Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Episode: Side Dish: More Heather Graham
Release Date: April 9, 2026

Episode Overview

In this candid "Side Dish" installment, Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with actress/director Heather Graham for a lively conversation over dinner at LA Pavilion in Manhattan. The pair dive into formative films and TV from their youth, their culinary journeys, the art of comedy, starstruck moments, Heather's SNL hosting experience, and the hilarious, unglamorous story of Jesse’s engagement proposal. Their easy rapport brings out stories about learning to embrace comedy, the joys and anxieties of celebrity run-ins, and the magic of shared meals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Childhood Film & TV Influences (04:05–06:06)

• Heather: Grew up loving classics like "The Wizard of Oz," "Sound of Music," "Tootsie," and "Godfather." "Somewhere in Time" and especially "Harold and Maude" influenced her personality.
  • Quote: “I feel like [Harold and Maude]... inspired my personality. Just the way [Ruth Gordon] loves life and tries to appreciate every moment.” — Heather (04:40)
• Jesse: Grew up on sitcoms like "Cheers," "Family Ties," "Silver Spoons." Moving to New York expanded access to new films, music, and foods.
• Heather: Wasn’t allowed to watch PG-13 movies. Independence at 18 brought her freedom to explore media and cuisine.
  • Quote: “Once I made that money, I could get my own place and then I could watch R-rated movies.” — Heather (06:00)

2. Food Journeys & Culinary Adventures (06:06–09:01)

• Both Jesse and Heather only discovered foods like sushi and hummus in adulthood.
  • Quote: "I hadn't tried sushi. I didn't know what hummus was, you know?" — Heather (06:22)
• Discussion on being more open to diverse cuisines now, versus the limited palettes of childhood.
• Jesse reveals that if he hadn't become an actor, he would've pursued culinary school and expresses deep respect for chefs.
  • Quote: "If I hadn't been an actor, I would have gone to culinary school." — Jesse (07:25)
• Heather’s obsession with planning meals ahead and savoring food with friends.
  • Quote: "Whenever I'm having lunch, I'm, like, asking, well, what are we gonna have for dinner?" — Heather (08:41)

3. The Joys and Nerves of "Saturday Night Live" & Comedy (12:43–17:18)

• Heather recalls befriending Molly Shannon, their shared love of therapy and analyzing people, and Molly encouraging her to write a book.
• Heather describes her “terrifying and fun” experience hosting SNL:
  • Quote: "It was a mixture of fun and a state of complete terror. I mean, I think I would be better now." — Heather (15:02)
• Initially drawn to drama and “serious” films, Heather’s appreciation for comedy grew over time, especially as female stand-ups became more visible.
  • Quote: “How do you make life funny and not, like, sad and depressing?... I just admire and respect comedy more than anything else.” — Heather (16:16)
• Jesse jokes about being ready to host SNL himself, if only they'd ask.

4. Reflections on Watching Their Own Work (17:20–19:12)

• Both guests discuss their complicated relationships with watching themselves on screen:
  • Heather: Finds it sometimes awkward or self-conscious.
  • Jesse: Was comfortable watching "Modern Family" but now avoids watching performances or even listening to himself ("I don't want to hear myself talking. I don't want to see my face."). (17:41)

5. First Meeting in Tulum & Jesse’s Engagement Story (20:33–26:13)

• Heather: Remembers a “vivid” encounter with Jesse in Tulum, years ago, before it became a celebrity hotspot.
• Jesse: Realizes that was the trip when he proposed to his now-husband Justin. Rather than a ring, he gave Justin a cherished Rolex watch engraved with "spend all your time with me."
  • Quote: "Had diamonds on the side, and on the back it said, ‘spend all your time with me.’" — Jesse (22:16)
• Describes unsuccessfully looking for the perfect moment, comical mishaps (sand crabs interrupting a beach proposal), and ultimately proposing in a less-than-romantic but heartfelt way on their balcony.
  • Quote: "...I basically got down on one knee. I was like, here's the watch—marry me. I was just wanting to unload the watch." — Jesse (25:00)

6. The Awkwardness (and Magic) of Celebrity Run-Ins (26:13–29:58)

• Conversation about shyness and the nervousness around greeting fellow celebrities in public.
  • Quote: "Do they want to be bothered? …I don't always think of myself that way. …But I was like, oh my God, I want to say hi to [Cardi B]." — Heather (27:12)
• Jesse reflects on awkward and wonderful celebrity party moments—sometimes star encounters flop, sometimes they blossom into real friendship (e.g., meeting Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys).
  • Quote: “We were just…we couldn’t, in that circumstance, have a real moment because it was just, like, too much going on.” — Jesse (29:36)
• Encourages Heather that she "should have said hello in Tulum"—they bond over their mutual shyness and resolve to be more outgoing.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “It kind of inspired my personality… just the way she loves life.” — Heather, on Ruth Gordon’s character in “Harold and Maude” (04:40)
• “If I hadn’t been an actor, I would have gone to culinary school.” — Jesse (07:25)
• “Whenever I'm having lunch, I'm, like, asking, well, what are we gonna have for dinner?” — Heather (08:41)
• “It was a mixture of fun and a state of complete terror.” — Heather, on hosting SNL (15:02)
• “How do you make life funny and not, like, sad and depressing?... I just admire and respect comedy more than anything else.” — Heather (16:16)
• "I basically got down on one knee… I was like, here's the watch—marry me." — Jesse, on his engagement (25:00)
• “Do they want to be bothered? …I was kind of obsessed with Cardi B.” — Heather (27:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Formative Film & TV Influences: 04:05–06:06
• Culinary Journeys & James Beard Awards: 06:06–09:01
• Heather on Comedy, SNL, & Molly Shannon: 12:43–17:18
• On Watching Their Own Work: 17:20–19:12
• Their First Meeting & Jesse's Proposal Story: 20:33–26:13
• Celebrity Awkwardness & Friendship: 26:13–29:58

Episode Tone

The episode is warm, humorous, and honest—full of friendly teasing, nostalgia, and authentic discussion about the joys (and quirks) of food, showbiz, and unexpected connections.

For more deep dives and candid stories, listen to the full episode of Dinner’s on Me!