theGrio’s 100: Arsenio Hall, don’t call it a comeback — he’s been here for years

theGRIO'S 100 - After decades spent largely out of the limelight, Hall has made a triumphant return to the world of late night comedy with his new incarnation of 'The Arsenio Hall Show'...

TheGrio Staff

Feb 3, 2014

Who is Arsenio Hall?

Arsenio Hall has been a household name for at least the last 25 years thanks largely in part to his co-starring role in the Eddie Murphy classic Coming to America and his iconic late night talk show which ran from 1989 to 1994. On that show Hall set himself apart from his late night counterparts (this was the age of Johnny Carson) with his diverse guests and embrace of up-and-coming hip-hop and R&B stars. His show made history when then-candidate Bill Clinton made a cameo appearance performing a saxophone solo. That moment is now remembered as a major boon to his campaign for the presidency.

Slideshow: Arsenio Hall’s most memorable moments

Why is he on theGrio’s 100?

After decades spent largely out of the limelight, Hall has made a triumphant return to the world of late night comedy with his new incarnation of The Arsenio Hall Show. His reemergence comes on the heels of his 2012 victory on the Donald Trump reality series Celebrity Apprentice, which re-introduced him to a new generation of viewers. Since his new show debuted he has hosted several buzzworthy guests like Tyler the Creator, Wayne Brady and Russell Simmons.

What’s next for Hall?

Although Hall’s show has struggled somewhat out of the gate ratings-wise, the 57-year-old comic shows no sign of slowing down. He has made no secret about his hopes to lure potential 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to appear on his show. “If Hillary shows up on my new set and just holds a saxophone, it will be the greatest moment in my professional career, because that will be an announcement that here comes another Clinton about to go through Arsenio to the Hill and to the White House,” he told Rev. Al Sharpton on Politics Nation.