Jimmy Fallon reveals his ‘biggest fear’ as he opens up about challenges of being a comedian

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jimmy Fallon may be known for his endless laughs and upbeat persona on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' but in a recent interview, he shed light on some of the more serious aspects of his life, including his biggest fears and cherished memories from his comedy career.

The 50-year-old comedian appeared on the 'Hot Ones' show with host Sean Evans on October 31, Thursday, just ahead of the November 1 release of his new comedy album 'Holiday Seasoning'.

Jimmy Fallon reveals his 'biggest fear' in career as comedian

Jimmy Fallon didn’t hold back when 'Hot Ones' host Sean Evans asked him about the challenges of being a comedian and the deep-rooted fears he faces on stage.

While Fallon has built a successful career as a late-night host and actor, he revealed that silence is his ultimate fear in the world of comedy, as per People. 

"As a comedian, silence," Fallon confessed. "The deafening silence is my biggest fear, crying on camera which is happening now, my biggest fear. Probably my biggest fear is giving up in front of the American public and I’m not doing that."

Reflecting on his journey, Fallon also shared memories from his early days on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) between 1998 and 2004.

Fallon cited the 2000 'More Cowbell' comedy sketch as a favorite, a classic that continues to resonate with fans for its humor and unpredictability.

“'Cowbell' — it just crushed, I mean next level,” Fallon recalled, referring to the iconic April 8, 2000, skit featuring himself, Christopher Walken, Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan, Chris Parnell, and Horatio Sanz, as they portrayed members of the rock band Blue Oyster Cult.

"Everyone was so funny in that sketch,” Fallon told Evans. “Christopher Walken wasn’t even talking like a human being, he was doing like an impression of himself.”

Fallon went on to reminisce about the memorable moments on set and how unexpected improvisations could bring a sketch to life.

“I remember I had one line and right as I'm about to give my line, Kattan and Will improvized and pushed each other,” Fallon recounted.

“Kattan knocked Will’s sunglasses off and I could see the eyes of a lunatic and I started laughing, and then that’s what got my reputation as the guy who laughs during all the sketches."

"That was great, Debby Downer, I was a part of that sketch. I was really solid on that until the way, way, way end.”

Fallon's frequent laughter during sketches became something of a signature trait, endearing him even more to fans and colleagues alike.

Jimmy Fallon praises 'talented' Justin Timberlake

Jimmy Fallon has collaborated with many iconic stars over the years, including Justin Timberlake, whose dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on Fallon.

Describing Timberlake as “one of the most talented human beings on earth,” Fallon revealed during the conversation on 'Hot Ones' the extent of Timberlake’s perfectionism.

“I remember we were doing 'SNL', and we’re doing the Barry Gibb talk show, so we’re about to go, like 20 seconds to air, and he goes, ‘Hey Jimmy remember, hit that harmony,’ and I go, ‘Yeah, I will,’ and he squeezed my hand and goes, ‘I’m serious dude, remember to hit that harmony.’”

Fallon recalled the surreal moment with humor, saying, “I’m like calm down dude, we’re dressed like the Bee Gees, for that second I felt what it was like to be Lance Bass,” referring to Timberlake’s former NSYNC bandmate.