For more than two decades, Graham Norton has been the king of late-night talk—witty, unflappable, and able to turn even the most awkward interview into must-watch TV. But now, at age 62, the beloved host is finally pulling back the curtain and sharing the inside stories fans have always wondered about: the six celebrity guests he absolutely couldn’t stand.

From chaotic, off-camera drama to interviews that fizzled before they began, Norton’s revelations are as candid as they are captivating. Some names are predictably difficult, but others will leave even the most dedicated viewers in disbelief.

Mark Wahlberg: The Night Chaos Took Over

It was 2013, and Mark Wahlberg arrived on set—visibly drunk. Instead of playing it cool, Wahlberg was wildly enthusiastic, interrupting others, making off-color jokes, and even climbing onto Norton’s lap. The atmosphere quickly turned tense, with forced smiles from fellow guests and nervous laughter from the audience. Norton, ever the professional, kept the show afloat, but later described Wahlberg as “out of it.”

Wahlberg would later admit to having “a few drinks” beforehand, brushing off the incident, but many viewers saw it as disrespectful. The episode stands out as one of the rare moments where the show’s famously smooth energy struggled to stay on track, a reminder that even celebrity charm can falter when alcohol takes center stage.

Mickey Rourke: The Interview That Went Nowhere

Mickey Rourke brought a different kind of difficulty. From the moment he sat down, Rourke seemed uninterested, offering short, mumbled answers and barely engaging. Norton tried everything to spark conversation, but Rourke remained distant, physically present but mentally elsewhere.

Even heartfelt moments—like talking about his beloved dog Loki—fell flat. Rourke’s deadpan humor and closed-off body language created an awkward vacuum, making the interview nearly impossible to salvage. Unlike chaotic guests, Rourke’s silence wasn’t dramatic—it was simply a void, leaving Norton stranded and the audience uncomfortably quiet.

Kevin Costner: A Clash of Styles

Kevin Costner’s appearance wasn’t marked by scandal or meltdown, but for fans, the awkwardness was unmistakable. Costner’s calm, grounded energy clashed with the show’s fast-paced humor and playful format. When Norton tried to coax a funny story about “Dances with Wolves,” Costner responded with a flat “Yeah,” then launched into a rambling analogy about salesmen and vacuum cleaners—a response that lost both the audience and the host.

Costner wasn’t rude; he was simply out of sync. While other guests bounced off each other’s jokes, Costner’s literal, emotionless replies slowed the momentum. Norton later said some guests just don’t “get” the show’s format, and Costner was one of them. The result was a polite but stiff interview, leaving viewers unsure how to react.

Robert De Niro: Legendary Discomfort

Robert De Niro remains one of Norton’s toughest interviews. From the moment he sat on the iconic red couch, the energy shifted. While other guests chatted and laughed, De Niro seemed reluctant, offering brief, guarded answers. Norton, known for loosening up even the most reserved stars, tried everything—referencing iconic roles, sharing funny stories, even gently poking fun at De Niro’s aloofness. Nothing worked.

At one point, after another flat reply, Norton quipped, “This is hard work, Robert,” earning a laugh from the audience but highlighting the strain. De Niro’s legendary discomfort with interviews isn’t new, but on a show built on shared energy, his silence stood out. Surrounded by animated guests, he often looked away, didn’t react to jokes, and barely engaged at all.

Years later, Norton admitted some guests simply aren’t built for the show’s format, and for all his acclaim, De Niro was one of them. The interview wasn’t a disaster, but the tension was unforgettable.

Harvey Weinstein: The Overwhelming Presence

Long before his shocking downfall, Harvey Weinstein made an appearance on the Graham Norton Show that felt off even then. Unlike most guests—actors, musicians, comedians—Weinstein was a producer unused to being in the spotlight. Instead of joining the group dynamic, he tried to dominate it.

From the start, Weinstein interrupted, redirected conversations, and constantly shifted focus back to himself, his films, and his achievements. Norton tried to keep things light and inclusive, but Weinstein’s presence was overwhelming. He spoke in long, self-congratulatory monologues, missed jokes, and steamrolled over other guests.

The usual rhythm of the show vanished. The audience responded with uncomfortable silence or hesitant laughter, and fellow guests barely had room to speak. Norton later admitted that even at the time, something about the interaction didn’t sit right. After Weinstein’s eventual fall from grace, the episode took on a darker tone, but for Norton, it was simply one of the most unpleasant interviews—marked not by chaos, but by deep discomfort.

Daryl Hannah: The Interview That Stopped Cold

For Norton, Daryl Hannah stands out as his worst guest—not for scandal or chaos, but for giving absolutely nothing. From the start, her energy was blank, with one-word answers and long silences. Unlike other quiet guests, Hannah shut down the entire conversation, leaving Norton with nowhere to go.

She wasn’t promoting anything controversial, just uninterested and expressionless. Norton described the experience as “excruciating,” saying it felt like she’d been dragged on set against her will. For a host known for making dull moments lively, this was the one time even his skills couldn’t save the segment. Hannah’s cold silence remains a rare, unforgettable low point in Norton’s career.

Behind the Scenes: Why These Moments Matter

What makes these revelations so compelling isn’t just the names—it’s the glimpse into the reality of live television. Norton’s show is famous for its chemistry, humor, and the way it brings out the best in its guests. But these six interviews prove that even the best hosts face moments they’d rather forget.

Norton’s honesty about these encounters is refreshing. He doesn’t attack or blame his guests; he simply shares the reality that not every interview goes as planned. Sometimes, personalities clash, energy fizzles, or nerves take over. For viewers, it’s a reminder that the magic of television is unpredictable—and that even icons like Graham Norton have their limits.

What Do You Think?

Did any of these names surprise you? Which awkward interview do you remember most? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Thanks for reading—and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of entertainment.