Ronny Chieng became an American citizen with some decidedly American fanfare: a salute from Bill Murray.
The Malaysian-born comedian, who joined The Daily Show in 2015, quietly became an American citizen two weeks ago—on the same day he hosted Bill Murray on the program. We wouldn’t have known at all had The Daily Show not released a behind-the-scenes clip over the weekend, in which Bill Murray surprised the host and shared his news with the show’s studio audience.
The moment came off camera during a break. As Chieng began to take a question from the audience, Murray appeared from backstage, surprising the correspondent.
“I just walked backstage… They said that you’re very excited today, because today you just found out that you have become an American citizen,” Murray announced.
“Thanks so much. It’s a crazy day,” Chieng confirmed over rapturous applause from the crowd.
Murray pulled in Chieng for a hug, kissed him on the temple, and offered a patriotic salute before he exited, as Chieng received a standing ovation from the audience.
“Worst interview ever,” Chieng joked when the crowd had settled down. “Just wouldn’t leave.”
“It’s a crazy experience to become a US citizen the same day you’re supposed to interview Bill Murray,” he added in a moment of sincerity. “It’s been a long day.”
Indeed, interviewing Murray was a meaningful moment for Chieng regardless of the citizenship news. Chieng bowed down to Murray when welcoming him to the show, later calling him an “American institution.”
“Thank you so much for the movies you did. You’re one of the people that my mom is exciting I’m interviewing,” Chieng told Murray on air as they wrapped their interview. “When we were kids in Manchester, New Hampshire, we would watch your movies. It brought my family together. If my dad was still around, he would have loved this. He would have loved that I got to meet you.”
But as Chieng told the audience during off-camera, taking the citizenship interview added to the day’s pressure. “I had to go for the interview. They ask you like, a hundred questions. It’s questions which I bet none of you could f*cking answer,” he quipped to the TDS audience.
“It’s a crazy experience to become a US citizen the same day you’re supposed to interview Bill Murray,” he added in a moment of sincerity. “It’s been a long day.”