David Hasselhoff Grilled like a Cheeseburger at the Comedy Central Roast in His Honor

Over the last few years, David Hasselhoff experienced some real career highs and lows, not the least of which was the "drunken cheeseburger video" that went viral on the Internet. That homemade video came up again during Comedy Central's "Roast of David Hasselhoff," which was originally broadcast on Sunday, Aug. 15.

Before Roastmaster Seth MacFarlane fired the first stinging barbs at "The Hoff," Hasselhoff showed he was a good sport by singing "Hooked on Feeling" as he entered the auditorium, accompanied by several attractive young women wearing lederhosen. Previously, on the red carpet, Hasselhoff even posed with an oversized sculpture of himself in his "Baywatch" swimming trunks.

A Comedy Central Roast can become career redemption

Roasts are never tame affairs, but, when Comedy Central puts someone in the hot seat, they really turn up the heat. When George Takei and other "Star Trek" alumni skewered William Shatner in 2006, the crudity of the jokes was almost legendary. At one point, Shatner was so shocked at the proceedings that he could only stare with his mouth open.

For a man whose hammy acting on "Star Trek" has become the punchline of countless jokes, being the subject of a Comedy Central Roast actually was a blessing for Shatner. At the time, Shatner was starring as Denny Crane on "Boston Legal," and, by showing he was a good sport on the dais, Shatner most likely attracted more fans to his show.

The humor at Hasselhoff's roast made Shatner's look tame by comparison. Comedian Lisa Lampanelli came out swinging when she poked fun at the other guests and her own sexual escapades. At times, the humor veered directly toward Anti-Semitism, but even these questionable remarks escaped the censors.

A Comedy Central Roast turns the tables on the Roasted

In 2003, outspoken actor Denis Leary received the Comedy Central treatment, which was a form of poetic justice. Known for his crude humor, Leary had to sit and take it as Roasters Gina Gershon and Conan O'Brien let him have it in no uncensored terms. The Comedy Central Roast gave Denis Leary a serious career boost. In 2004, Leary started a long run on the FX original series "Rescue Me."

So what's next for a well-done David Hasselhoff?

The Internet buzz about the Comedy Central Roast of Hasselhoff is still high, which can only mean good things for the actor/singer. His rendition of "Hooked on a Feeling" was quite good, despite the stream of jokes about the horrendous quality of his singing. Being roasted may just prompt concert promoters to send Hasselhoff on a tour across America.

Hasselhoff also took some jabs from his former "America's Got Talent" co-stars Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne, hinting that he was kicked off the show instead of leaving to pursue other career opportunities. No matter what happened behind the scenes at "America's Got Talent," the Hoff is certain to field some serious TV offers after his grilling on Comedy Central.

Resources:

http://www.tv.com/comedy-central-roast/comedy-central-roast-of-william-shatner/episode/1135264/summary.html?tag=related_eps;1

http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/leary_roast/index.jhtml