The Tonight Show With Jay Leno – March 14, 2022 – Guest: Cooper Anderson

“Our next guest is not only on a hit TV show, but also stars in an eagerly anticipated film that comes out this Friday. He also has a plethora of female fans following his every move,” Jay Leno said earning an excited scream from the audience. “Cooper Anderson everybody!” Cooper came running out from behind the curtain, and the audience erupted again. He waved shyly at the audience and made his way over to Jay Leno, giving him a handshake before sliding into the couch. “Welcome, Cooper!”

“Thanks! I’m really glad to be here with all of you,” Cooper said, causing the audience to scream yet again, which he responded to with a laugh.

“They really seem to like you Cooper, I’m not sure if you will actually get through any sentences tonight,” Leno said with a smile. Cooper just laughed again.

“They do don’t they,” Cooper said with a smile.

“How are you handling all of this? It was like one day I had no idea who you were, and then the next day everyone was screaming your name! Did you have any idea the show would blow up as much as it did?”

“Are you kidding? No, not at all! I mean, I’m from a small town in Ohio, and I have been working at this for a long time. For me, it wasn’t an overnight success at all. But at the same time, I was not quite anticipating the show to hit like it did. I mean, I’m glad, immensely glad,” Cooper said with his trademark smile. “But it can be quite overwhelming at times.”

“You said you are from Ohio. Is it different out here in LA? Do you miss it?”

“Miss Ohio? Would you miss Ohio?” Cooper asked, causing Leno to laugh. “I do miss people in Ohio, like my brother. Although, he isn’t in Ohio anymore, so I guess that doesn’t count.”

“So, you are on this hit TV show, it’s great, the fans love you. Why did you decide to do this little indie film?” Leno asked, feigning genuine intrigue.

“I’m lucky at the moment, because I have steady work with the show that I don’t have to take every movie script that is offered my way. When you are first starting out, you don’t have such luxuries. I read this script and it was so well written, the characters were great, and I HAD to do it. When my agent told me who was already attached to the film, I had to do it,” Cooper said.

“You mean your Co-star, Kurt Hummel? You two are a FANTASTIC pair on screen. But, unlike you, he had no notoriety before this film. Did you know him?” Leno asked.

“I’m sure this story is going to cause a ruckus in the media tomorrow,” Cooper said looking over at the audience. “

“Oh, don’t worry about that, no one watches this show. You are safe,” Leno said causing the audience and Cooper to laugh.

“Ok. Well, Kurt, is from Ohio as well. We grew up about an hour away from each other. And a decade. Most people know that he used to compete in Show Choir competitions, there are plenty of videos on Youtube of him when he was in high school. Anyway, my brother also competed and since they were both from the same general area in Ohio, and the same age, they often competed against each other. It isn’t often that I would get the chance to see my brother compete, but there was one competition that I went to that I saw this public high school perform, and I was just blown away. I remember thinking to myself when I saw Kurt that I KNEW he would be a star someday. So, when I got the chance, I just had to work with him.”

“That’s great,” Leno said. “You mentioned your illusive brother. Any chance the two of you will do something together sometime?”

Cooper laughed. “Do you know how often I get this question? Yet, no one EVER asks him that!” Cooper exclaimed faking annoyance.

“I promise, if he ever makes an appearance here, I will ask him!”

“Ok good!” Cooper responded bringing the audience to laughter again, along with another few high pitched screams. “I love my brother, and if we get the chance I’m sure we’d love to work together. We are in such different places at the moment. He’s on Broadway. I keep telling him to come to Hollywood, but who wants to listen to your older brother?” Cooper asked, receiving a scream of ‘I would!’ from an audience member, causing everyone else to laugh. “Well, that’s good, I’m glad someone would listen to me!”

“Well, Cooper, it’s been great, thanks for coming tonight!”

“No problem, man!”

“After the break, we will hear new music from the band ‘Fun.’. Cooper Anderson everybody!” The crowd cheered again as Cooper and Leno leaned in to talk until the commercial began. A minute later he was walking off the stage, and over to Blaine who was waiting for him just out of shot.

“I hate coming on this show,” Cooper said in a soft voice.

“You did great Coop, don’t worry about it,” Blaine responded, giving his brother a pat on the back.

“I don’t think this secret is going to stay wrapped up very long, squirt,” Cooper said, using the nickname Blaine outwardly hated, but inwardly knew meant Cooper was genuinely worried for him.

“I know,” Blaine said. “But lets keep it as long as we can. Thanks Coop. I really do appreciate all that you are doing for me. For us.”