How to be like Jimmy Fallon
I was recently contemplating the popularity of Jimmy Fallon. I think Americans can become obsessed with all kinds of celebrities, but we tend to fall deeply in love with those who are somehow able to win our hearts without manipulating or tricking us into it. Celebs like Julia Roberts, Ellen DeGeneres, Tom Hanks and Tina Fey all have a ton of talent, but in some way they do not fit the cookie-cutter mold of their contemporaries, making us love them even more. While we cannot all be famous or even funny—we can take a few tips from one of America’s latest sweethearts.
Be utterly and completely into what you are doing.
Whatever your late night viewing preferences may be, I doubt you will find any host more into his guests and audience than Jimmy Fallon. Whether it’s a hilarious game, an amazing interview or his nightly monologue, he is 100% present and accounted-for. Fallon is so present, it is almost palpable.
Be imperfectly perfect.
Jimmy Fallon is not perfect, but he works at achieving perfection. It’s obvious that the show is well organized and orchestrated. Yet Fallon does not come across as a highly rehearsed product like so many in his genre seem to do. Fallon’s funniest moments actually happen when he flubs a line or misunderstands what someone is saying to him.
Be authentic.
Fallon seems to be exactly who he appears to be. He is not overly humble, but he is not arrogant, either. He has certainly made huge leaps in his career, but aside from the expensive suits and nicer hair you would never know it. Fallon comes across as totally authentic—the genuine article.
“We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.”
― May Sarton
