Arsenio Hall Reflects on Wild Stories from the '80s and '90s

The comedian and former late-night host sets the record straight on his career and personal life.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:35pm

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Arsenio Hall, the comedian and former host of 'The Arsenio Hall Show', has published a new memoir detailing his experiences in Hollywood during the '80s and '90s. In a wide-ranging interview, Hall shares wild stories from his time working on films like 'Coming to America', his interactions with figures like Donald Trump and Eddie Murphy, and the lessons he's learned about the importance of family and being present.

Why it matters

As one of the few prominent Black entertainers of his era, Hall's memoir provides a unique perspective on the entertainment industry and the challenges he faced as a trailblazing figure. His stories offer a glimpse into the changing landscape of late-night television and the evolving attitudes towards race and representation in Hollywood.

The details

In the interview, Hall discusses his early career as a standup comedian, including an incident of racism he experienced while visiting his hometown of Cleveland. He also talks about his time hosting 'The Arsenio Hall Show', which became a cultural touchstone of the era, and how he ultimately decided to step away from late-night to focus on his personal life and being a father. Throughout the conversation, Hall shares wild anecdotes, such as a story about helping Eddie Murphy get back on track to finish filming 'Coming to America' after a dispute with the director.

  • In 1989, Hall started hosting 'The Arsenio Hall Show', which lasted for six seasons.
  • The interview with Hall took place on February 10, 2026.

The players

Arsenio Hall

A comedian and former late-night host who built a career in the '70s and '80s, starring in films like 'Coming to America' and hosting 'The Arsenio Hall Show'.

Eddie Murphy

An actor and comedian who co-starred with Hall in the 1988 film 'Coming to America'.

John Landis

The director of 'Coming to America' who temporarily quit the film during production.

Ned Tanen

The former president of Paramount Pictures who called Hall to help resolve the dispute between Murphy and Landis.

Bill Clinton

The former President of the United States who called Hall after winning the presidency, crediting him for his success.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody talks about JD Vance running against Gavin Newsom. I hate both those pimps. My dad was a Republican. My mother was a Democrat. So I'm like a Republicrat, caught in the middle, hating.”

— Arsenio Hall, Comedian and Former Late-Night Host

“Spike Lee called me an Uncle Tom.”

— Arsenio Hall, Comedian and Former Late-Night Host

“When you first go to Paramount and say, 'Okay, the acronym is Niggas With Attitude, and they have a song called Fuck tha Police,' that meeting is over. Back then, I didn't have the power to make that meeting go any further.”

— Arsenio Hall, Comedian and Former Late-Night Host

“After Bill Clinton won the presidency, he called me and said, 'I wouldn't be president if it weren't for you.'”

— Arsenio Hall, Comedian and Former Late-Night Host

“Decide what's important in your life. It ain't show business. It ain't nobody's job. I guarantee you. Be present as a father. Be present as a son. Be present as a husband.”

— Arsenio Hall, Comedian and Former Late-Night Host

The takeaway

Arsenio Hall's memoir provides a candid and entertaining look at his experiences navigating the entertainment industry as a prominent Black figure during a transformative era. His stories highlight the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the importance he places on family and being present in one's personal life.