Now that David Letterman is content to relive past times with Agent Scully, and Jay Leno settles for the perfunctory ogling of Scarlett Johansson, the real late-night king of starlet seduction is TV's Craig Ferguson. On last night's show, he appeared to just about charm the pants off of lovely young actress Kate Mara, star of the upcoming film Transsiberian. Find out how he does it, and watch the sparks fly, right here.
Craig Ferguson's Rules for Starlet Seduction:
1. Start with a double-cheek kiss. You can get away with it if you seem "European."
2. Get in plenty of "accidental" touching. Craig strokes her hand under the pretext of showing her ring to the audience, something she clearly enjoys.
3. Go easy on the compliments. (Kate: "Don't I have nice hands?" Craig: "Actually, I have nice hands.")
4. Find things you have in common. (Kate describes staying in a neighborhood in Glasgow while making a movie. Craig: "That's where I used to live!")
5. Hint about having a secret, dark background. (Craig: "I was the bartender... I had to throw myself out sometimes.")
6. Say things that may or may not predict naughty times in the future. (Craig: "You have to do something hugely embarrassing... tonight may be your night.")
7. Give her a "neg," i.e., a joking putdown. (Craig: "The Irish are just Scottish people that can't swim.")
8. Let her know you understand her belief system. ("Craig: "Do you believe in ghosts?" Kate: "Yeah, why?")
9. Move on to hard-core flirting. (Craig: "I think my dressing room here is haunted. I'm scared to be in it alone." Kate: "Really? Do you need someone to help you?" Craig: "Maybe just a cuddle.")
10. Let her do the rest. (Craig: "We're done here. We're out of time -- we need to stop this." Kate: "Why? We could keep going... I could help you in your dressing room, get rid of the ghosts." Craig: "Okay, yeah.")
Of course, it also helps if you're famous, and she's plugging a movie, and the whole thing is on TV. Here's how it all actually went down:
Previously:
Dave Letterman and Gillian Anderson Relive Their Makeout Session
Mr. Leno, Please Stop Drooling on Scarlett Johansson
Kristen Davis Talks About the Drunk Old Days