Conan O’Brien has built a career on making people laugh, but as he prepares to take center stage at the 97th Academy Awards, the comedian is facing an emotional storm of personal and external challenges. From the heartbreaking loss of both parents within days of each other to witnessing the devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires, O’Brien is embracing each day as it comes. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the late-night icon opens up about grief, resilience, and why hosting this year’s Oscars feels more profound than ever.
A Personal Battle with Loss and Healing
The end of 2024 brought unimaginable heartbreak for Conan O’Brien, as he said goodbye to both his parents just three days apart in December. His father, Dr. Thomas O’Brien, passed away at 95 after a decline in health, followed closely by his mother, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, who died peacefully at 92.
“It’s been a heavy time,” O’Brien admitted. “Losing both parents so close together is something I’m still processing, but I’m taking it one step at a time.” He recalled their unwavering support and the humor they instilled in him, shaping his comedic voice from an early age.
Despite the sorrow, O’Brien is finding strength in honoring their legacy. “Moments like these remind me how important it is to check in on others, to ask how they’re holding up,” he shared. “Even in the toughest moments, we find ways to move forward.”
Wildfires Bring Another Layer of Hardship
As wildfires rage across Los Angeles, O’Brien’s Pacific Palisades home was spared from the flames, but the destruction surrounding him has left a deep impact. “I met a woman who lost everything—her resilience was incredible,” he said.
O’Brien has been vocal in supporting those affected, encouraging people to help where they can. “Now is the time to reach out, to show up for each other,” he stressed. And while juggling his own grief and preparing for the Oscars, he acknowledges the contrast between personal loss and public spectacle. “In some ways, working on the Oscars feels insignificant, but it’s also a way to keep moving, to bring a sense of normalcy.”
The fires, which have scorched tens of thousands of acres, serve as a sobering reminder of life’s unpredictability. For O’Brien, the devastation reinforces the importance of staying connected and using his platform to make a difference.
The Oscars: Finding Light in Difficult Times
With the 97th Academy Awards fast approaching, O’Brien is committed to delivering a ceremony that resonates with audiences worldwide. “The Oscars aren’t just about glitz—they celebrate creativity and perseverance,” he reflected.
As host, O’Brien hopes to strike a balance between humor and heart, bringing a sense of unity to the event airing live on March 2. “Art and storytelling connect us,” he said. “In challenging times, they remind us of what matters.”
Juggling grief, community hardship, and professional obligations hasn’t been easy, but O’Brien remains steadfast. “It’s not about avoiding the pain—it’s about continuing forward,” he concluded. “The Oscars are a testament to the fact that, even in difficult times, we keep creating. We keep moving.”
As Conan O’Brien prepares to take the stage, his journey speaks to resilience and the power of connection. From personal tragedy to community struggle, his message is clear: life will test us, but creativity and compassion guide the way forward. Don’t miss him hosting the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, a night that promises to celebrate endurance, artistry, and the human spirit.
