Tony Mendez, a cue card handler who became a popular member of David Letterman’s onscreen gang of real-life characters, died July 29 at his Miami Beach home. He was 76.
His death was confirmed by former companion Andrew Corbin to The New York Times. A cause was not disclosed.
Mendez, born in Havana, Cuba, was among the Late Show With David Letterman staffers who became regular onscreen presences and even stars in their own right, a roster that also included stage manager Biff Henderson, announcer Alan Kalter and assistant Stephanie Birkitt.
During his 21-year Late Show tenure in the role Letterman dubbed “cue card boy,” Mendez even hosted a popular series of online videos, called The Tony Mendez Show, for the Late Show website. Mendez had occasionally handled cue cards for Letterman during the earlier NBC Late Night With David Letterman era, taking over the role full-time when the host moved...
His death was confirmed by former companion Andrew Corbin to The New York Times. A cause was not disclosed.
Mendez, born in Havana, Cuba, was among the Late Show With David Letterman staffers who became regular onscreen presences and even stars in their own right, a roster that also included stage manager Biff Henderson, announcer Alan Kalter and assistant Stephanie Birkitt.
During his 21-year Late Show tenure in the role Letterman dubbed “cue card boy,” Mendez even hosted a popular series of online videos, called The Tony Mendez Show, for the Late Show website. Mendez had occasionally handled cue cards for Letterman during the earlier NBC Late Night With David Letterman era, taking over the role full-time when the host moved...
- 8/23/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
You Kiddin’ Me?!, Kim Kardashian West’s weekly prank show for Facebook Watch, will premiere on its just-launched show page Saturday, September 22, with a celebrity guest line-up including the Kardashian-Jenners, Zoe Saldana and Lisa Rinna, among others.
Exec produced by Kardashian West and produced by Lionsgate, the previously announced series features celebrities and their families as they pull pranks on the public, sometimes embarrassing themselves as well. The celebrities are instructed by their families, via earpieces, on what to say and do (think David Letterman and Biff Henderson).
The first seasonYou Kiddin’ Me?! guest line-up includes the Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, and Kourtney Kardashian, as well as the families of Zoe Saldana, T.I., Lisa Rinna (pictured above), Gabriel Iglesias, and WWE superstars Daniel Bryan & The Bella Twins.
All episodes, clips and other content will be located on its Facebook Watch show page. Beginning with the Sept. 22 launch, episodes will drop on Saturdays at 12 pm Pt.
Exec produced by Kardashian West and produced by Lionsgate, the previously announced series features celebrities and their families as they pull pranks on the public, sometimes embarrassing themselves as well. The celebrities are instructed by their families, via earpieces, on what to say and do (think David Letterman and Biff Henderson).
The first seasonYou Kiddin’ Me?! guest line-up includes the Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, and Kourtney Kardashian, as well as the families of Zoe Saldana, T.I., Lisa Rinna (pictured above), Gabriel Iglesias, and WWE superstars Daniel Bryan & The Bella Twins.
All episodes, clips and other content will be located on its Facebook Watch show page. Beginning with the Sept. 22 launch, episodes will drop on Saturdays at 12 pm Pt.
- 9/7/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
If there was a Top 10 list of reasons to scrub a celebrity’s appearance from an upcoming TV special, a sexual harassment scandal would surely come in at number one.
Minnesota Sen. Al Franken has been edited out of PBS’ David Letterman: The Mark Twain Prize special (airing Monday, 8/7c), TVLine has confirmed. The decision to cut him from the broadcast comes just days after the Saturday Night Live alum became the latest politician to be accused of sexual harassment. The network on Sunday released the following statement to TVLine:
PBS will air David Letterman: The Mark Twain Prize on Monday evening.
Minnesota Sen. Al Franken has been edited out of PBS’ David Letterman: The Mark Twain Prize special (airing Monday, 8/7c), TVLine has confirmed. The decision to cut him from the broadcast comes just days after the Saturday Night Live alum became the latest politician to be accused of sexual harassment. The network on Sunday released the following statement to TVLine:
PBS will air David Letterman: The Mark Twain Prize on Monday evening.
