Crash And Burn - The James Corden Story

Overview

This episode delves into the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of James Corden, exploring how his relatable everyman persona propelled him to stardom and how his alleged ego, poor behavior, and public controversies ultimately led to his downfall.

Notable Quotes

- James, stop being such a dickhead. – Corden's sister, addressing his behavior during his rise to fame.

- The world got to see James Corden as a fat [__]. He was also in the movie Cats, but no one saw that. – Ricky Gervais, mocking Corden's performance in Cats.

- Name two of the cameramen in this room. – Jimmy Kimmel, exposing Corden's lack of connection with his staff during a game on The Late Late Show.

🎭 The Rise of James Corden

- Corden's early career began with small roles in British TV shows like Hollyoaks and Fat Friends.

- His breakout success came with Gavin and Stacey, a British comedy co-created with Ruth Jones, where his character Smithy became a fan favorite.

- Leveraging his newfound fame, Corden hosted awards shows and panel shows, becoming a major figure in UK entertainment.

📈 Cracking America with The Late Late Show

- Corden's appointment as host of The Late Late Show in 2015 marked his entry into American television.

- His approachable, fun persona and viral segments like Carpool Karaoke made the show a hit, cementing his place in late-night TV.

- He successfully hosted major US award ceremonies and revived his movie career, appearing in films like Into the Woods.

💥 Cracks in the Persona

- Reports of Corden's alleged arrogance and poor treatment of colleagues began to surface, including incidents on A League of Their Own and at restaurants.

- A 2018 Reddit AMA backfired, with users recounting negative personal experiences with him.

- His inability to name two cameramen on his own show during a segment with Jimmy Kimmel highlighted his disconnect with staff.

🎬 Career Missteps and Public Backlash

- Corden faced criticism for his performances in films like Cats, which became a critical disaster. A petition to exclude him from the Wicked movie garnered over 100,000 signatures.

- The revelation that Carpool Karaoke was staged (cars towed by trailers) further damaged his credibility.

- His behavior at New York's Balthazar restaurant, where he was accused of being rude to staff, led to a temporary ban and further tarnished his reputation.

📉 The Fall from Grace

- By 2023, The Late Late Show suffered a significant ratings decline, leading to its cancellation.

- Corden announced his departure from the show and his return to the UK to focus on family.

- His public image, once built on relatability and charm, was irreparably damaged by years of controversies and revelations.