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Donald Glover Remembers His First Day As A "30 Rock" Writer | CONAN on TBS
Episode Summary
AI-generated · Apr 2026AI-generated summary — may contain inaccuracies. Not a substitute for the full episode or professional advice.
Actor, writer, and musician Donald Glover joins Conan O'Brien to reminisce about his early career, including his formative years as a writer for "30 Rock." Glover recounts starting on the show at the young age of 22, often feeling like a baby among the veteran comedic talent and even sporting a misguided 'pink hoodies for men' fashion sense. The conversation dives into memorable interactions with cast members, offering a humorous glimpse into the inner workings of a high-profile comedy series.
Glover shares a particularly wild anecdote from his very first day on "30 Rock" involving Tracy Morgan. After asking Glover if he was trying to grow dreadlocks, Morgan offered bizarre, unforgettable advice: "If you want to if you want to grow dreadlocks in your hair, what you do is you get your girlfriend pregnant and then put the placenta in your hair." This surprising interaction set the tone for Glover's experience, making him realize the unique environment he'd entered.
The discussion then shifts to social media, specifically Glover's and his parents' recent ventures into Twitter. Glover explains that he initially couldn't use his full name because his father, Donald Glover Sr., was already on the platform and quite popular. Glover chose "Don Glover," which led to a slew of unintended, sexually suggestive tweets due to its resemblance to "Dong Lover." His mother, Beverly Glover, also faced similar issues with her handle "Bong Lover" before changing it.
Conan and Glover share laughs over the social media mishaps, with Glover noting that his mother uses Twitter primarily to "keep tabs on me and Oprah." The episode concludes with Conan playfully defending his continued use of the phrase "You the man," despite Glover's assertion that it's an outdated expression. Listeners gain an intimate, often hilarious, perspective on Glover's journey from a young comedy writer to a multi-talented star, filled with behind-the-scenes stories and relatable social media blunders.
👤 Who Should Listen
- Fans of Donald Glover's work in acting, writing, or music.
- Individuals interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of comedy television shows like "30 Rock."
- Aspiring writers or comedians curious about early career experiences in Hollywood.
- Anyone who enjoys humorous anecdotes about celebrity encounters and social media mishaps.
- Listeners who appreciate Conan O'Brien's interview style and comedic banter.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 1.Donald Glover began his career as a staff writer for "30 Rock" at the age of 22, making him the youngest person in the writers' room.
- 2.On his first day at "30 Rock," Tracy Morgan advised Donald Glover to put a placenta in his hair if he wanted to grow dreadlocks.
- 3.Donald Glover initially chose the Twitter handle "Don Glover" because his father, Donald Glover Sr., already used "Donald Glover" and was very active on the platform.
- 4.Glover's Twitter handle "Don Glover" was frequently misread as "Dong Lover," leading to numerous strange and sexually suggestive tweets.
- 5.Donald Glover's mother, Beverly Glover, also experienced similar Twitter handle misinterpretations, having to change her initial "Bong Lover" handle due to weird messages.
- 6.Glover's mother primarily uses Twitter to "keep tabs on me and Oprah," according to Donald Glover.
- 7.Conan O'Brien still regularly uses the phrase "You the man" to commend people, despite Donald Glover suggesting it's an outdated expression.
⚡ Actionable Takeaways
- →When selecting social media handles, carefully consider potential phonetic or visual misinterpretations to avoid unintended humor or explicit associations.
- →Be open to embracing unusual and memorable interactions with colleagues, as they can lead to engaging stories and unique professional experiences.
- →Recognize that parents may adopt social media for personal reasons, such as monitoring their children's activities or following public figures.
- →Maintain a sense of humor about generational differences in slang and expressions, as they can be a source of lighthearted banter and connection.
- →Document early career anecdotes, even the awkward or humorous ones, as they can provide valuable insights and entertainment later in your journey.
⏱ Timeline Breakdown
💬 Notable Quotes
“"If you want to if you want to grow dreadlocks in your hair, what you do is you get your girlfriend pregnant and then put the placenta in your hair."”
“"That guy signs my checks. He's my boss."”
“"Don Glover looks like Dong Lover."”
“"My mom's on Twitter. ... She just does it to keep tabs on me and Oprah."”
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Donald Glover
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