The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon welcomes a stellar lineup for its latest episode, including actor Eddie Redmayne, singer-songwriter Michael McDonald, actor and author Paul Reiser, and musical guest Tems.
Eddie Redmayne, the acclaimed British actor, is known for his versatile and transformative performances in both film and theater. He rose to prominence with his portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything,” for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Redmayne has since starred in a range of diverse roles, including the Fantastic Beasts film series, “The Danish Girl,” and “The Good Nurse.” He has received numerous accolades for his work, including a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway play “Red.”
Singer-songwriter Michael McDonald and actor-comedian Paul Reiser have co-written McDonald’s memoir, titled What a Fool Believes, which is set to be released today. The book is named after the Doobie Brothers’ Grammy-winning 1979 No. 1 single, which McDonald co-wrote.
The book covers McDonald’s life and career, from his childhood in Missouri to his success with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, as well as his solo career. It also delves into his past struggles with drugs and alcohol, his insecurities, and his collaborations with famous musicians such as Ray Charles, James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Patti LaBelle.
McDonald and Reiser’s collaboration began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they had more time to work on the project. Reiser, an accomplished pianist himself, had met McDonald at a party a few years prior and invited him to his home studio, where the two bonded over their shared love of music. Reiser had initially suggested the idea of a memoir to McDonald, who had doubts about whether his life story was interesting enough. However, as they worked on the book, McDonald gained a better understanding of his own story.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Eddie Redmayne, Michael McDonald, Paul Reiser, Tems airs Monday, May 20, 2024, at 11:35 p.m. on NBC.
