Bill Clinton makes unexpected appearance to honor Alec Baldwin at Spike TV's 'One Night Only'

The President of the United States is a huge fan of Alec Baldwin. No, no, not that one.

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton made a surprise appearance Sunday night at New York's Apollo Theater, shocking the audience and guest of honor Alec Baldwin. The moment capped off an already-unpredictable evening at Spike TV's "One Night Only: Alec Baldwin," during which Baldwin's famous family and friends mercilessly roasted him onstage.

A floored Baldwin greeted President Clinton with a hug before Clinton paid a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging the actor's "astonishing range" -- and then pivoting from Baldwin's professional life to his personal one.

"My most enduring memory of all the conversations we ever had is the first time I came to his home for an event, and he told me his story," Clinton said. "The son of Carol ... and his dad, Alexander, who was a high school teacher and the pillar of his community. They taught him -- this is what I remember -- 'We didn't have a lot of money, but they taught me that every person has an obligation to be a good and caring citizen.' I never forgot it."

Although certainly not much of a roast, especially compared to an earlier speech by his daughter Ireland Baldwin, the good-natured tribute was a fitting final touch on a night that highlighted Baldwin's massive philanthropic efforts as much as his Hollywood career.

On the red carpet, Baldwin told AOL he was thrilled to have so much of his extended family in attendance. "I don't get to see them as much anymore," he said. "Since my wife and I have three kids, I don't travel as much anymore, so I'm so happy to see everyone here tonight."

Earlier in the evening, Baldwin's oldest daughter, Ireland, gave a much more raucous speech, poking fun at the infamous voicemail her dad left her more than a decade ago.

"I'm here to roast this big old ham I call my father," she began. "Speaking of pigs..."

The star-studded event also featured a roast from Robert DeNiro, as well as hilarious tributes from Baldwin's "30 Rock" co-stars Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Tracy Morgan -- who jokingly said that Baldwin gave him the bright idea to drive late at night in 2014 because "there are less Walmart trucks on the road." (Morgan has since made an incredible recovery.)

"One Night Only: Alec Baldwin" airs Sunday, July 9 at 9:00 PM, ET/PT on Spike TV.