Norton Show began in 2007. Over nearly two decades, he has welcomed hundreds of high-profile stars — from Hollywood A-listers to global music icons. But as with any long-running TV program, not every guest experience has been smooth. (News US Fandoms)
In a newly circulated video titled “At 62, Graham Norton Names The 6 Guests He Couldn’t Stand,” Norton reflects on moments throughout his career when interviews didn’t go as planned — often due to guest behavior, nerves, or deeper industry dynamics that left him frustrated, surprised, or simply exhausted. (YouTube)
MARK WAHLBERG — “THE INTERVIEW FROM HELL”
Topping Norton’s list is Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, whose 2013 appearance stands out as his “worst guest ever.” Speaking at a literary festival earlier this year, Norton described the experience as an “interview from hell,” recalling how the actor seemed normal at first, but soon became erratic on the show — interrupting other guests and ultimately falling asleep during the filming. (Yahoo News UK)
“What made it so difficult was that he didn’t arrive that way,” Norton said. “About 15 minutes in, whatever was in his system really took hold — and it was hell.” (Yahoo News UK)
This moment has now become a well-known behind-the-scenes anecdote about the unpredictable nature of live celebrity interviews. Despite Norton’s reputation for maintaining a convivial environment, this episode clearly tested his patience and professionalism. (JOE.co.uk)
MICKEY ROURKE — CHAOTIC AND HARD TO HANDLE
Also named among the six was actor Mickey Rourke, whose legendary unpredictability proved challenging for Norton’s production team. According to accounts, Rourke arrived on set with a half-finished bottle of whiskey and chain-smoked throughout, creating an atmosphere that felt more like chaos than an interview opportunity. (News US Fandoms)
Norton’s gentle approach and humor have long been credited with coaxing memorable moments from even reluctant interviewees. But with Rourke, the dynamic was reportedly exhausting — making it hard for Norton to steer the conversation and keep energy levels high for the studio audience. (News US Fandoms)
KEVIN COSTNER — DETACHED AND UNENGAGED
Another guest on Norton’s list is Kevin Costner, who at times seemed detached and reluctant to engage deeply during his interview. Norton explained that while Costner didn’t behave disruptively, his minimal enthusiasm and closed-off responses made the interview feel more like work than entertainment. (News US Fandoms)
Many late-night and daytime talk show hosts rely on the natural flair of their guests to drive conversation, but Costner’s reserved on-camera demeanor challenged Norton’s usual strategy of playful banter and storytelling. (News US Fandoms)
ROBERT DE NIRO — POLITE BUT CLOSED OFF
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro was also mentioned as one of the more difficult guests. Norton described De Niro’s interview as polite but almost entirely closed off, noting that planned anecdotes fell flat or had to be edited out due to lack of engagement. (News US Fandoms)
Despite De Niro’s sizable legacy in film, the interaction reportedly lacked the spark that Norton seeks on his show — leaving studio staff disappointed that the conversation didn’t reach its full potential. (News US Fandoms)
HARVEY WEINSTEIN — PERSISTENT REQUESTS TURNED UNCOMFORTABLE
Perhaps the most controversial name on the list was producer Harvey Weinstein, whom Norton identified not just as a difficult interview but as someone whose persistent, insistent requests for airtime felt “chilling in retrospect.” (News US Fandoms)
Weinstein’s push to be on the show reportedly went beyond typical promotional behavior, creating an uncomfortable experience that Norton has since reflected on with unease — especially given Weinstein’s criminal convictions and broader industry fallout. (NME)
DARYL HANNAH — NERVOUS AND AWKWARD
Finally, Norton listed actress Daryl Hannah, not due to bad behavior but because her anxiety about being on chat shows made for an awkward, flat interview. Norton recalled that Hannah was visibly uncomfortable throughout, making it hard to create the playful dynamic for which his show is known. (Yahoo News UK)
Despite her discomfort, Hannah reportedly felt triumphant afterward — a moment Norton later described with warmth, even though the episode itself was difficult to navigate. (Yahoo News UK)
A HOST WHO REMAINS BELOVED — EVEN WHEN HONEST
Graham Norton’s willingness to share his honest experiences with difficult guests adds a rare layer of transparency to the polished world of celebrity interviews. While some hosts avoid speaking about negative experiences, Norton’s reflections reveal the human side of entertainment — where humor, nerves, and personality all intersect. (News US Fandoms)
Fans and media commentators alike have responded with a mix of amusement and surprise at the list, noting that even the most seasoned host can face unpredictable moments on live television. As Norton continues his career, his candid recounting of these tough interviews reminds audiences that even the most celebrated platforms are shaped by very real, very messy human interaction. (News US Fandoms)