- 11/19/2017
- TVLine.com
If you're like us and value your sleep, you probably nodded off into your Ambien dreamland before the party started on post-prime time TV. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Here's the best of what happened last night on late night.
Never mind "Daddy's Home," New Bro Santa's Home! Will Ferrell was on "The Tonight Show" Wednesday night to share his plan to crush the "old, lame" image of Santa Claus and replace him with this new bruh. His new Santa shot T-shirts into the audience, sat in some random guy's lap to ask what he wanted for Christmas, sang a "Drone Zone" Christmas song with Jimmy, and gave age-inappropriate gifts to Jimmy's daughters. ("Law & Order: Svu," just what a toddler wants!)
Donald Trump was on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Wednesday night, and he was himself. Jimmy did a great job with the questions -- send him to CNN. Trump...
Never mind "Daddy's Home," New Bro Santa's Home! Will Ferrell was on "The Tonight Show" Wednesday night to share his plan to crush the "old, lame" image of Santa Claus and replace him with this new bruh. His new Santa shot T-shirts into the audience, sat in some random guy's lap to ask what he wanted for Christmas, sang a "Drone Zone" Christmas song with Jimmy, and gave age-inappropriate gifts to Jimmy's daughters. ("Law & Order: Svu," just what a toddler wants!)
Donald Trump was on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Wednesday night, and he was himself. Jimmy did a great job with the questions -- send him to CNN. Trump...
- 12/17/2015
- by Gina Carbone
- Moviefone
Since its release 30 years ago, "Back to the Future" has been everyone's favorite time-travel movie. It's remained a must-see long enough for Marty McFly's own kids to enjoy it.
Even so, there's much you may not know about the beloved sci-fi comedy, from the unused ideas that popped up in other films, to why there has yet to (thankfully) be a reboot. To celebrate Back to the Future Day (October 21), here are 30 things you need to know about Marty McFly's first trip through time.
"Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Trilogy" is available to own now on Blu-ray & DVD.
1. Director Robert Zemeckis and co-screenwriter Bob Gale (pictured above) tried for years to create a time-travel story. The key came in 1980, when Gale was looking over his father's high school yearbook and wondered whether he and his father would have been friends if they'd both been teenagers at the same time.
Even so, there's much you may not know about the beloved sci-fi comedy, from the unused ideas that popped up in other films, to why there has yet to (thankfully) be a reboot. To celebrate Back to the Future Day (October 21), here are 30 things you need to know about Marty McFly's first trip through time.
"Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Trilogy" is available to own now on Blu-ray & DVD.
1. Director Robert Zemeckis and co-screenwriter Bob Gale (pictured above) tried for years to create a time-travel story. The key came in 1980, when Gale was looking over his father's high school yearbook and wondered whether he and his father would have been friends if they'd both been teenagers at the same time.
- 10/21/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Early in the first episode of Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the new host paid tribute to David Letterman, his predecessor who had a major influence on Colbert and late-night television in general. "It's possible to lose sight to how much Dave changed comedy. The comedy landscape is so thickly planted with the forest of Dave's ideas that we sometimes need to remind ourselves just how tall he stands," Colbert said.
Colbert opened his Letterman tribute by expressing his gratitude to a 22-year Late Show veteran – Letterman's stage manager Biff Henderson...
Colbert opened his Letterman tribute by expressing his gratitude to a 22-year Late Show veteran – Letterman's stage manager Biff Henderson...
- 9/9/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Updated with video: Among the first things Stephen Colbert did as new host of The Late Show was to pay tribute to his predecessor. He teased the tribute by paying tribute “to the man who graced this stage for 22 years — I’m talking of course about Biff Henderson.” (Zing!) He then lauded the erstwhile resident host of the Ed Sullivan Theatre by saying: “I bow to no man in my fandom of David Letterman. I’m a first-generation Letterman fan. … It’s possible to lose sight of…...
- 9/9/2015
- Deadline TV
“Hello, Nation!”
Stephen Colbert is so happy to be back on television, and so happy to be on CBS, that he almost feels like a third Broke Girl!
And despite what you might’ve heard, the new Late Show features the same Colbert that flew off into the moonlight with Santa Claus and Alex Trebek when he wrapped the iconic Colbert Report in 2014.
