I’m Tom Bergeron and You're Not! I’ll be hosting PBS’S “A CAPITOL FOURTH” Tonight, live at 8pm…The Biggest Party in the Nation! Ask Me Anything!

How were the finalist chosen for AFV? I always found many of the other videos funnier.

I agree. Sometimes videos had aired in previous seasons; other times, it was a factor of our taping date and who could make the trip.

Do you sometimes have to tell jokes that you don't think are funny? How do you get through that?

AFV, because it was largely aimed at kids, often had punnier jokes than I would tell but they worked for our audience. Plus they paid me really well.

Hey Tom!

Out of all the videos you've watched with us on AFV is there a certain one that just made you break character and just laugh uncontrollably?

Thanks for the AMA!

Yes. There was a montage of cat videos where the producers put black bars over the cats' privates. I lost it.

Hey Tom,

You are the only reason I will watch DWTS.

What's coming up for you after this gig?

Keep on hosting.

Eventually? Death.

Ever see a talented person's career flame-out just because they couldn't help being a jerk?

Yeah. And for $50 I'll name names.

What was the biggest mistake that you made live on the air but you covered it up and no one noticed?

While hosting the lottery broadcast in Boston, I misstated the jackpot by 7 million dollars. Unfortunately, they noticed.

Did you have to pay the extra $7 million out of your own pocket?

My own pocket contained $23 and 6 mentos.

What qualities make a good broadcaster? What sets a Regis/Letterman apart from some more generic hosts?

The ability to say "We'll be right back" with conviction

Tom,

How did you get such a hot wife? Ever time I see pictures of you with her I am blown away, since she married you long before you had money. What is your secret?

I lied to her about how little money I had.

Mr. Bergeron, how would you say your hosting style differs from Bob Saget's? What did you borrow? What did you deliberately leave out?

He's a comedian, I'm a broadcaster. I deliberately left out the cartoon voiceovers on the videos. I borrowed his ATM card.

Smart move. Between Full House and AFHV, the man made around $100,000,000. Let me guess. . .the pin was his birthdate.

Not anymore.

Hi Tom! I have a family member in the business and she has said you are the nicest guy in Hollywood. Is it possible for you and Tom Hanks work on a project together?

That asshole and I hate each other...kidding!

Hey Tom, thanks for being here today! Would you consider doing another Star Trek role in the new series, if you were asked?

To not do so would be illogical.

How do you balance the audience in the room with the audience at home when you host? If you pay too much attention to one, its apparent to the other so you need to make sure both are engaged.

My first priority is the audience at home.

I always thought that was a big difference between Letterman and Leno. Leno worked the room, where Letterman was more often concerned with the folks at home.

A fine observation and I agree.

You worked your way up through radio and local tv to a national audience, a champion of the 20th century TV career path. In light of the major changes in the industry the last decade, would you recommend pursuing a TV journalism/broadcasting career to your own children if they were just starting today?

Yes I would. Technology always changes options.

Hi Tom. You were great on Never Not Funny. If Jimmy asks, would you become a regular guest on the show?

I'd be willing to become an irregular guest. Fiber helps.

Are you the hardest-working man in show business? You're everywhere!

No. Yes.

What is your favorite vegetable? And what is the best way to prepare (or consume) it?

Zuccini (I just wanted to see my typist, Danielle, try to spell it)

Zucchini* (She didn't)

Was the You Fool! episode a highlight on Hollywood Squares? What were some of your favorite guests? Anyone who just laid an egg?

Yes, it was one of my favorites. And Gilbert Gottfried was always wonderful on the show.

So.. when are you going to be a contestant on DWTS?

When Hell freezes over.

Would you rather fight 100 duck sized horses or one horse-sized duck?

Changed my mind. I'm going with the duck-sized horses.

As the the former host of AFV (the best host btw) I feel like you know how mean ducks can be. They are relentless! Can you imagine one being chased for you bread by a horse sized duck?! No thanks.

Good point. I think I've changed my mind again.

What changed your mind?

I'd like to start a duck-sized stampede.

I'll go with one horse-sized duck.

If you pulled up the wikipedia page about you right now, what would you find most shocking to not see mentioned?

My years with the CIA.

Actually, that's not so shocking ;)

Hi Tom, AFV was basically the soundtrack of my childhood. I'm a soon-to-be-sophomore in college, probably gonna be an English major but I'm afraid of making a mistake and wasting my time, y'know? So my question is, how did you put yourself on the path to success, and what's something I should know if I want to do the same - not the same career, but doing what I want to do?

I know it sounds like a cliche, but do what you love and with luck the money will follow.

Do you keep in touch with anyone from Breakfast Time? It used to be one of my favorite things to watch growing up in the mid 90s.

Yes we all stay in touch. Had a reunion two years ago in New York.

You were there with Jerry Lewis his last few years hosting the MDA Labor Day Telethon, and then a bit after he was let go? How did you feel about the way he was let go? How was it to work with the legend on such an iconic piece of showbiz history?

Thought that was handled poorly. I left when he did.

Hey Tom! I was in the crowd last night and appreciated your humor while the dress rehearsal went through its hiccups. It was really nice to be spoken to - there are a lot of people on each side of the main crowd section that can't get into the main crowd because of crowd size limits and didn't have a great view, but can hear you.

My question is: what do you wish the public would know/appreciate about these events that goes unnoticed or reported?

The massive effort of the producers and staff which makes it look seamless.

What's your favorite song from "Hamilton?"

There are so many. The Room Where It Happens, My Shot are two of my top favorites.

Did you get your start in commercials, or had you jumped straight into hosting?

I started in radio while in high school.

Who had been your inspiration while doing radio?

Jean Shepherd. He wrote the film A Christmas Story and is the narrator, but I first heard him on radio. Also Larry Glick from WBZ Radio in Boston who later became a good friend.

What is the very best dessert?

I like a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream. For breakfast.

How many hours of rehearsal are involved for the DC live broadcast?

I started in March.

Who is the greatest broadcaster ever? Who is your favorite?

Johnny Carson. Johnny Carson.

If you could host any game show besides HS, past or present, which one would you choose?

You Bet Your Life.

What was the dumbest PR stunt you had to do as a DJ? Ever spend a week living on a billboard or anything like that?

I spent one whole show on a billboard on Sunset Boulevard for Breakfast Time on fX.

Have any good memories of Breakfast Time?

All my memories of Breakfast Time are good. Still my favorite experience in live television.

Can you recommend a good book to read?

I'm reading Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. The book that inspired the musical.

What is the most exciting aspect of live television for you?

That's there's no second take. It focuses one's energy.

What made you choose to be a TV host?

I was actually working in radio when some TV producers, who were regular listeners, offered me jobs with them.

Hello Tom,

I just want to thank you for hosting Hollywood Squares and for doing this AMA.

My question to you is... do you see a hollywood squares remake coming back anytime soon? Would you host it again?

I can definitely see the show coming back at some point. Not sure I'd host it again.

Hi Tom, what did you have for breakfast today?

Starbucks iced coffee and their egg, gouda, and bacon sandwich (I took off the bacon).

What TV series should I start watching now that it's summer?

I love Ray Donovan on Showtime.

Tom, Are you excited to have Jackie Evancho back to perform?

Absolutely. Amazing talent!