That time Cher calls Letterman an “a$$hole” [1986]
Birthdays: Fashionistas Naomi Campbell and The Unabomber
Twisted History: May 22, 2025
On this day in 1986, singer-actress Cher called David Letterman an “asshole” during an appearance on his show. The late-night host responded by smashing a beer bottle over her head, prompting Cher to level Letterman with a folding chair.
On this day in 1992, Johnny Carson ended his 30-year reign as “the king of late night television,” retiring for undisclosed health reasons on the advice of his longtime bandleader and personal physician Doc Severinsen.
On this day in 2004, filmmaker Michael Moore won the top prize at Cannes for "Fahrenheit 9/11," his searing documentary starring George W. Bush as an incompetent clown who responds to a devastating act of terrorism by invading a country that was not involved.
Today’s Birthdays:
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930): author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries and host of the true crime podcast “No Shit, Sherlock.”
Bernie Taupin, 75: lyricist who partnered with Elton John on such risqué classics as “Don’t Go Breaking My Balls,” “Saturday Night’s Alright for Boinking” and “Tiny Pole Dancer.”
Naomi Campbell, 55: noted supermodel, runway model, role model, model citizen; first black model train enthusiast to appear on the cover of Model Railroader magazine.
Theodore Kaczynski (1942-2023): noted domestic terrorist / murderer; fashion icon who popularized the “Unabomber look” featuring a hoodie, aviator sunglasses and shady-looking porn mustache.