Exclusive: Craig Kilborn is interviewed by the only person he trusts: himself

Craig Kilborn had an impressive 14-year run in television, taking him from local TV in Monterey, Calif., to ESPN’s “SportsCenter” to the original host of “The Daily Show” and finally as the host of “The Late, Late Show” on CBS. In 2004, he gracefully walked away from late night, referring to it as “early retirement.”

This summer he made a rare cameo on Jon Stewart’s last “Daily Show,” and he simply looked great. In an exclusive for The Times, Kilborn agreed to a sit-down interview with the only person he trusts: himself.

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We’ve missed you. What have you been doing?

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying myself. I have a fairly magical life. Very relaxing.

I live in a lovely 1920s English manor that I take considerable pleasure in restoring. I’m presently collecting cut-velvet swatches as I prep for floor-to-ceiling drapes. And on weekends I still make grand entrances through my pocket doors. Wow, you’re pulling a lot out of me.

You’re safe here. People are still buzzing about your “Daily Show” cameo. God, did you look good.

Thank you. I like to say well preserved. It’s clean living. Wine and cheese at night, wheat grass and fresh ginger by day. Oh, and oysters.

How’s your cholesterol?

Like a hummingbird. An obese hummingbird.

Was that shot in your infamous den?

Yes, my mahogany-paneled den with burl wood inlay. It’s where I sample red blends from Paso Robles and view old movies: “Vertigo,” “Strangers On a Train,” the “Thin Man” series, etc. And to stay contemporary I watch “Frasier” on Netflix.

You have incredible taste.

You can’t teach taste. Although one can try.

I’m listening.

Every host, past or present, deep down, prefers their own style and point of view. So if someone is high energy and zany or low key and dry, they like it, prefer it. And if someone is a well-manicured bon vivant with the complexion of a young Grace Kelly … well, let’s just say there’s such a thing as being too comfortable in your own skin. And that may result in contentment but not ambition.

Good lord, showing off the depth.

So I have this unique sensibility, much of it built on refined taste, and my outlet is my personal life. I’m comfortable being the guy who walked away. However, I do believe in giving back so at the very least, for all the old fans, I will be penning a book titled “Classic Man: Living Above the Fray.”

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Yes! Thank you. I’m getting emotional.

So that’s what it looks like. Relax, I may not release it for 15 years.

I understand. Please tell me there’ll be a chapter on leadership.

Obviously. It’s a strength. But the leadership will not be limited to one chapter; it will be throughout the book because it’s been throughout my life. I’ve always enjoyed being an island. When I was 5 years old my father transferred from the East Coast to Minnesota, and I’ve been in my own world ever since. I grew up in a hockey town playing basketball. While my classmates listened to REO Speedwagon I chose Nat King Cole. And instead of candy this little towhead preferred crumbled bleu cheese.

Are we allowed to say better? Elevated?

I don’t talk that way. But I’ve been told that while I entertain the quality people I also drive the angry and bitter people up the wall. It’s a combination of my Gandhi-like inner peace, my extensive vest collection and the fact that my best friend, Charles, is a fromager.

I love you.

[Kilborn blushes]

My biggest disagreement is with mankind in general. I’m less accepting of dysfunction than most — the greed, the anger, the insecurity, the sauntering in the crosswalk — all the imperfections. Over the years I’ve met some wounded, troubled souls whom I was unable to save, but I gained some valuable insights. Obviously the PC Agenda is backfiring and boiling over, as it should. But also, the irrational and bitter among us are often the loudest and most self-righteous, which is beyond amusing. And, of course, these enlightened folk have no credibility lecturing anyone.

Whenever I go around the country speaking to the young people — which is never — I always tell them: “Remember, life is wonderful. Let’s cut out the whining and victimhood. Don’t be the generation of fragile, pathetic, loser wimps.” Something like that.

Oh, these are gems.

There’s more where that came from. I’ve always lived above the political fray. From an early age I’ve been apolitical. I enjoy the psychology of what makes a person left or right, but I don’t identify fully with either side and want no part of the political morass. I’m a glorious independent. And I choose to follow politics from the privacy of my distressed leather club chair. It’s a beautiful process. With a dram of Scotch I’ll read a column from the left, then Krauthammer, a chapter from my Churchill biography, then it’s back to listening to Miles Davis.

Wow. Holy perfection. Clearly you’re discerning when it comes to political punditry.

Yes, the instincts, the vision, the perspicacity — it all came early. As an 8-year-old my father and I would wear matching cardigans and watch “Firing Line” with the legendary William F. Buckley Jr. Ever since then I’ve preferred my politics from full-time intellectual pundits, not my fellow man, or worse, a misguided co-worker. Why be subjected to amateurs when one has access to experts — thoughtful, professional columnists. Which may explain why I’ve never been stimulated by political humor. Obviously it serves a purpose, but there’s always an agenda and I’m already aware of the hypocrisy of Washington. Full disclosure: Along with the coordinating sweaters, my father and I would both occasionally enjoy a pipe of Dunhill Gold Blend.

Beautiful. All you’re doing right now is making complete sense. But I believe you make an exception: There is a particular political conservation in which you will gladly participate.

Well, I’m English on both sides, and I’ve always had a fondness for the greatest leader of the 20th century. So if someone wants to wax poetic about Sir Winston Churchill, I’m in. I will talk Churchill with co-workers, strangers, my gardener, gangbangers, you name it. I have found I can go a few days without food and water but only a few hours without exalting the British Bulldog.

I simply can’t wait for your book. I’ve also heard you say in your world “there is no wrong side of the bed.”

Yes, I had a very happy childhood, and it’s only intensified as an adult. At some point I mastered the art of living. It’s about enjoying the simple things. A glorious eight hours of sleep followed by my favorite part of day … the morning ritual. There’s no greater joy than a cup of coffee and listening to Bill Evans. I imagine it’s what the common man must feel when he’s eating hot links and belching.

My most beloved activity is driving up the coast to Northern California, whether it’s a decadent brunch at one of the historic hotels on Nob Hill, savoring an assortment of pate in Yountville or going home to Carmel-By-the-Sea and, in my bespoke glen plaid sport coat, calmly drinking the locals under the table.

Mr. Kilborn, I could talk to you for hours.

Actually, I’ve got to run. It’s Burrata Night. Charles and I are having a wine and cheese tasting this evening for some exotic waifs.

Ah, yes, there he is.

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