Welcome to Better Know a Guest, your weekly guide to the wonderful and diverse array of personalities appearing on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ each week.
It is time for another exciting week of the Late Show! This week, Stephen welcomes three actors who are in the new FX series, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” It has been twenty years since the infamous O.J. trial. If you are old enough, you definitely remember where you were when you heard the verdict read on live TV. (I was in my high school English class. The whole school was abuzz!) Stephen talks with some TV hosts, including Samantha Bee of The Daily Show fame! We also have an author, a televangelist, the Duplass brothers, an academic, and some amazing musical guests. Plus the wonderful Grace Kelly will be sitting in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human throughout February.
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section! Donʼt forget to take our weekly poll!
Monday, February 1st (2016)
John Travolta (Actor – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story“)
John Travolta is an American actor, dancer, and singer known for his legendary roles in “Saturday Night Fever”, “Grease”, and “Pulp Fiction.” Travolta will star as criminal defense attorney, Robert Shaprio, in FXʼs 10-episode series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”, which will focus on the murder trial of O.J. Simpson. It is based on Jeffrey Toobinʼs book “The Run of His Life.” The New York Times asked Travolta, “Are you hopeful that, in the two decades since the verdict was announced, viewers are willing to reconsider their perspectives on the case?” To which Travolta responded, “So much has evolved. When you see the rest of the shows, so much will be revealed that was not submitted in court. For instance, the totality of the [Mark] Fuhrman tapes [in which Mr. Fuhrman, a Los Angeles Police Department detective on the Simpson case, was heard using racial slurs]. When you witness even the amount we were allowed to, youʼll be astonished.” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” premiers Tuesday, February 2nd at 10pm EST on FX.
Courtney B. Vance (Actor – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story“)
Courtney B. Vance is an American actor, known for his roles in “Hamburger Hill” and “The Hunt for Red October” and on the television series “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Vance will play criminal defense attorney, Johnnie Cochran, in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” Along with Robert Shapiro – played by John Travolta – Johnnie Cochran was part of O.J. Simpsonʼs five attorney defense team, which became known as “The Dream Team.” Vulture reports, “As incarnated by Vance, whoʼs been consistently brilliant since at least 1987ʼs Hamburger Hill, Cochran is a righteous glad-hander, a silver-tongued salesman, a master of interpreting and reshaping images to ensure certain outcomes, and at times a noxious grandstander.” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” premiers Tuesday, February 2nd at 10pm EST on FX.
Amy Cuddy (Author – “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges“)
Amy Cuddy is an American social psychologist, author and lecturer known for her research on stereotyping and discrimination, emotions, power, nonverbal behavior, and the effects of social stimuli on hormone levels. She is a professor and researcher at Harvard Business School. Cuddyʼs 2012 TED Talk, is the second-most-viewed talk in TED’s history. Cuddy has been named a Game Changer by Time, a Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science, one of 50 Women Who Are Changing the World by Business Insider, and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Her latest book is “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges.” Michael Wheeler of Harvard Business School praised “Presence” saying, “With advice that is both practical and profound, Amy Cuddy shows how to summon your true and best self when doing so matters most. Emotions are contagious. If you personify poise and optimism yourself, you enhance the odds that they will respond in kind.”
John Moreland (Album – “High on Tulsa Heat“)
John Moreland is an American singer-songwriter of folk/alternative county style music. His latest album is his third full-length solo record, “High on Tulsa Heat.” It is produced by Moreland and features Jesse Aycock, John Calvin Abney, Chris Foster, Jared Tyler, and Kierston White. The album was recorded quickly and informally over the course of a few days. Pitchfork gives praise to the album, saying, “There is plenty of well-worn sentiment and saltiness in his music, but there is also a relatable humanity that makes ʻHigh on Tulsa Heatʼ worth going back to. Though many of the songs convey images of earthiness and of dirt, there’s a beauty that helps the collection soar above the ground.” And Pop Matters says, “[…] thereʼs nothing sanctimonious about singing the truth on ʻHigh on Tulsa Heat.ʼ”
Tuesday, February 2nd (2016)
David Schwimmer (Actor – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story“)
David Schwimmer is an American actor, director, producer, and comedian, famously known for playing Ross Geller on the television series “Friends.” He gave a memorable and critically acclaimed performance in the HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers” as Herbert Sobel. After graduating from Northwestern University, Schwimmer co-founded the Lookingglass Theater in Chicago. Schwimmer will star as criminal defense attorney, Robert Kardashian, in FXʼs 10-episode series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”, which will focus on the murder trial of O.J. Simpson. Robert Kardashian first met O.J. Simpson in the early 1970s and the two became close friends. Following the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, Kardashian became part of O.J. Simpsonʼs five attorney defense team, which became known as “The Dream Team.” Of Schwimmerʼs performance, Indie Wire said, “Similar praise can be heaped on David Schwimmer — a big “sitcom” name still trying to reinvent himself as a dramatic actor in the public eye — for his emotional portrayal of Robert Kardashian, a man very much at the moral center of our story who’s torn between allegiance and evidence.” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” premiers Tuesday, February 2nd at 10pm EST on FX.
