Classic celebrity roasts · Video spotlight
Orson Welles
Roasts Joe Namath
Orson Welles Roasts Joe Namath — a classic television roast performance.
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Orson Welles Roasts Joe Namath
Orson Welles was the celebrated actor, director and broadcaster behind Citizen Kane, with a commanding voice and theatrical presence ideal for comic contrast. Joe Namath was the charismatic New York Jets quarterback whose confidence, style and Super Bowl fame made him a major celebrity beyond football.
In this clip, Orson Welles turns that contrast into roast material, teasing Joe Namath with the affectionate exaggeration and show-business one-upmanship that defined the format.