Well, it wasn't the first time that Vigoda had been the butt of a joke on Conan, who seems to love to pick someone and just run with repeated jokes involving them to great comedic effect. And one wouldn't think that Vigoda would agree to be a part of the show if he felt it was going to be an indignity. He obviously has an amazing willingness to poke fun at himself. And thankfully we've since learned that he's been capable of doing far more than simply stand in for a Christmas tree.