Clip of Charles Grodin demolishing ‘fascist’ Sean Hannity in 2009 interview resurfaces after his death
‘Have you ever been waterboarded? Would you consent to be waterboarded so we could get the truth out of you?’ said Grodin
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A series of wild interview clips of Charles Grodin roasting Sean Hannity, including one in which he calls the American commentator a right-wing fascist, has resurfaced after the comedy legend died on Tuesday at the age of 86.
An interview on Fox News in 2009 features the beloved actor asking Mr Hannity about how much mascara he had on, to which, he responded: “None”.
“Because I asked for it and they said, ‘We’ve given it all to Sean,’” said Grodin. He went on to ask Mr Hannity whether he was dating conservative commentator Ann Coulter.
“No, I’m happily married. I’ve been married 17 years,” Mr Hannity replied.
Grodin also asked the right-wing pundit whether he was pro-torture.
Mr Hannity replied: “I am for enhanced interrogation.”
Soon after that, the talk show hosts started talking about waterboarding, with Grodin making the point about how enhanced interrogation is similar to torture.
“Have you ever been waterboarded? Would you consent to be waterboarded so we could get the truth out of you?” asked Grodin.
“Yeah, sure. I’ll do it for charity. I’ll let you do it,” Mr Hannity responded.
When Mr Hannity said he wanted to live in a world without fascism, Grodin interrupted him and said: “Wait a minute! You want to live in a world without fascism? You’re not a fascist?”
“That’s correct,” Mr Hannity replied.
“Oh come on!” said Grodin. “Let’s be honest,” he said.
In another 2007 interview with Mr Hannity, Grodin said, referring to Hitler’s propaganda minister: “Here’s the right-wing fascist, Sean Hannity. Did you not co-host with Goebbels before you met Alan?”
When Mr Hannity took offence, Grodin said, “I didn’t say you were a Nazi, I said your co-host was a Nazi. There is a difference!”
Grodin died of bone marrow cancer at his home in Wilton, Connecticut, his son, Nicholas, told The New York Times.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1935, Grodin made his film debut with an uncredited bit part in Disney’s 1954 adaptation of20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
His most famous role came opposite Robert De Niro in 1988’s Midnight Run, in which Grodin played Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas, an accountant who finds himself in the sights of De Niro’s bounty hunter Jack Walsh.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments