Seeing Conan Work At A Famous Soul Food Joint Will Tickle Your Ribs

Ron Dicker

Nearing the end of his late-night show’s one-week run at Harlem’s Apollo Theater on Thursday, Conan O’Brien worked at another legendary spot in the neighborhood: Sylvia’s soul food.

Just watching O’Brien put on a hair net is comic reward enough, but the bit produced plenty of other fish-out-of-water laughs and one major mystery: Why are there so many photos of Liza Minnelli hanging from the walls?

O’Brien’s investigation really takes the cake.

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Young Conan

THR initially posted this mysterious photo of young Conan, evidently during his Hawaiian/Roman period.
THR initially posted this mysterious photo of young Conan, evidently during his Hawaiian/Roman period.

Young "Simpsons" Writer

The Audition

Conan O'Brien interviews Jason Alexander for his "Late Night" audition in 1993 on the set of Jay Leno's "Tonight Show."
Conan O'Brien interviews Jason Alexander for his "Late Night" audition in 1993 on the set of Jay Leno's "Tonight Show."

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Conan was full of nerves his first few years on "Late Night," but eventually won audiences and critics over.
Conan was full of nerves his first few years on "Late Night," but eventually won audiences and critics over.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Young Jon Stewart appears on Conan's show in the early '90s (hence the regrettable denim).
Young Jon Stewart appears on Conan's show in the early '90s (hence the regrettable denim).

Debut Letterman Appearance

Conan first appeared on "Late Show With David Letterman" on July 29th, 1994.
Conan first appeared on "Late Show With David Letterman" on July 29th, 1994.

1995 White House Correspondents Dinner

Conan hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner for the first time in 1995 and he will do so again in 2013.
Conan hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner for the first time in 1995 and he will do so again in 2013.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Conan interviews Martha Stewart on "Late Night."
Conan interviews Martha Stewart on "Late Night."

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Conan interviews Peter Gallagher.
Conan interviews Peter Gallagher.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Conan and sidekick Andy Richter have some WASPy cheer.
Conan and sidekick Andy Richter have some WASPy cheer.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Conan used to have Tony Bennett on his Christmas show every year.
Conan used to have Tony Bennett on his Christmas show every year.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Conan interviews Ellen DeGeneres in 1996.
Conan interviews Ellen DeGeneres in 1996.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien - Season 5

By its 5th year, "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" had really hit its stride.
By its 5th year, "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" had really hit its stride.

Late Night Interview 1997

Interviewing Fred Savage on "Late Night" in 1997.
Interviewing Fred Savage on "Late Night" in 1997.

Late Night Interview 1998

Interviewing fellow comedian and "SNL" alum Ana Gasteyer.
Interviewing fellow comedian and "SNL" alum Ana Gasteyer.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Jim Carrey played one of the most popular characters from "Late Night," the Masturbating Bear.
Jim Carrey played one of the most popular characters from "Late Night," the Masturbating Bear.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Dave Chappelle stops by "Late Night."
Dave Chappelle stops by "Late Night."

Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon's debut "Late Night" appearance on 2/18/1999. He'd go on to take over the show from Conan.
Jimmy Fallon's debut "Late Night" appearance on 2/18/1999. He'd go on to take over the show from Conan.

Late Night Interview 2000

Conan interviews Britney Spears at the height of her popularity.
Conan interviews Britney Spears at the height of her popularity.

Late Night Interview 2001

Interviewing Tina Fey in 2001.
Interviewing Tina Fey in 2001.

Conan O'Brian at 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Inside

Conan made a splash when hosting the 2002 Emmy Awards, which he would repeat in 2003 and 2006.
Conan made a splash when hosting the 2002 Emmy Awards, which he would repeat in 2003 and 2006.

Late Night Interview 2003

Interviewing Christopher Walken in 2003.
Interviewing Christopher Walken in 2003.

Brad Pitt and Janet Jackson Visit "Late Night with Conan O' Brien"

Conan interviews Brad Pitt.
Conan interviews Brad Pitt.

Conan & His Wife

Conan and his wife Liza Powel O'Brien. They have two children.
Conan and his wife Liza Powel O'Brien. They have two children.

Late Night "Year In Review"

Talking to "George W. Bush" in his 2005 year in review special.
Talking to "George W. Bush" in his 2005 year in review special.

58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Show

He was a big hit when he again hosted the Emmys in 2006.
He was a big hit when he again hosted the Emmys in 2006.

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien

Louis CK, who started his career as a staff writer on "Late Night," visits Conan on "The Tonight Show."
Louis CK, who started his career as a staff writer on "Late Night," visits Conan on "The Tonight Show."

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien

Conan reunited with Andy Richter for "The Tonight Show."
Conan reunited with Andy Richter for "The Tonight Show."

Conan O'Brien Performing

After leaving "The Tonight Show," Conan traveled across the country on the "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour."
After leaving "The Tonight Show," Conan traveled across the country on the "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour."

Conan O'Brien

Conan reappeared on TBS for a new talk show, "Conan."
Conan reappeared on TBS for a new talk show, "Conan."

Guitar Battle With Jack Black 2010

Conan playing guitar with Jack Black on "Conan."
Conan playing guitar with Jack Black on "Conan."

Christmas in Washington

Conan hosts the "Christmas in Washington" show with the First Family.
Conan hosts the "Christmas in Washington" show with the First Family.

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