He’s no longer playing the role of narcissistic conservative pundit, but he’s still as gleefully narcissistic and quick-witted as ever.
RelatedFall TV Spectacular: Exclusive Scoop and Photos on 43 Returning Favorites!
Following a cold open Tuesday,...
Stephen Colbert is so happy to be back on television, and so happy to be on CBS, that he almost feels like a third Broke Girl!
And despite what you might’ve heard, the new Late Show features the same Colbert that flew off into the moonlight with Santa Claus and Alex Trebek when he wrapped the iconic Colbert Report in 2014.
He’s no longer playing the role of narcissistic conservative pundit, but he’s still as gleefully narcissistic and quick-witted as ever.
RelatedFall TV Spectacular: Exclusive Scoop and Photos on 43 Returning Favorites!
Following a cold open Tuesday,...
- 9/9/2015
- TVLine.com
Since its release 30 years ago this week (on July 3, 1985), "Back to the Future" has been everyone's favorite time-travel movie. It's remained a must-see long enough for Marty McFly's own kids to enjoy it.
Even so, there's much you may not know about the beloved sci-fi comedy, from the unused ideas that popped up in other films, to why there has yet to (thankfully) be a reboot. To celebrate the film's 30th anniversary, we're firing up the flux capacitor and traveling back 30 years to learn the secrets of "Back to the Future."
1. Director Robert Zemeckis and co-screenwriter Bob Gale (pictured above) tried for years to create a time-travel story. The key came in 1980, when Gale was looking over his father's high school yearbook and wondered whether he and his father would have been friends if they'd both been teenagers at the same time.
2. Zemeckis and Gale took their idea to Steven Spielberg,...
Even so, there's much you may not know about the beloved sci-fi comedy, from the unused ideas that popped up in other films, to why there has yet to (thankfully) be a reboot. To celebrate the film's 30th anniversary, we're firing up the flux capacitor and traveling back 30 years to learn the secrets of "Back to the Future."
1. Director Robert Zemeckis and co-screenwriter Bob Gale (pictured above) tried for years to create a time-travel story. The key came in 1980, when Gale was looking over his father's high school yearbook and wondered whether he and his father would have been friends if they'd both been teenagers at the same time.
2. Zemeckis and Gale took their idea to Steven Spielberg,...
- 7/3/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
For a solid portion of the tail end of his finale, David Letterman took time to thank the people who have helped him on his 6,000-plus-episode journey as a talk-show host. Watch the whole shebang here, as he thanks his Late Show staff, Biff Henderson, Paul Shaffer & Co., his family, and even this random gem of a kid named Tommy. He does it all with a huge helping of humility, giving literally everyone around him — including the audience and excepting himself — kudos for helping to make a legendary show. "In light of all this praise [from the last few weeks]," he quipped, "do me a favor: Save a little for my funeral." We'll miss ya, Dave. Thanks.
- 5/21/2015
- by Sean Fitz-Gerald
- Vulture
Think holiday traditions and mistletoe, eggnog, and caroling come to mind. David Letterman’s Christmas includes target practice at a giant meatball, the Lone Ranger, and singer Darlene Love.
Each has become part of CBS Late Show lore through the years, their appearances anticipated by fans like wrapped presents under a tree. The meatball, the Lone Ranger, and Love all return Friday.
Comic Jay Thomas will be back to try to knock a meatball off the top of a Christmas tree with a football, and recount his Lone Ranger anecdote again. Love will sing “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as...
Each has become part of CBS Late Show lore through the years, their appearances anticipated by fans like wrapped presents under a tree. The meatball, the Lone Ranger, and Love all return Friday.
Comic Jay Thomas will be back to try to knock a meatball off the top of a Christmas tree with a football, and recount his Lone Ranger anecdote again. Love will sing “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as...
- 12/22/2011
- by Associated Press
- EW.com - PopWatch
Biff Henderson from 'Late Show With David Letterman' (weeknights, 11:35Pm Et on CBS) paid a visit to the set of 'Cop Out.' He hung out with Bruce Willis and Kevin Smith, but nobody got a word in edge-wise with Tracy Morgan holding court. Let's ... Read more
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Filed under: Video, TV's Top 5!
