Unexpected reunion of late-night hosts: Greg Gutfeld recalls his intoxicated initial encounter with Jimmy Fallon
In the heart of New York City's Hell's Kitchen, 15 years ago, an unlikely friendship blossomed between two popular talk show hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Greg Gutfeld. Their first meeting took place at an illegal speakeasy bar owned by their mutual friend Tracy, a larger-than-life character described as a cross between a Viking and another Viking[1][3].
The bar, known for its intense, covert atmosphere, was a far cry from the polished studios where Fallon and Gutfeld now work. Gutfeld joked that it looked "like a place where special ops forces waterboard terrorists"[1]. Tracy, the owner, was known for his affordability, albeit in a questionable manner ("if you want somebody dead, he'll do it")[1].
Both hosts were wasted during their encounter, which included a memorable drunken wrestling bout. Fallon tackled Gutfeld "like a giant golden retriever" and later wrestled Gutfeld’s friend Andy as well[1][2]. This story was shared by Gutfeld on Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show" in August 2025, where both reflected on their chaotic first meeting with warmth and humor[1][2][3].
Fast forward to the present day, and the duo's careers have taken very different paths. While Fallon continues to host "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", his ratings have dipped, drawing only 1.19 million viewers and 157,000 in the 18-49 demographic[4]. On the other hand, Gutfeld, now the host of "Gutfeld!", leads the nighttime chat show pack with 3.289 million viewers and 238,000 in the 18-49 demographic[5].
Despite their professional success, the bond between Fallon and Gutfeld remains strong. Reminiscing about their past, Fallon once warned Gutfeld that cigarettes would kill him. However, a later encounter saw Fallon returning to the bar with a fresh pack of cigarettes for Gutfeld[2].
Meanwhile, Kat Timpf, co-host of "The Five", has been making headlines. After returning to Fox News' late-night show following maternity leave, she was subject to mockery by Gutfeld[6]. Shaquille O'Neal also made waves with a viral moment on Jimmy Fallon's show, although the details remain unclear[7].
In other news, NBC has cut "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to four nights a week[8]. Cigarettes, expensive in New York City, were a part of Gutfeld's story, with him smoking one at the bar, only for it to be grabbed by Fallon and thrown away[2].
Recently, Gutfeld appeared on "The Tonight Show" to promote a new game show he's hosting[9]. Despite rumors of a drinking problem last year, both hosts seem to have moved on, their friendship standing the test of time and the spotlight.
References: 1. [The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 2025] 2. [Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show", 2025] 3. [Greg Gutfeld's "Gutfeld!", 2025] 4. [Nielsen Ratings, 2022] 5. [Nielsen Ratings, 2022] 6. [Fox News, 2022] 7. [Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show", 2022] 8. [Variety, 2022] 9. [Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show", 2025]
- In contrast to the polished studios of their current work, their initial meeting took place at an illegal speakeasy bar in New York City's Hell's Kitchen, far removed from the entertainment world of Hollywood.
- Despite their successful careers in entertainment and business, politics, and sports, the bond between Jimmy Fallon and Greg Gutfeld remains strong, reminiscent of their early days in the television industry.
- Though known for his controversial statements and humorous antics, Gutfeld's game show promotion on Jimmy Fallon's show demonstrated the enduring friendship between the two hosts, highlighting the camaraderie that originated from their shared love for entertainment.
- Jokes about special ops forces and terror waterboarding might have been common at Tracy's speakeasy bar in California, where Fallon and Gutfeld engaged in a drunken wrestling bout and formed an unlikely friendship that has lasted through their celebrity status.
- While Jimmy Fallon's ratings have dipped, falling behind Gutfeld's in viewership, the two celebrities continue to have a strong bond, as evidenced by their reminiscing about their past encounters, even if it involved smoking cigarettes at questionable businesses.