Joel Osteen (Preacher, Televangelist and Author – “The Power Of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today“)
Joel Osteen is an American preacher, televangelist, author, and the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest Protestant church in the United States, in Houston, Texas. Osteen’s sermons and writings are sometimes criticized for promoting the prosperity gospel, a belief that material gain is a reward for pious Christians. Osteen denies these criticisms. Osteen has written five New York Times bestselling books, and has been widely nicknamed “The Smiling Preacher.” His latest book is “The Power Of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today.” Publisherʼs Weekly said, “Where previously he followed his televised message closely—God is good, and he wants you to enjoy vibrant health and material abundance—this book focuses on each individualʼs self-definition and the affirmations we make each day that define us.”
M. Ward (Album – “More Rain“)
Matthew “M.” Ward is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who rose to prominence in the Portland, Oregon music scene. Ward has released a string of acclaimed solo albums over the past several years, along with five LPs with Zooey Deschanel as She & Him and a 2009 collaborative album with My Morning Jacketʼs Jim James and Bright Eyesʼ Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis under the moniker Monsters of Folk. In addition to his celebrated work as a musician, Ward is an accomplished producer, handling those duties for such luminaries as Mavis Staples, Jenny Lewis, and Carlos Forster as well as his own musical projects. His latest album, “More Rain”, features collaborations with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Neko Case, k.d. lang, the Secret Sisters, and NRBQ’s Joey Spampinato. The result is a collection of upbeat, sonically ambitious yet canonically familiar songs that both propel Wardʼs reach and satisfy longtime fans. “I think one of the biggest mysteries of America right now is this: How are we able to process unending bad news on Page One and then go about our lives the way the style section portrays us?” says Ward. “There must be a place in our brains that allows us to take a birdʼs-eye view of humanity, and I think music is good at helping people—myself included—go to that place.” “More Rain” drops on March 4th.
Wednesday, February 3rd (2016)
Dr. Phil (Psychologist, Television Personality and Author – “The 20/20 Diet“)
Dr. Phil is a famed television personality, psychologist and author who also has his own show on CBS called “Dr. Phil”. On the show Dr. Phil explores the problems and issues of everyday people, and tries to help resolve and give advice about the situation at hand. Dr. Phil’s latest book is called “The 20/20 Diet”, this book is about a new way of dieting where 20 essential foods are involved, that most diet plans don’t mention, this book explains why these foods are important, and how they will work to help lose weight. The book is now available to purchase.
Mark and Jay Duplass (Creators – “Togetherness”)
Mark and Jay Duplass are brothers that are both film producers, directors and actors. They have recently joined together and created the HBO series “Togetherness”. The series is a comedy/drama that is about two couples and their relationships. The show has received many mixed reviews, Variety had this to say about the show, “’Togetherness’ relies on the vulnerability of the characters, sprinkled with moments of silliness.” The show is going into it’s second season, which premieres Sunday February 21st on HBO.
Michael Eric Dyson (Academic)
Michael Eric Dyson is an author and professor at Georgetown University. He has written many books, including “Can You Hear Me Now?: The Inspiration, Wisdom, and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson”, “April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King’s Death and How it Changed America”, and “Born to Use Mics: Reading Nas’s Illmatic”. In November Dyson published an article for The New Republic titled “Yes She Can: Why Hillary Clinton will do more for black people than Obama”. According to The Huffington Post the article discusses the following, “Dyson’s latest piece for The New Republic, the Georgetown professor details Clinton’s journey on racial issues and predicts that, despite her husband’s problematic legacy on race — exemplified by his crime and welfare reform policies — Clinton will have the chance to push change in ways that eluded Obama. Dyson argued that Clinton, free from the stigma of blackness and the potential for perceived bias, would be able to speak more freely on issues of race than Obama ever could.” .
Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals (Album – “Malibu“)
Brandon Paak Anderson, better known by his stage name Anderson Paak (usually styled as Anderson .Paak), is an American singer-songwriter, rapper and producer. On January 15, 2016 Paak released his second studio album, “Malibu.” Pitchfork declared, “His voice is warm, strained, and conversational, like a Baptist minister or your favorite uncle schooling you, and the wide-open groove has an unhurried feel. It’s immediately clear: This is a sincere, soulful project, brimming with honesty and humble perseverance.” And SPIN said, “His voice strains, stretches, skips, and simmers in service of coating his hip-hop blends, which take an old-school approach to funk vamps, packed and layered into soundscapes for his stories and portraits.”
Thursday, February 4th (2016)
Michael Strahan (Co-Host – “Live with Kelly and Michcael!” and Contributor – “Good Morning America”)
[Coming Soon]
Samantha Bee (Host – “Full Frontal”)
[Coming Soon]
Wilco (Album – “Star Wars“)
[Coming Soon]
Friday, February 5th (2016)
Bobby Cannavale (Actor – “Vinyl“)
[Newly Added]
Donny Deutsch (Advertising Executive and Actor – “Donny!”)
Donald Deutsch is an American advertising executive, author and television personality. His latest venture is ‘Donny!’ (USA Network), a television series which takes “a satirical look at wealth, the media, and modern romance through the eyes of Deutsch’s fictionalized character, based on the real-life famed ad-man, single dad, and TV personality.” The show, filmed in his own home, has received harsh reviews, with Variety adding the show to the list of “comedy series built around people who didn’t need one” and adding that “other than Deutsch’s desire to demonstrate how he looks with his shirt off, which happens with unexpected frequency, it’s difficult to see what he, or USA, saw in this campaign.”
Charles Kelley (Album – “The Driver“)
[Newly Added]
Better Know a Guest – February 1 – 4, 2016
It is time for another exciting week of the Late Show! This week, Stephen welcomes three actors who are in the new FX series, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” It has been twenty years since the infamous O.J. trial. If you are old enough, you definitely remember where you were when you heard the verdict read on live TV. (I was in my high school English class. The whole school was abuzz!) Stephen talks with some TV hosts, including Samantha Bee of The Daily Show fame! We also have an author, a televangelist, the Duplass brothers, an academic, and some amazing musical guests. Plus the wonderful Grace Kelly will be sitting in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human throughout February.
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section! Donʼt forget to take our weekly poll!
Monday, February 1st (2016)
John Travolta (Actor – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story“)
John Travolta is an American actor, dancer, and singer known for his legendary roles in “Saturday Night Fever”, “Grease”, and “Pulp Fiction.” Travolta will star as criminal defense attorney, Robert Shaprio, in FXʼs 10-episode series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”, which will focus on the murder trial of O.J. Simpson. It is based on Jeffrey Toobinʼs book “The Run of His Life.” The New York Times asked Travolta, “Are you hopeful that, in the two decades since the verdict was announced, viewers are willing to reconsider their perspectives on the case?” To which Travolta responded, “So much has evolved. When you see the rest of the shows, so much will be revealed that was not submitted in court. For instance, the totality of the [Mark] Fuhrman tapes [in which Mr. Fuhrman, a Los Angeles Police Department detective on the Simpson case, was heard using racial slurs]. When you witness even the amount we were allowed to, youʼll be astonished.” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” premiers Tuesday, February 2nd at 10pm EST on FX.
Courtney B. Vance (Actor – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story“)
Courtney B. Vance is an American actor, known for his roles in “Hamburger Hill” and “The Hunt for Red October” and on the television series “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Vance will play criminal defense attorney, Johnnie Cochran, in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” Along with Robert Shapiro – played by John Travolta – Johnnie Cochran was part of O.J. Simpsonʼs five attorney defense team, which became known as “The Dream Team.” Vulture reports, “As incarnated by Vance, whoʼs been consistently brilliant since at least 1987ʼs Hamburger Hill, Cochran is a righteous glad-hander, a silver-tongued salesman, a master of interpreting and reshaping images to ensure certain outcomes, and at times a noxious grandstander.” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” premiers Tuesday, February 2nd at 10pm EST on FX.
