Inside Conan O'Brien's Dopp Kit

by Amy Tardio  --  GQ  --  August 1996  --  pg. 102

For late night TV talk show host and preternaturally boyish comic Conan O'Brien, the medium can be the monster. Even though he's known for his wit, looks count, too. We asked him what he does in that department on a daily basis. For him, it's a laughing matter.

What's your daily routine? Shave, shampoo, condition?

Yeah, but when I travel I always remember the razor and not the shaving cream, or I remember the conditioner and forget the shampoo. I always get it half right. So now I don't even bother packing hair stuff or shampoo. I like to try the stuff in hotels. I like to live dangerously. The stuff probably isn't even legally considered soap. I have no respect for anyone who brings their own shampoo or soap. They're not really living dangerously.

So what's with all these sunscreens?

No single one offers enough protection. My doctor wants me to wear an SPF 200 at all times. It's either that or I'd be wearing a beekeeper's outfit all day.

What about your dental floss?

I have that just in case my dentist ever comes by. I can say, "It's right here, just like you said, 'waxed.'"

Let's talk about the "autumn red" hair color.

I dye my hair so I look like I do on TV. My hair in real life is more strawberry blond. It looks redder on TV. Otherwise people don't recognize me. I won't get the good tables in restaurants. It's a sad comment on celebrity life.

I noticed the photo of Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island. What's that all about?

I'd rather not discuss that.

What about the Oxy 10?

That's a crutch. I don't really need it now. But I have a leftover fear from my adolescence. I carry it just in case.

What about the breath spray?

Why do you think I have it? It's a quick way of letting women know you are a creep. I tried George Kennedy's BreathAsure. . . but it's too radical, altering your body chemistry like that.

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