Video: Was Jimmy Fallon Mean to 8-Year-Old Littleton Inventor Andrew Burton?

The Tonight Show's Jimmy Fallon is known as one of the nicest guys in show business — and we're sure he didn't mean to come across as harsh when bidding farewell to Andrew Burton, an eight-year-old from Littleton, who guested on the program last night. But judging by the expression on...

By Michael Roberts

October 8, 2015

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The Tonight Show's Jimmy Fallon is known as one of the nicest guys in show business — and we're sure he didn't mean to come across as harsh when bidding farewell to Andrew Burton, an eight-year-old from Littleton, who guested on the program last night.

But judging by the expression on Andrew's face when he headed off stage, we're not sure he got the joke.

The bit, on view below, was designed to bring out Fallon's lovable side: an inventions segment in which Andrew showed off a backscratcher he conceived using a plastic fireman's hat and Tinkertoys.

After congratulating Andrew on his achievement, however, Fallon displayed a gag invention of his own — a side door for Pringles cans to allow easier access when the chip stack gets low. Then, he shouts "Get out of here!" at Andrew, who retreats as Fallon barks, "Now that's an invention!"

Funny? Or weirdly uncomfortable? You be the judge. Check out the clip below.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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