Graham Norton Discloses His Most Difficult Celebrity Interviews Over Three Decades
Television presenter Graham Norton, who has been hosting chat shows for an impressive 30 years since his major breakthrough in 1996, has recently opened up about the celebrities he found most challenging to interview. With a career spanning numerous high-profile encounters, Norton has named his "worst" guests ever, highlighting incidents of diva behavior and uncomfortable moments that tested his hosting skills.
Mark Wahlberg Tops the List as the Worst Guest
Graham Norton, originally from Dublin, Ireland, has officially identified Mark Wahlberg as his "worst-ever" guest. During a 2013 appearance on BBC's The Graham Norton Show, Wahlberg arrived sober but became heavily intoxicated approximately 15 minutes into the programme. He repeatedly interrupted fellow guests Michael Fassbender and Sarah Silverman, perched himself on Norton's lap, and eventually fell asleep on the sofa while Fassbender was in the middle of telling a story.
Norton recounted this nightmarish experience at the Henley Literary Festival in 2025, explaining that Wahlberg did not seem drunk upon arrival but quickly deteriorated. He noted that Fassbender and Silverman were equally frustrated by Wahlberg's conduct, which included constant interruptions and dozing off during the show.
Other Notable Difficult Guests
Alongside Wahlberg, Norton described several other celebrities as particularly challenging. Robert De Niro was labeled a "benign presence" but a terrible raconteur, with one anecdote so rambling that it was cut from transmission after De Niro himself questioned why he was telling it. Kevin Costner was characterized as "snooty" and discourteous, often giving half-hearted answers and showing clear preference for other interviewers like Helen Mirren.
Mickey Rourke was deemed "exhausting" and a "nightmare" due to his insistence on smoking cigarettes throughout filming, which Norton found boring and reminiscent of managing children on a school trip. Additionally, the late 1970s pop icon David Cassidy was recalled as "bitter and weird," making their interview one of the most unpleasant experiences of Norton's career.
Reflections on a Long Career in Television
As Norton approaches his 63rd birthday, these revelations offer a glimpse into the less glamorous side of hosting a popular chat show. Despite many celebrities being a pleasure to host, Norton's experiences with these four guests underscore the unpredictable nature of live television and the challenges of managing star behavior. His candid disclosures provide fans with a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape iconic interviews.
