Brian Williams’ Self-congratulation Tour Rolls On; Access Hollywood Lauds ‘the Man,’ the ‘Great’ Winner

Nightly News host Brian Williams on Tuesday continued his self-congratulatory tour of NBC programs, touting his five years as a news anchor. He appeared on the tabloid program Access Hollywood to be lauded as "great" and "the man." Co-host Billy Bush oozed, "He only knows about winning. For five straight years, number one in the evening news, the great Brian Williams."

Is there any show silly enough that Williams would refuse to appear on? Or is the prospect of fawning praise enough? In a ridiculous segue, Maria Menounos teased, "Find out who the new Biggest Loser is tonight at eight on NBC. Now to Billy in New York with someone who could never be called a loser." To "celebrate this great accomplishment" the anchor then participated in a segment called "Top 5 Photos" and offered his thoughts on various stars.

Regarding a picture of actor Paul Reubens, who was arrested for masturbating in public in 1991, Williams lauded, "The Pee-ster is back!" After looking at a picture of a scruffy looking Johnny Depp, Williams pontificated, "The simple beauty that is Johnny Depp. I've always liked the skull and crossbones ring. He's got that little finger tattoo thing that none of the rest of us can pull off. He's got it going on in an Depp-ian way."

The segment closed with Bush rhapsodizing, "Sir, you are great." Co-host Shaun Robins extolled, "Brian Williams, the man! Well done, B&B! Quite the team!"

Williams has previously touted his five years at NBC, first on Nightly News last week, then on a Christmas special on Wednesday. To celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza, actress Jane Krakowski raved:

It won’t be long before we light the towering tree in Rockefeller Center. But first, a towering figure in the world of news, and tonight just happens to be his fifth anniversary an anchor of the NBC Nightly News, congratulations, Mr. Brian Williams.

A transcript of the December 8 segment, which aired at 7:27pm EST, follows:

MARIA MENOUNOS: Find out who the new Biggest Loser is tonight at eight on NBC. Now to Billy in New York with someone who could never be called a loser. Billy?

[In the Nightly News studio.]

BILLY BUSH: Oh, Maria, certainly not. He only knows about winning. For five straight years, number one in the evening news, the great Brian Williams.

BRIAN WILLIAMS: You’re very kind. Thank you for coming to my little humble abode here.

BUSH: To celebrate this great accomplishment, you’re going to join us for the Top 5 Photos. [Photo of celebrities appear throughout segment.] She’s out last night in New York, Julia Roberts. A word or two that pops into mind here.

WILLIAMS: Danny Moder, lucky man. And just simple beauty.

BUSH: In Japan, Johnny Depp.

WILLIAMS: The simple beauty that is Johnny Depp. I’ve always liked the skull and crossbones ring. He’s got that little finger tattoo thing that none of the rest of us can pull off. He’s got it going on in an Depp-ian way.

BUSH: Is this a look you could pull off on a weekend?

WILLIAMS: Not on a bet.

BUSH: Now, we go to Pewee Herman. He’s back.

WILLIAMS: The Pee-ster is back! He, kind of, debuted the new act, which looks a lot like the old act, on Jay Leno, on this very network. And you know what, if you’re going to select a chair, I’d pick that one for Peewee.

BUSH: Well, what about this one here ? Now, this is Jenny McCarthy at a Guinness book- Guinness World Record event for the largest gathering of elves yesterday.

WILLIAMS [Looking at the photo. McCarthy is in sort of a sexy Santa outfit]: Yes, it is. [Bush laughs.]

BUSH: Okay. And this is- Look at this. A perfect curtsy. Do you know who this is? Don’t reveal, but do you know?

WILLIAMS: I do.

BUSH: You do?

WILLIAMS: Yeah.

BUSH: It will be revealed in our number one photo later on. Sir, you are great.

WILLIAMS: Oh, thank you. Here’s a hint. She goes by a proper British title. [It’s Lady Gaga.]

SHAUN ROBINSON: Brian Williams, the man! Well done, B&B! Quite the team!