Any reasons why John Melendez is still part of the tonight show? What is his role ? He can't be compare to Ed McMahon with Johnny Carson.

Even Leno seems to have a hard time to fit him in?

I agree. Is he the guy that sits and makes the odd comment from the audience?
What's he doing there?

I have wondered that myself. He seems useless and uninteresting. I figure it was supposed to be a reply to ALan Kalter from Letterman's show... only he just is not good.

John Melendez's role is the anouncer. Plus he does skits. Just like Ed Hall was.
As minor of a role someone might seem to play on a show, they play a decent role.
I mean, come on is Jay Leno going to announce himself, or is Kevin Eubanks gonna anounce Jay Leno then start playing.
Thats not good for a show setup. If you did it that way, it would sound like a primitive cheap budget show that's on the level of a "Waynes World" type of project.

Well why does he need an announcer at all?
We all know who Leno is, it's not necessary to keep checking in with this guy sitting among the audience, who has this idiotic look on his face, and appears to wonder what he is doing there too.

it's not his only job...
Alll I can say is this, is If you were trying to
be anounced, I would love an anouncer.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have Jenifer Aniston, Michael Richards, and for a performance tonite we have Strawberry Alarm Clock....Tonite!!!!
Now thats a job!!

It's a status thing, maybe. Like having a butler. You can open the door by yourself, but if a butler does it, people know you can afford the luxury.

I dunno, to me it would just be weird to just see Jay Leno walk out to stage without an introduction. it's like, who's this guy?

Didn't Ed McMahon announce Johnny?

Yes he did...and then was a side-kick, almost like the first guest every night. I remember several nights where Ed was obviously hammered

Conan has an announcer too, I'm not sure I've ever noticed who it is though!

John Melendez sometimes does "man on the street" stuff which is pretty funny. I agree that an announcer is necessary.

quote:

Originally posted by kittypal:
Didn't Ed McMahon announce Johnny?

Very famously:

"Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!"