Nikki Glaser says Julia Roberts is the one star you ‘can’t make fun of’ as Golden Globes host — “they are not there for it”
Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser said Julia Roberts is a celebrity comedians “cannot make fun of” after testing jokes in Los Angeles clubs, where attempts to roast Roberts drew boos — prompting careful crafting for the Globes monologue.
- Nikki Glaser returns to host the Golden Globes after a strong solo run last year; reporting by Fox News.
- Testing jokes in Los Angeles clubs, Glaser says any quip about Julia Roberts “bombed,” with audiences “not there for it” and even booing (see interview clip).
- Glaser called Roberts “America’s sweetheart” and plans to fine‑tune any Globes lines about her to avoid alienating the room.
What Glaser said while trying material in L.A.
Glaser described testing her awards-night material around Los Angeles comedy clubs and noticing a clear pattern: “I’m trying out my monologue around LA at the clubs here and just even any joke about Julia Roberts, they are not there for,” she told interviewers. The response, she said, escalated beyond silence to audible boos — a signal that Roberts was effectively off‑limits in those rooms.
“They are not there for it,” Glaser said of jokes about Roberts, adding that any lines about the star will need to be “extremely carefully crafted.” (Source: Fox News; interview clip)
Context: Glaser’s role and comedic approach
Nikki Glaser returned after a well‑received solo hosting run, noted for sharp, roast‑style comedy on stages such as Netflix’s Roast of Tom Brady. For awards shows, however, she describes the job as a “covert mission”: balance pokes at A‑listers while preserving the mood in a room full of industry peers and fans.
Her tactic: test material live in clubs, read the room, and save meaner barbs for roast formats where they belong. (Reporting and quotes: Fox News; interview clip)
Why Julia Roberts may be off‑limits
- Longtime public affection: Roberts’ decades‑long career and hits like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich earned broad cross‑generational goodwill.
- Family‑friendly persona: A mostly non‑controversial public image makes mockery feel jarring to many fans.
- Awards and prestige: As an Oscar winner, jokes risk seeming disrespectful or “punching down.”
- Local audience makeup: L.A. clubs often include industry people and devoted fans who react instantly and protectively.
The risky art of awards‑show jokes
Award‑show hosts must thread a narrow needle: be topical and funny while not alienating the room or sparking viral backlash. Glaser’s process — testing on the road and calibrating to the room — reflects a common playbook: prioritize in‑house atmosphere and let roasts carry the sharper material.
“If you ruin the vibe in the room, that can become the story,” Glaser implied, suggesting restraint when performing for peers and fans in the same space.
Audience reaction and the “America’s Sweetheart booed” line
Glaser’s recounting that jokes about Roberts were booed crystallizes a broader tension over celebrity reverence. The phrase “America’s Sweetheart booed” highlights how strong goodwill toward a figure can curb a comedian’s license in certain settings.
That real‑time barometer — immediate audience noise — helps shape what ultimately makes it into a televised monologue versus what’s trimmed or rephrased.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact
- Bars, restaurants and theaters hosting Golden Globes watch parties in San Diego could see higher turnout if the show’s monologue generates buzz — especially moments framed as tense or newsworthy.
Cultural and entertainment ties
- San Diego comics and venues monitor L.A. trends; Glaser’s experience may encourage local performers to test material cautiously when mixing national figures with dedicated fans.
Political and social effects
- For moderate audiences in San Diego, the story touches on civic conversations about free expression, taste, and whether some figures are effectively off‑limits for comedians.
Practical tips for residents
- Expect lively room reactions at watch parties; venues may promote the show around any headline‑worthy moments.
- Local comedians may take Glaser’s approach as a reminder to test new material carefully in mixed or fan‑heavy rooms.
Sources and further reading
- Fox News reporting on Nikki Glaser’s comments about Julia Roberts.
- Interview clip with Nikki Glaser discussing testing material in L.A.
