Ray Romano Performed at the 1998 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Then Henry Kissinger Gave Him a Performance Review

Ray Romano Reflects on Hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Ray Romano, the acclaimed comedian and actor, has recently revisited his experience hosting the 1998 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a night he remembers vividly but believes did not go entirely as planned. Appearing on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* on April 23, Romano reflected on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the event, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and self-critique that characterises his comedic style.

The 1998 dinner unfolded against an intensely charged political backdrop. It was during the height of the scandal involving then-President Bill Clinton and intern Monica Lewinsky. Romano, now 68, recounted how the controversy was palpable at the event. “It was Bill Clinton. And it was during the whole Monica Lewinsky thing,” he explained, indicating how the atmosphere was charged with the gravity of ongoing grand jury testimonies.

While speaking with Kimmel, who himself had a stint at the event, Romano recalled the unusual circumstance that prompted his involvement: “They called me, and they said, ‘Would you do it?’ They told me how much they were going to pay me. It wasn’t much, but I said, ‘Just so you know, I do no political humour.’ And they said, ‘We’ll pay you double.’” This exchange highlighted the divide between political comedians and those who prefer to steer clear of political commentary, which Romano ultimately chose to do during his performance.

Despite his initial reluctance to engage with political material, Romano acknowledged that he managed to sprinkle in “one or two jokes” that aligned with the topical events of the time, yet he primarily stuck to his usual family-centric humour. “It went over well,” he stated modestly. However, in a moment of reflection, he confessed, “But in hindsight, I’m not the guy,” indicating his reservations about his suitability for, and approach to, such a politically charged environment.

Romano’s co-host, Kimmel, weighed in on the changes in the tone of the dinner over the years, suggesting that there had been a shift in the expectations placed upon comedians during such politically steeped events. “I think in ‘98 it was different,” Kimmel remarked, perhaps hinting at a more contemporary expectation for comedians to take on political topics boldly and openly.

Perhaps the most memorable moment for Romano from that evening came not during his performance but later at an after-party, when he was approached by the highly regarded politician Henry Kissinger. Romano shared, “The most surreal moment in my life — in my showbiz life — is, at the after thing, Henry Kissinger coming over to me and saying ‘Very funny.’ I swear to God.” Such an endorsement, even from a figure as controversial as Kissinger, added a layer of surrealism to what was already a unique experience.

Kissinger, who served as Secretary of State under Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, was no stranger to the political tumult of the time. Although Romano jokingly speculated that Kissinger’s “very funny” might have merely been an appreciative grunt, the encounter resonated with the actor, contributing to the evening’s legacy in his career.

Romano’s indications of humility and self-reckon speak volumes about how he navigates the nuances of comedy and his place within the larger narrative. He anchored his career with family-oriented humour through the wildly popular series *Everybody Loves Raymond*, which aired from 1996 until 2005 and earned him multiple Emmy Awards.

In recent years, Romano has continued to evolve his career, delving into various genres and formats. He is set to star in the sixth film of the *Ice Age* franchise, titled *Ice Age: Boiling Point*, which will be released in 2024. Furthermore, Romano is currently featured in *Running Point*, a Netflix series in which he plays Norm Stinson, the new head coach of a fictional basketball team.

With a wealth of experience behind him, Romano’s reflections on past performances, particularly that night at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, illustrate not only the challenges faced by comedians but also the unique intersections of humour and politics. As he continues to navigate the entertainment landscape, audiences can expect more thought-provoking and heartfelt humour from this esteemed comedian.