Ronny Chieng kicked off his latest week as Daily Show host Tuesday night with an apparently impromptu cameo from his mother.
The surprise walk-on came after Chieng’s guest Cristela Alonzo reflected on her own mother and what it was like growing up with an undocumented parent.
“It’s so funny you mentioned your mom,” Chieng replied. “Because my mom is never in America. She’s always in Singapore. And she’s actually here tonight.”
Pointing toward his mother off-set, Chieng invited her onstage to cap the interview. The seemingly unplanned moment drew wild applause as Chieng’s mom and Alonzo embraced.
“I will never miss an opportunity to exploit my mother for likes on Instagram,” Chieng joked, pulling his mom close.
“And that’s what makes you American!” Alonzo shot back.
It’s not the first time one of Chieng’s interviews has sparked a sentimental moment on set.
Earlier this year, guest Bill Murray returned to congratulate Chieng on becoming an American citizen. The moment was captured as part of The Daily Show’s “After the Cut” YouTube series.