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- 3/5/2010
- by Jane Boursaw
- Inside TV
David Letterman's TV sidekick was hospitalised on Monday after a game of catch on the show went awry.
The U.S. talk show host was enjoying a break during the taping of The Late Show with David Letterman when he started passing a ball to his stage manager, Biff Henderson, who is often involved in comedy segments of the TV programme.
But Letterman's last throw to his sidekick went wrong when Henderson moved to catch the ball and tumbled off the stage in front of the studio audience. Before he knew Henderson had been hurt, Letterman quipped, "I can smell a lawsuit."
Audience member Sheva Oliver tells the New York Daily News, "They cut the cameras and the band played for about 20 minutes and that's how we all knew it was serious."
The crew cut the taping and the 63 year old was attended by medics, who moved him onto a gurney and took him to Roosevelt Hospital in an ambulance.
Henderson was treated for a leg injury and released later that night.
The U.S. talk show host was enjoying a break during the taping of The Late Show with David Letterman when he started passing a ball to his stage manager, Biff Henderson, who is often involved in comedy segments of the TV programme.
But Letterman's last throw to his sidekick went wrong when Henderson moved to catch the ball and tumbled off the stage in front of the studio audience. Before he knew Henderson had been hurt, Letterman quipped, "I can smell a lawsuit."
Audience member Sheva Oliver tells the New York Daily News, "They cut the cameras and the band played for about 20 minutes and that's how we all knew it was serious."
The crew cut the taping and the 63 year old was attended by medics, who moved him onto a gurney and took him to Roosevelt Hospital in an ambulance.
Henderson was treated for a leg injury and released later that night.
- 2/9/2010
- WENN
Another chapter of the late night wars will come to a close tonight when Jay Leno signs off on "The Jay Leno Show," the much-maligned prime time show that has sputtered in the ratings, alienated NBC's local affiliates and contributed to Conan O'Brien's early exit from "The Tonight Show." Following tonight's episode, Leno will disappear for a few weeks while the network airs the Winter Olympics, and once all of the skiing, figure skating and curling is wrapped up, he'll come back for his second run as the host of "The Tonight Show."
On Tuesday night (February 9), Leno will welcome guests Ashton Kutcher and Bob Costas to his show for a send-off from the 10 p.m. time slot. He's not trying to be poetic with his final guests the way O'Brien was when he ended "The Tonight Show" a few weeks ago, but Kutcher and Costas are both excellent...
On Tuesday night (February 9), Leno will welcome guests Ashton Kutcher and Bob Costas to his show for a send-off from the 10 p.m. time slot. He's not trying to be poetic with his final guests the way O'Brien was when he ended "The Tonight Show" a few weeks ago, but Kutcher and Costas are both excellent...
- 2/9/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
He was a little too late. A crew member from "The Late Show with David Letterman" tried to make a pitch to Jay Leno. Interrupting David's monologue on Monday, stage manager Biff Henderson walked on stage with a newspaper in hand asking, "Is Jay Leno still here?" Dave responded with a laugh, "No, no, he left several days ago." Dave apologized to Biff who wanted to give Jay a "hilarious headline" for his weekly featured segment. A native of Indianapolis, David found some good in the Colts' loss. He said he's no longer the "biggest disappointment" of his home state of Indiana. With the response his commercial with Jay and Oprah Winfrey is receiving, David seems to be walking away from Super Bowl Sunday as a champ of comedy. Jokingly, he thanked "the actors who played Oprah and Jay Leno. They did a tremendous job."
[Read full story on The Insider]...
[Read full story on The Insider]...
- 2/9/2010
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
American chat show host David Letterman spent Christmas in Iraq on a top-secret mission to entertain US troops stationed there. The Late Show presenter thrilled thousands of Marines on Friday night by staging a live version of his popular late night program at Camp Taqaddum. Letterman opened the show by joking, "Anybody here from out of town?" Late Show regulars Paul Shaffer and Biff Henderson and funnyman Tom Dreesen joined Letterman for the trip. The TV star concluded his show by telling his audience, "Paul (Shaffer) and I were in Afghanistan three years ago, and last year we were in Baghdad. We wouldn't want it any other way. We're sorry we keep having to come back."...
- 12/28/2004
- WENN
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