Amy Cuddy (Author – “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges“)
Amy Cuddy is an American social psychologist, author and lecturer known for her research on stereotyping and discrimination, emotions, power, nonverbal behavior, and the effects of social stimuli on hormone levels. She is a professor and researcher at Harvard Business School. Cuddyʼs 2012 TED Talk, is the second-most-viewed talk in TED’s history. Cuddy has been named a Game Changer by Time, a Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science, one of 50 Women Who Are Changing the World by Business Insider, and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Her latest book is “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges.” Michael Wheeler of Harvard Business School praised “Presence” saying, “With advice that is both practical and profound, Amy Cuddy shows how to summon your true and best self when doing so matters most. Emotions are contagious. If you personify poise and optimism yourself, you enhance the odds that they will respond in kind.”
John Moreland (Album – “High on Tulsa Heat“)
John Moreland is an American singer-songwriter of folk/alternative county style music. His latest album is his third full-length solo record, “High on Tulsa Heat.” It is produced by Moreland and features Jesse Aycock, John Calvin Abney, Chris Foster, Jared Tyler, and Kierston White. The album was recorded quickly and informally over the course of a few days. Pitchfork gives praise to the album, saying, “There is plenty of well-worn sentiment and saltiness in his music, but there is also a relatable humanity that makes ʻHigh on Tulsa Heatʼ worth going back to. Though many of the songs convey images of earthiness and of dirt, there’s a beauty that helps the collection soar above the ground.” And Pop Matters says, “[…] thereʼs nothing sanctimonious about singing the truth on ʻHigh on Tulsa Heat.ʼ”
Tuesday, February 2nd (2016)
David Schwimmer (Actor – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story“)
David Schwimmer is an American actor, director, producer, and comedian, famously known for playing Ross Geller on the television series “Friends.” He gave a memorable and critically acclaimed performance in the HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers” as Herbert Sobel. After graduating from Northwestern University, Schwimmer co-founded the Lookingglass Theater in Chicago. Schwimmer will star as criminal defense attorney, Robert Kardashian, in FXʼs 10-episode series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”, which will focus on the murder trial of O.J. Simpson. Robert Kardashian first met O.J. Simpson in the early 1970s and the two became close friends. Following the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, Kardashian became part of O.J. Simpsonʼs five attorney defense team, which became known as “The Dream Team.” Of Schwimmerʼs performance, Indie Wire said, “Similar praise can be heaped on David Schwimmer — a big “sitcom” name still trying to reinvent himself as a dramatic actor in the public eye — for his emotional portrayal of Robert Kardashian, a man very much at the moral center of our story who’s torn between allegiance and evidence.” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” premiers Tuesday, February 2nd at 10pm EST on FX.
Joel Osteen (Preacher, Televangelist and Author – “The Power Of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today“)
Joel Osteen is an American preacher, televangelist, author, and the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest Protestant church in the United States, in Houston, Texas. Osteen’s sermons and writings are sometimes criticized for promoting the prosperity gospel, a belief that material gain is a reward for pious Christians. Osteen denies these criticisms. Osteen has written five New York Times bestselling books, and has been widely nicknamed “The Smiling Preacher.” His latest book is “The Power Of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today.” Publisherʼs Weekly said, “Where previously he followed his televised message closely—God is good, and he wants you to enjoy vibrant health and material abundance—this book focuses on each individualʼs self-definition and the affirmations we make each day that define us.”
M. Ward (Album – “More Rain“)
Matthew “M.” Ward is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who rose to prominence in the Portland, Oregon music scene. Ward has released a string of acclaimed solo albums over the past several years, along with five LPs with Zooey Deschanel as She & Him and a 2009 collaborative album with My Morning Jacketʼs Jim James and Bright Eyesʼ Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis under the moniker Monsters of Folk. In addition to his celebrated work as a musician, Ward is an accomplished producer, handling those duties for such luminaries as Mavis Staples, Jenny Lewis, and Carlos Forster as well as his own musical projects. His latest album, “More Rain”, features collaborations with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Neko Case, k.d. lang, the Secret Sisters, and NRBQ’s Joey Spampinato. The result is a collection of upbeat, sonically ambitious yet canonically familiar songs that both propel Wardʼs reach and satisfy longtime fans. “I think one of the biggest mysteries of America right now is this: How are we able to process unending bad news on Page One and then go about our lives the way the style section portrays us?” says Ward. “There must be a place in our brains that allows us to take a birdʼs-eye view of humanity, and I think music is good at helping people—myself included—go to that place.” “More Rain” drops on March 4th.
