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Jan 10

Conan’s friend is proud of Conan and how he handled the situation

Here’s an interesting article on Rev. Paul O’Brien, Conan’s college friend and pastor who officiated at his wedding, and his take on the late night situation:

Lawrence pastor ‘proud’ of Conan O’Brien
By Jessica Heslam

One of Conan O’Brien’s very close friends – a Lawrence pastor – said yesterday he’s “never been more proud” of the Brookline-bred funnyman and lauded him for standing up “for principle.”

“I’ve never been more proud of him,” the Rev. Paul O’Brien said when asked about the TV comic’s “People of Earth” letter.

The St. Patrick Parish pastor told MediaBiz his famous friend feels “entirely responsible” for the “huge number” of people who work with him.

“He’s not just focused here on his career, but on the livelihoods of many, many people,” he said. “It’s great to see somebody who is a terrific guy stand up for principle as best he understands it.”

Scathing yet sincere, Conan O’Brien released a letter Tuesday saying he wouldn’t host “The Tonight Show” in NBC’s proposed post-midnight time slot and witness “its destruction.”

The TV joker opened his lengthy missive by saying no one should feel sorry for him because “in a world with real problems, I’ve been asburdly lucky.”

The Father and the funnyman grew up near each other and were housemates at Harvard.

“He really means it when he says don’t get upset for me, that he’s been extremely successful and his worst case scenarios are other people’s lifelong dreams,” the Rev. O’Brien said.

“He’s a person who sincerely tries to do the right thing for the people for whom he’s responsible and himself,” he added. “I think that letter reflects that.”

The pastor wouldn’t say when he read the letter or whether he gave his pal advice. He declined to comment on the NBC debacle and whether he’s spoken to Conan O’Brien about it.

He did say the late-night entertainer has “felt like life presents all kinds of unexpected challenges, but this is reality.”

The pastor has been tuning into his buddy as he aims an arsenal of jabs at NBC on his late-night show.

“Without picking up a flame thrower and aiming it at the camera, he’s been very funny,” the Rev. O’Brien said.

As for Conan O’Brien’s future, the pastor said: “He’s the best guy in the world. However it turns out, he’s going to be fine.”

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