Conan’s A No-Go For UCLA

Addressing the graduating class of UCLA sounds like a positive, prestigious gig for most celebs—so why are they having so much trouble lining up a speaker?

First, Hollywood heartthrob James Franco bailed at the last minute, claiming he had to be on the set of his next film for “pre-production.” Does that mean he has to stand around while they build the sets?

So a group of enterprising UCLA students set up a page on Facebook, hoping to lure new “The Tonight Show” host Conan O’Brien into subbing for Franco. Alas, Conan turned them down. He released this statement, as reported by TMZ, “I am honored to be asked but I am so busy launching ‘The Tonight Show’ there just is not enough time to give this speech the preparation it deserves. I wish everyone in the class of 2009 the best and I am honored that they thought of me.”

Spoilsport! Conan should go for it! It would be great PR for his new job, and might take the media’s focus off his disappointing ratings. Besides, he could always have his staff of writers craft a speech and read it off the teleprompter.

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