Wednesday, February 3rd (2016)
Dr. Phil (Psychologist, Television Personality and Author – “The 20/20 Diet“)
Dr. Phil is a famed television personality, psychologist and author who also has his own show on CBS called “Dr. Phil”. On the show Dr. Phil explores the problems and issues of everyday people, and tries to help resolve and give advice about the situation at hand. Dr. Phil’s latest book is called “The 20/20 Diet”, this book is about a new way of dieting where 20 essential foods are involved, that most diet plans don’t mention, this book explains why these foods are important, and how they will work to help lose weight. The book is now available to purchase.
Mark and Jay Duplass (Creators – “Togetherness”)
Mark and Jay Duplass are brothers that are both film producers, directors and actors. They have recently joined together and created the HBO series “Togetherness”. The series is a comedy/drama that is about two couples and their relationships. The show has received many mixed reviews, Variety had this to say about the show, “’Togetherness’ relies on the vulnerability of the characters, sprinkled with moments of silliness.” The show is going into it’s second season, which premieres Sunday February 21st on HBO.
Michael Eric Dyson (Academic)
Michael Eric Dyson is an author and professor at Georgetown University. He has written many books, including “Can You Hear Me Now?: The Inspiration, Wisdom, and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson”, “April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King’s Death and How it Changed America”, and “Born to Use Mics: Reading Nas’s Illmatic”. In November Dyson published an article for The New Republic titled “Yes She Can: Why Hillary Clinton will do more for black people than Obama”. According to The Huffington Post the article discusses the following, “Dyson’s latest piece for The New Republic, the Georgetown professor details Clinton’s journey on racial issues and predicts that, despite her husband’s problematic legacy on race — exemplified by his crime and welfare reform policies — Clinton will have the chance to push change in ways that eluded Obama. Dyson argued that Clinton, free from the stigma of blackness and the potential for perceived bias, would be able to speak more freely on issues of race than Obama ever could.” .
Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals (Album – “Malibu“)
Brandon Paak Anderson, better known by his stage name Anderson Paak (usually styled as Anderson .Paak), is an American singer-songwriter, rapper and producer. On January 15, 2016 Paak released his second studio album, “Malibu.” Pitchfork declared, “His voice is warm, strained, and conversational, like a Baptist minister or your favorite uncle schooling you, and the wide-open groove has an unhurried feel. It’s immediately clear: This is a sincere, soulful project, brimming with honesty and humble perseverance.” And SPIN said, “His voice strains, stretches, skips, and simmers in service of coating his hip-hop blends, which take an old-school approach to funk vamps, packed and layered into soundscapes for his stories and portraits.”
Thursday, February 4th (2016)
Michael Strahan (Co-Host – “Live with Kelly and Michcael!” and Contributor – “Good Morning America”)
[Coming Soon]
Samantha Bee (Host – “Full Frontal”)
[Coming Soon]
Wilco (Album – “Star Wars“)
[Coming Soon]
Friday, February 5th (2016)
Bobby Cannavale (Actor – “Vinyl“)
[Newly Added]
Donny Deutsch (Advertising Executive and Actor – “Donny!”)
Donald Deutsch is an American advertising executive, author and television personality. His latest venture is ‘Donny!’ (USA Network), a television series which takes “a satirical look at wealth, the media, and modern romance through the eyes of Deutsch’s fictionalized character, based on the real-life famed ad-man, single dad, and TV personality.” The show, filmed in his own home, has received harsh reviews, with Variety adding the show to the list of “comedy series built around people who didn’t need one” and adding that “other than Deutsch’s desire to demonstrate how he looks with his shirt off, which happens with unexpected frequency, it’s difficult to see what he, or USA, saw in this campaign.”
Charles Kelley (Album – “The Driver“)
[Newly Added]