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Tiny Tim - Do Ya Think I'm Sexy In this nostalgic performance from the Tonight Show in November 1979, Tiny Tim entertains the audience with his unique rendition of "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," originally a hit by Rod Stewart. Known for his quirky persona and falsetto voice, Tiny Tim brings a comedic twist that is sure to leave viewers chuckling. The video showcases not only Tiny Tim's antics but also highlights the reactions of iconic host Johnny Carson and a brief glimpse of David Letterman, making it a delightful trip down memory lane for fans of classic television. Though the video does not have a transcript available, the visual comedy and Tiny Tim's performance style speak for themselves. This performance encapsulates a time when variety shows ruled the airwaves and unique personalities dominated the stage.
Discussion Points:
- What are your thoughts on Tiny Tim's performance? Did you find it amusing or cringeworthy?
- How do you think acts like Tiny Tim influenced comedic performances today?
- Any other memorable moments from the Tonight Show that come to mind? Feel free to share your thoughts or related experiences in the comments!
- Joined
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Andy Kaufman takes the stage on The Tonight Show clad in a wildly busy comic-strip printed suit and looking like he’s on the verge of a panic attack before even uttering a word. As the band plays the intro to Rod Stewart’s "Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?", he launches into the lyrics in a meek, quavering voice, nervously clutching his face and checking his collar. The contrast between his deeply hesitant, high-strung delivery and the bold disco-pop rhythm creates that signature uncomfortably funny atmosphere he mastered so well.
The routine completely explodes around 01:50, when he drops the timid act and aggressively tears off his suit jacket and red shirt to reveal a white t-shirt underneath. From there, it devolves into pure frantic physical energy as he shouts, flails around, and eventually collapses on the floor pounding his fists at 02:20. The cutaway to Johnny Carson at 02:43 sitting at his desk with an utterly deadpan look before declaring there is simply nothing to be said puts the perfect exclamation mark on the whole stunt as Andy gathers his bags and heads for the couch.
It is a great example of how Kaufman used prime-time network television to push boundaries and test the audience's patience. Instead of delivering conventional jokes, he turned a simple song cover into a bizarre piece of performance art that still feels delightfully unpredictable decades later.
The routine completely explodes around 01:50, when he drops the timid act and aggressively tears off his suit jacket and red shirt to reveal a white t-shirt underneath. From there, it devolves into pure frantic physical energy as he shouts, flails around, and eventually collapses on the floor pounding his fists at 02:20. The cutaway to Johnny Carson at 02:43 sitting at his desk with an utterly deadpan look before declaring there is simply nothing to be said puts the perfect exclamation mark on the whole stunt as Andy gathers his bags and heads for the couch.
It is a great example of how Kaufman used prime-time network television to push boundaries and test the audience's patience. Instead of delivering conventional jokes, he turned a simple song cover into a bizarre piece of performance art that still feels delightfully unpredictable decades later.
