10 Things You Did Not Know About Craig Ferguson (And One Lie)

Trivia tidbits about one of our favorite late night talk show hosts

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He's from Scotland. You know that. But did you know he's a published author? If so, then good for you. that's two things you know about late night talk show host Craig Ferguson. But what about these other 10 things?

1. Ferguson Is a True Rock 'n' Roller

Long before he became known for his comedy hijinks on television, Ferguson was a drummer in a handful of rock bands. He started out in a quartet called Exposure before joining a punk rock band that went by the name "The Bastards from Hell." Oddly, they changed their name to Dreamboys and found some moderate local success. One of his bandmates, Peter Capaldi, went on to become an award-winning director.

2. He's Keeping His Musical Talents Alive

If you consider singing the theme song to his show, the, keeping his musical talents honed. Oh, and he does keep up with his instruments: the drums, guitar and mouth harp. Yes, that's right, mouth harp. Or harmonica, if you wish.

3. He Is a citizen of the United States.

Right, right. He's got that Scottish accent and all. But Ferguson is no longer a citizen of the U.K. On Jan. 25, 2008, Ferguson passed his U.S. citizenship test and was sworn in on Feb. 1, 2008.

4. He Is a Published Author

His first book, Between the Bridge and the River, is a novel, telling an interconnected tale of two childhood friends from Scotland and two Southern illegitimate half-brothers - with a cameo by Tony Randall. The second, American on Purpose, is a memoir of his life and career through his swearing in as a U.S. citizen.

5. He Is a Recovering Alcoholic

He's been sober for more than 20 years, but there was a time when Ferguson's alcoholism was so powerful, he considered killing himself. But a drink offered by a friend kept him from carrying out the deed. His experience with the disease also kept him from poking fun at Britney Spears when she underwent a similar trying time. Ferguson was lauded for his decision by many people.

6. Has a Filmography as Long as Your Arm

Sure, you've seen Craig in some smaller films, like Saving Grace, the British comedy he co-wrote and co-starred in, which made some waves some years back. Then there's his popular turn as Nigel Wick on The Drew Carey Show, which made him famous stateside. But Ferguson has been chalking up a number of films, including the popular How to Train Your Dragon series and Pixar's Brave, as well as a spot in the upcoming My Fair Lady.

7. He Loves His Thistle

We didn't know what it was either. But apparently one of Ferguson's favorite sports teams is Partick Thistle, a soccer - ahem, football - team from the U.K. We discovered this during an interview with actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. She said the name was "a little girlie."

8. He Won a Peabody Award

Ferguson earned the prestigious award for excellence in broadcasting for his interview with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He won the award in 2009 and told Entertainment Weekly that he felt "humbled, which is why I had to have an alligator puppet announce it on the show instead of me. It seemed more seemly that way."

9. He conquered His Fear of Flying by Flying

For a long time, Ferguson was afraid to fly. So to get over that phobia, he decided to take flying lessons.

10. He Announced That He Will Retire at the End of the 2014 Season

Ferguson loves his show, but being a talk show host isn't the world to him. That's why he'll call it quits after the 2014 season.

So did you guess the lie? If you said No. 10 was the lie, you're right (at least we hope so)! Ferguson has downplayed his status as a late-night talk show host, but CBS recently renewed his contract through 2014. I guess anything is possible after that!

HOLD UP! Editor's Note! When this was written this back in late 2012, we were fairly certain Ferguson would host the Late Late Show long after 2014. Little did we know that my Ferguson fib would turn out to be a prediction come true. So if you're reading this AFTER April 28, 2014, when Ferguson announced his retirement after 2014, know that you are right. And that this article has become one long trick question!