Ellen DeGeneres is taking viewers back to the start. On Wednesday, the talk show host gave audiences the ultimate throwback when she unveiled 20-year-old test footage she used to help sell “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to network execs.
Dated Sept. 13, 2002, it gave networks a mini-show featuring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt and Alanis Morissette. Set in DeGeneres’ home, the host sits across from her famous friends and of course, hilarity ensues, with a “Castaway”-era Hanks making show suggestions and DeGeneres even attempting to cut off a piece of Morissette’s signature long locks. “We have put together – I hope you find it entertaining – a little package, a little show, because I thought that it was important to show sort of the direction that I’m thinking,” DeGeneres tells the camera. “So, I wanted to make sure that you understand, sort of, that I can do this, because I feel so excited about it and I can’t wait to do it.” She continues, “So, I called up some friends, and I said, ‘Would you mind coming over to my house?'” The test footage then cuts to DeGeneres across from an excited Hanks, who asks the future host of the titular talk show if she’s planning to have a band with her onstage. “Here’s the question you must answer: Band?
Yes or no?” Hanks asks. “Witty banter with a piano player?” “Why don’t you and Alanis – she’s next – why don’t you and Alanis be my house band?” DeGeneres suggests.
The quips continue when DeGeneres, scissors in hand, attempts to cut Morissette’s hair. “I really wanna talk about your hair, when’s the last time you cut it?” DeGeneres asks. “It’s been a while.
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