Greg Gutfeld Talks Career Struggles, Getting Fired, and the Success of What Did I Miss? on The Tonight Show

Greg Gutfeld, the host of Gutfeld! and co-host of The Five on Fox News, recently made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he shared some fascinating and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his career. From his first meeting with Fallon—where he was literally tackled by the host—to reflecting on the many jobs he was fired from, Gutfeld offered a candid glimpse into his rise to fame and the role failure played in shaping his success. He also opened up about his latest project, the game show What Did I Miss?, and how it’s become a key part of his career.

A Tackle That Started It All

One of the most memorable moments from Gutfeld’s Tonight Show interview was when he recounted his first meeting with Jimmy Fallon. The two were introduced in a somewhat unconventional way—Fallon tackled him. “I got tackled by Jimmy the first time we met,” Gutfeld shared, laughing as he recalled the encounter. While this may sound like an unusual introduction, Gutfeld explained that their playful interaction helped break the ice and set the tone for the friendship and professional relationship that would follow.

This lighthearted exchange between the two was a perfect reminder of Gutfeld’s laid-back approach to life. Despite the challenges he faced in his career, his sense of humor and ability to laugh at himself have been key to his success. The tackle may have been an unexpected start, but it helped pave the way for Gutfeld’s impressive journey in television.

Getting Fired: A Blessing in Disguise

Gutfeld also took the opportunity to reflect on his career trajectory, particularly the many jobs he was fired from before landing his current roles at Fox News. Far from being a source of shame, Gutfeld now sees getting fired as one of the best things that ever happened to him. “Getting fired is the best thing that happened to me,” Gutfeld said, sharing his belief that those experiences were instrumental in shaping his career.

Throughout the interview, Gutfeld explained that being fired often led him to take risks and make bold decisions, which ultimately led to his current success. “Failure teaches you a lot. It makes you tougher and more creative,” he admitted. In a world where success is often praised, Gutfeld’s story is a reminder that setbacks are an inevitable part of life—and sometimes, they can lead to the greatest opportunities.

The Family Touch: Gutfeld’s Mom as Senior Correspondent

Greg Gutfeld shares hilarious story on how he first met Jimmy Fallon during  'Tonight Show' appearance

In a touching and humorous moment, Gutfeld shared a personal story about his mother’s involvement in his work at Fox News. He revealed that he had named his mom a senior correspondent on Gutfeld! as a fun and affectionate gesture. “I named my mom a senior correspondent on my show. She has no idea what she’s doing, but she’s fantastic,” Gutfeld joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

This playful inclusion of his mom not only highlights Gutfeld’s sense of humor but also underscores the importance of family in his life. His ability to mix personal moments with professional success gives his shows a unique and relatable touch, one that resonates with viewers who appreciate his authenticity and lighthearted approach.

What Did I Miss? – A New Game Show Venture

The conversation took a turn when Gutfeld discussed his latest project—What Did I Miss?, a game show that has captured the attention of audiences for its fun, fast-paced format. Gutfeld described the show as a fresh take on current events, with contestants trying to answer questions related to the news in a humorous and engaging way.

“It’s a game show where people answer questions about the news, but we make it fun,” Gutfeld explained. The show has been well-received for its ability to blend entertainment and education, offering viewers a lighthearted way to stay informed about the world. Gutfeld’s ability to bring his unique comedic style to the format has made What Did I Miss? a hit, and fans are excited to see where it goes next.

The game show is a natural extension of Gutfeld’s brand of humor, where he takes serious topics and finds a way to make them entertaining without losing their importance. Whether it’s through his late-night antics or his hosting gig on What Did I Miss?, Gutfeld continues to captivate audiences with his sharp wit and irreverent take on current events.

The Takeaway: Gutfeld’s Journey to Success

Greg Gutfeld’s appearance on The Tonight Show was a reminder that success in television doesn’t always come from a straight path. From getting tackled by Jimmy Fallon to being fired from numerous jobs, Gutfeld’s journey has been full of unexpected twists and turns. However, he has always found a way to turn setbacks into stepping stones, ultimately finding his place in the competitive world of late-night television.

Through it all, Gutfeld has maintained his sense of humor, relatability, and a deep appreciation for the people and experiences that have shaped his career. Whether he’s sharing stories about his mom, reminiscing about being tackled by Fallon, or discussing his game show What Did I Miss?, Gutfeld continues to prove that the road to success is never straightforward—but with determination, creativity, and a lot of laughs, anything is possible.