Chris Rock was none too pleased when he dropped by “Late Show” on Thursday night. The writer, director and star of “Top Five” couldn’t believe he’d been passed up for the hosting job. Letterman is stepping down from the CBS late-night staple in May 2015.
“I sat around cleaning your cars for all these years, shining your shoes,” Rock said. “I didn’t get one offer for this job.
But Letterman was having none of it, turning the tables quickly on his frequent guest. “I saw the movie. All your buddies were in the movie and I said to myself, ‘Why don’t I get to be in the Chris Rock movie?’” Letterman said. “Throw me a bone on my way out the door. Why not?”
“Top Five” is a star-studded affair, filled with comedians. In addition to Jerry Seinfeld and Adam Sandler, who Letterman mentioned, the film also features appearances by Tracy Morgan, J.B. Smoove, Brian Regan, Doug Stanhope, Leslie Jones, Kevin Hart, Sherri Shepherd, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Che and Jay Pharoah.
Rock quickly lost credibility, though, when he wasn’t even sure what network he was on. “And you wonder why you didn’t get the job,” Letterman laughed as Rock finally figured out he was on CBS.
Chris Rock stars alongside Rosaria Dawson and Gabrielle Union in “Top Five.” Paramount Pictures will release the film to theaters on Friday, Dec. 12.
“Late Show with David Letterman” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS.