Actor John Goodman gave a national shout-out to Southern Arizona roadside attraction The Thing on the ABC late-night series, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Monday.
During Goodman's interview, which revolved primarily around the continuation of the sitcom "Roseanne" (now called "The Conners"), Goodman discussed how he commuted from his home in New Orleans to Los Angeles by car once a week to shoot episodes.
When Kimmel asked Goodman where the best place to stop was on the 1,400-mile trek, his response was "The Thing in Arizona."
He added, "I don't know what it is. I've never looked. But there is a Dairy Queen there."
The Arizona conversation begins at the 1:40 mark.
The Thing, which has been around since the mid-1960s and is known for its hundreds of billboards throughout the state, recently went through a $3.5 million renovation, with a new 12,000 square foot building to show for it, and a developed origin story of the mystery creature that pits aliens against dinosaurs.
Goodman spent time in Tucson in the early 1980s, playing Coach Harris in the 1984 film "Revenge of the Nerds," which was filmed on the University of Arizona campus.
Remember stopping at The Thing? Look at it now
Remember stopping at "The Thing" east of Tucson? Look at it now
What's new at The Thing
Updated
An alien scouting party from RAH'thian Prime begins to explore the planet during Earth's Cretaceous Period as renovations and new revelations, along with a couple of alternative historic facts, are on display at The Thing. Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc, which operates the combination roadside attraction, Dairy Queen and gift shop an hour east of Tucson along Interstate 10, is making substantial changes to their display. Known for its billboard ads that line I-10 for miles around, The Thing is rewriting human history with the help of aliens and dinosaurs.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
Worlds and alternative facts collide at The Thing. Known for its billboard ads that line I-10 for miles around, The Thing is rewriting human history with the help of aliens and dinosaurs.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
Myles K. Erwin, a general manager with Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc., spreads out a wall display in the new lobby as renovations and revelations that are out of this world are taking place at The Thing. Known for its billboard ads that line I-10 for miles around, The Thing is rewriting human history with the help of aliens and dinosaurs.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
An armed alien rides a dinosaur which is on display at the new lobby of The Thing as renovations and revelations that are out of this world are taking place at highway stop on I-10.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
In this interpretation of facts, an evil alien clan had hoped to wipe out the Earth millions of years ago by directing an asteroid toward what is now the Yucatan peninsula in this display at The Thing. Known for its billboard ads that line I-10 for miles around, The Thing is rewriting human history with the help of aliens and dinosaurs.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
A dinosaur on display at The Thing. Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc, which operates the combination roadside attraction, Dairy Queen and gift shop an hour east of Tucson along Interstate 10, is making substantial changes to their display.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
An alien chauffeur drives British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in a limousine which is on display at The Thing. In their story line aliens from RAH'thian Prime either helped or interfered with mankind throughout history. The Ammattria's assisted the Allies during World War II to combat their nemeses, the Mylzerath.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
Myles K. Erwin, a general manager with Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc., shows the World War II office of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at The Thing. In their story line, which Erwin created, aliens from RAH'thian Prime either helped or interfered with mankind throughout history. The Ammattria's assisted the Allies during World War II to combat their nemeses, the Mylzerath.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
A pair of glasses lay on the desk of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, along with a map of Arizona, at The Thing. The new Thing is rewriting human history with the help of aliens and dinosaurs.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
Raymond Rodriguez, with Worlds of Wow, paints a piece of styrofoam for display at The Thing. Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc, which operates the combination roadside attraction, Dairy Queen and gift shop an hour east of Tucson along Interstate 10, is making substantial changes to their display.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
A not so little green man greets visitors to The Thing. Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc, which operates the combination roadside attraction, Dairy Queen and gift shop an hour east of Tucson along Interstate 10, is making substantial changes. Known for its billboard ads that line I-10 for miles around, The Thing is rewriting human history with the help of aliens and dinosaurs.
What's new at The Thing
Updated
New signage showcases The Thing. Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc, which operates the combination roadside attraction, Dairy Queen and gift shop an hour east of Tucson along Interstate 10, is making substantial changes. Known for its billboard ads that line I-10 for miles around, The Thing is rewriting human history with the help of aliens and dinosaurs.
