J-j-jittery JIMMY FALLON – terrified of screwing up BARBRA STREISAND’s triumphal return to “The Tonight Show” for the first time in 50 years while America eyeballed – warned spooked staffers: Don’t dare speak – and never PEEK!
Said a show source: “A very nervous Fallon told staff to treat Barbra like a deep-end diva – do NOT make eye contact or engage her in any way! But a young intern ended up spilling the beans as he ran around doing his thing – and was suddenly called over by Barbra herself, who demanded to know why everyone kept acting like she was … invisible!
Freaked, the intern blurted: ‘We were told not to look at or talk to you EVER – and to respect your privacy!’ Amazingly, Babs laughed and said, ‘Well, it’s making me nervous – go get your boss!’ When the intern returned with a producer, she waved her hand and said, ‘Not your boss – THE boss!’”
Suddenly summoned, white-faced Fallon stood before Babs – who displayed the uncanny sense that made her a superstar. Said the source: “Barbra told him, ‘Look Jimmy, I’m nervous enough already without all your people acting like I’m a zombie … or a freak. Let’s just have fun – and if anyone wants to say hi, they’re more than free to do so! Okay?!’”
No dummy he, Jimmy chilled, quickly let the word go forth – and produced a “Tonight” miracle the world will NEVER forget!
