The most iconic moments from "The Arsenio Hall Show"

The world was shocked in 1991 when L.A. Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced that he was HIV positive. A day after he broke the news, he decided to appear on Arsenio’s show to discuss his diagnosis and the misconceptions of the virus. After appearing, Magic became an advocate for AIDS awareness and safe sex campaigns.

In November 1989, Eddie Murphy appeared on the show and the audience was in for a major surprise when Michael Jackson walked out on stage. Jackson presented an MTV award to Murphy as “the greatest comedian of all time.” Little did Jackson know, Murphy then presented an MTV award to back to him for “the greatest video of all videos, ‘Thriller.’” It was quite the moment since both stars were at the height of their careers. 

Mariah Carey was new on the scene, and performing on Arsenio’s show was the singer's first national TV performance. She entertained with her hit songs “Vision of Love” and “Love Takes Time," showcasing her five-octave vocal range.

In June 1992 Bill Clinton was on his campaign run as the Democratic presidential candidate, and his team felt that potential voters needed to see a different side of him. When Clinton appeared on Arsenio’s show, not only did the host chat with him about campaign controversies, racism and the importance of voting, but also Clinton opened the show with a saxophone rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel” and later performed “God Bless The Child.”

Former wrestler Randy “Macho Man” Savage appeared on Arsenio’s show a few times; however in 1989 he came on to discuss his match against Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania V. Macho Man brought his charismatic personality to discuss how he’s a champion and the need to take down Hulkamania.

The day after Vanilla Ice won two American Music Awards, he appeared on the show to perform his hit song “Play That Funky Music.” He then went on to chat with Arsenio about how white rappers can be successful in the industry and about being scrutinized by the media about his background.

Tupac went on the show to promote his latest film, “Poetic Justice.” He discussed the controversy around a request for an AIDS test to participate in a kissing scene, before discussing his lawsuits against police and how his lyrics help listeners.

For fans familiar with Jim Carrey’s work on “In Living Color,” they know he likes being in character. When he appeared on Arsenio’s show, he came out and acted drunk. The audience is laughing and appears to be aware of the act, and it was confirmed once the show came back from a commercial break.

Martin Lawrence was in the prime of his career with his TV sitcom, and he appeared on the show to pay respect to comedians and actors who paved the way for him. He went on to discuss how he measures success, navigates the industry, supports his fellow creatives in Black Hollywood and his desire to inspire future generations. 

Madonna was on the show to promote her role in the film “Dick Tracy.” Arsenio talked to her about how her performances and magazine spreads create shock value, and her comments left the host speechless at times.

Fans are always in for a treat with a performance from James Brown aka The Godfather of Soul. Brown put on a party with his swift dance moves as he performed his hit song “Sex Machine.”

Jazz legend Miles Davis performed his hit song “Jojo” before joining Arsenio on the couch. However, Davis wasn’t in the best health, and his speaking voice was more of a whisper. Davis talked about his blowing technique, he praised new artists like Prince and Teddy Riley, and he discussed how he didn’t like being referred to as a legend.

On Arsenio's final episode, Luther Vandross came out to surprise the host during the intro segment. Vandross wanted it to be a special moment, especially since he was the first musical guest to perform during Season 1. Vandross praised Arsenio for his show run and left the audience with a brief performance of “If Only For One Night.”

On a 1991 episode with Patti LaBelle as a special guest host, Prince performed a medley of hits. He opened the show with “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Kiss.” He then went on to perform “Cream” and “Daddy Pop” in full Prince fashion with theatrics and costume changes.

Eazy-E came out on stage in a bathrobe and a Compton hat; let’s just say he wanted to be comfortable while speaking with Arsenio. During the conversation, he discussed his beef with Dr. Dre and how he was still making money from Dre's artists due to a past contract.

Arsenio Hall always made sure to give his guests ample couch time. Sammy Davis Jr. was on the show discussing cooking, racism and his appreciation for Michael Jackson before he decided to give the audience an impromptu performance.

On the last episode of “The Arsenio Hall Show,” Queen Latifah produced a surprise performance filled with hip-hop royalty. Taking the stage was MC Lyte, Naughty By Nature, Yo-Yo, A Tribe Called Quest, Fu-Schnickens, CL Smooth, Guru of Gang Starr, Das EFX, Wu-Tang Clan and KRS-One. It was a proper send-off to Arsenio and the platform he gave for hip-hop culture.

Shortly after Snoop Dogg dropped his debut album, “Doggystyle,” he spoke with Arsenio about the making of it. At the beginning of the show, Arsenio brought out Dr. Dre to briefly discuss the album that the producer labeled a “masterpiece.” Snoop also performed his hit song "Who Am I (What's My Name)?"

One of Arsenio’s most controversial interviews on the show was with Minister Louis Farrakhan, and people claimed it was the reason Hall’s show was eventually canceled. The host claimed that was far from the truth. The first question Arsenio asked Farrakhan was why he believed so many people resisted booking him to appear. 

There was a heckler in the audience who claimed that Arsenio didn’t have queer guests on his show. Arsenio stood up to the guest, backing the argument that he’s had plenty of guests who aren’t always comfortable discussing their sexual preferences.