They laugh and they cry as Letterman returns

The gap-toothed grin is back. Tonight marks the return of David Letterman to CBS' "Late Show," five weeks after he had emergency surgery on a blocked artery in his heart. More than 10 million viewers - or about three times the usual "Late Show" audience - are expected to watch the broadcast, which was taped Friday and airs locally at 10:35 p.m. on KCTV, Channel 5. The show began with an emotional entrance by Letterman, 52, who told jokes and recounted details about his operation. Much of the program was unplanned and unscripted. No top 10 list was read, and instead of the usual comedy bit from his desk, Letterman simply spoke at length about his ordeal. In a moment that touched many of those who saw it, Letterman fought back tears as he thanked the medical staff that performed the quintuple bypass. More than one veteran of the "Late Show" staff commented that it was among the finest hours they'd seen their boss deliver. Regis Philbin, with whom Letterman discussed his heart exam on the show before his surgery, was his first guest on the broadcast. Actor Robin Williams, who clowned around in hospital scrubs, and comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who is also a longtime friend of Letterman's rival, "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno, also appeared. The musical act was the Foo Fighters, a favorite of Letterman's. Executive producer Rob Burnett said that he had tried to fly Letterman's mother, Dorothy, to New York to appear on the broadcast but that bad weather in Indianapolis scotched that plan. She may be brought out later in the week. "It was a challenging task," Burnett said. "There were a lot of things Dave wanted to get accomplished. He wanted to talk about what had happened to him and do it in a funny way, but at the same time a very real way. And I think he did that very well." Afterward, some audience members commented to the press (who are not allowed at tapings) that Letterman looked thin. However, this is not an uncommon response for people seeing the 6-foot-4-inch star in person for the first time. Burnett said Letterman looked healthy and was feeling no ill effects either after the taping or the following day. Last week Letterman was jogging three miles a day and "feeling great," Burnett said. He has, however, been told to switch his coffee to decaf. Burnett said Letterman would tape a show Wednesday and probably another Friday for broadcast the same days. "Late Show" will use guest hosts on Tuesday (Bill Cosby) and Thursday (Kathie Lee Gifford). The plan is for Letterman to do three shows next week. When or whether he will return to a five-night-a-week schedule are still open questions. For his NBC program, Letterman taped shows four days a week, with repeat broadcasts airing Monday nights. That practice now is carried on by his successor, Conan O'Brien. To reach Aaron Barnhart, call (816) 234-4790 or visit the TV Barn Web site at www.tvbarn.com @ART CAPTION:Robin Williams clowned around in hospital scrubs on the "Late Show," David Letterman's first broadcast since bypass surgery. It airs tonight at 10:35 on KCTV, Channel 5. @ART:Photo (color) @ART CREDIT:BARBARA NITKE/The Associated Press