In a recent episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson revealed a surprising chapter from his past, leaving host Kelly Clarkson and the audience in shock. The unexpected revelation unveiled deGrasse Tyson’s stint as a professional dancer during his time at Harvard, where he considered the prospect of becoming a male stripper to supplement his income. This article delves into the amusing and unexpected narrative, exploring deGrasse Tyson’s dance floor escapades and the lighthearted banter between the scientist and the talk show host.
The Harvard Days: Neil deGrasse Tyson recounted his foray into the world of dance during his Harvard days. Facing financial constraints and drawn by the allure of extra cash, he joined fellow dancers who frequented a male strip club. The astrophysicist’s description of his physical prowess, including the ability to perform a full split, added an element of surprise and amusement to the revelation. The anecdote paints a vivid picture of deGrasse Tyson’s dual life as a student of astrophysics and a potential entertainer.
The Asbestos-Lined Jockstraps Incident: The story took a comical turn when deGrasse Tyson explained the pivotal moment that made him reconsider his career choice. Witnessing fellow dancers donning asbestos-lined jockstraps ignited with lighter fluid, he humorously recalled the absurdity of the situation. The use of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” as the soundtrack for their fiery routine added an extra layer of hilarity to the tale. DeGrasse Tyson’s decision to pivot towards a more academic pursuit, inspired by the flaming jockstraps, became a memorable highlight of the interview.
Kelly Clarkson’s Surprise and Teasing: Clarkson expressed her astonishment at not knowing about deGrasse Tyson’s secret past as a dancer, highlighting the close interactions they’ve had over time. The host playfully teased the astrophysicist, pulling up a black and white photo from his dancing days and remarking on his chest hair. DeGrasse Tyson, apparently embarrassed, responded with humility, adding a touch of self-deprecating humor to the conversation.
DeGrasse Tyson’s Dance Background: The astrophysicist shared more about his dance background, revealing that he was a performing member of three different dance companies in a previous chapter of his life. The discussion between Clarkson and deGrasse Tyson evolved into a lighthearted exchange about the benefits of being in “dance shape” and the gracefulness that comes with it. The scientist even indulged in a bit of humble bragging, emphasizing the strength, limberness, and flexibility that dance shape provides.
Conclusion: Neil deGrasse Tyson’s revelation about his past as a dancer at Harvard added a delightful and unexpected dimension to his public persona. The humorous anecdotes shared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” not only showcased the lighter side of the astrophysicist but also allowed the audience to see a more human and relatable facet of the scientific personality. The segment highlighted the importance of embracing diverse interests and experiences, even for someone as intellectually accomplished as Neil deGrasse Tyson.