Long Island Man's Star Turn On 'The Tonight Show'

NORTH FORK, NY — Wade Karlin is a familiar face on the North Fork. A popular yoga instructor, he also carries on his family's legacy with a longtime fish business, P.E. & D.D. Seafood.

But perhaps his most memorable moments have been spent pursuing his passion, acting — something audiences have enjoyed as he's graced the North Fork Community Theatre's stage.

And now, Karlin has taken his talents to an international canvas: He performed in a skit last week on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," where he played a bookie in a hilarious "Head Swap" segment.

Karlin explained to Patch how the exciting dream came to fruition.

"Early on in the summer I gave my headshot and resume to a friend who passed it along to a casting director connected with 'The Tonight Show.' I had completely forgotten about it. Two weeks ago, I received phone call from NBC's 'Tonight Show' casting director asking if I'd like to be in a skit called 'Head Swap.' I was extremely excited, to say the least, and immediately said yes."

Since he wasn't required to speak in the skit, the aim, Karlin said, was to be "pretty expressive with my face and body."

Gracing the popular stage and performing on such an iconic show was an experience Karlin will remember always.

"It was pretty overwhelming, realizing that I was about to perform on such a well known show and even more so, working with Jimmy Fallon. More mind blowing was knowing that at the end of the day I was going to belong in "Tonight Show' history," he said.

Describing the experience, Karlin said the day was studded with stellar moments, including the experience of meeting Jimmy Fallon, to working on an actual 'Tonight Show' skit. "The whole experience was just so emotionally over the top. Honestly, the one thing that was a load of fun was kicking in the door when we, the bookies, come charging in."

"Head Swap," Karlin explained, is basically a series of photos put together as Jimmy Fallon sings what's happening through narration. "It's completely absurd — hysterical. I worked with two other actors." And, he said, the crew behind the scenes was great, "very accommodating. It really boosted the confidence level."

Jimmy Fallon also made quite an impression, Karlin said. "He was really cool. He really loved to see the cast and crew having a good time and all of that energy just fed into the skit. He's a really fun, upbeat guy who really took some time to talk to us extras and joke around."

Karlin said the experience fueled his passion for pursuing his acting career. "I'm throwing my hat back into the acting ring and seeing what happens. It's a dream of so many struggling artists to get recognized and work their craft. No matter what comes of this I love the craft of acting, of performing." He said he hopes to continue, always.

Last week's performance was a milestone in Karlin's career. "To get a gig on 'The Tonight Show' is so huge and a big shot in the arm to keep pursuing my dream of acting. Just getting in front of the camera was really a neat experience, as most of my acting has been done on stage. Actually booking the gig was such a high."

But no matter how far from home he heads to pursue his career, Karlin's roots will forever be deeply planted on the North Fork, in the hometown he loves, and in the place where crowds of supporters are thrilled for his success.

"The whole experience was simply incredible. I must say, the support and well wishes that I received from friends and family was great," Karlin said. "It was awesome to have so many folks rooting for me and cheering me on. I appreciate and am extremely grateful for that. I'm a lucky guy."

Patch photo courtesy of Wade Karlin.

Video courtesy of YouTube.