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.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will be LIVE all week, covering the latest on what’s going down at the Republican National Convention! You do not want to miss this week of exciting live shows!
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, July 18th (2016)
Zoe Saldana (Actress – “Star Trek Beyond”)
Zoe Saldana, is an American actress and dancer whose film credits include “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Colombiana,” and “Avatar.” Her role as Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek” and “Star Trek Into Darkness” will now be reprised in the upcoming third installment, “Star Trek Beyond.” “‘Star Trek Beyond’ might be the Star Trekkiest film of the new, J.J. Abrams–ified Trek era. That is to say, it’s the one that feels the most like a turbo-loaded episode of the original series, and has at least some of that classic spirit of exploration and derring-do,” writes The Village Voice. And the New York Daily News reports, “It’s not only filled with the usual special-effects eye candy, but smart, fan-focused writing.” “Star Trek Beyond” opens in theaters on July 22nd.
Jennifer Saunders (Actress – “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie”)
Jennifer Saunders is an English comedian, screenwriter, and actress who received worldwide acclaim through the early to mid-1990s for writing and playing the lead role of Edina Monsoon in the sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous.” Her many awards include three BAFTAs, an International Emmy Award, and a British Comedy Award. Saunders will reprise her role as Edina in “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.” “Sometimes bloody good fun is enough. It’s as good a reason as any for making this sunny, silly rallying cry for irresponsibility, and a better one still for watching it,” raves Variety. And The Hollywood Reporter proclaims, “Stuffed to its statement earrings with celebrities, fashion folk and comedian chums making cameos, this breezy blast of bawdy jokes and Bollinger product placement should lift spirits in a post-Brexit Britain.” “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” opens in US theaters on July 22nd.
Ron Suskind (Author – “Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism”)
Ron Suskind is a Pulitzer Prize winning American journalist and best-selling author. He was the senior national affairs writer for The Wall Street Journal from 1993 to 2000. His books include “A Hope in the Unseen,” “The Price of Loyalty,” and “The One Percent Doctrine.” Suskind has written books on the George W. Bush Administration, the Barack Obama Administration, and related issues of the United States’ use of power. His book “Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism” is now available in paperback. “Mr. Suskind displays virtuosity in capturing the intimate realities of life in a household dominated by autism, where the disorder shapes the life of every family member,” writes The New York Times. “Ron Suskind’s ‘Life, Animated’ is an extraordinary saga of an exceptional boy from a remarkable family and their compelling journey through autism,” raves The Chicago Tribune.
Tuesday, July 19th (2016)
Keegan-Michael Key (Actor – “Don’t Think Twice”)
Keegan-Michael Key is an American actor, writer, and comedian who starred in the Comedy Central sketch series “Key & Peele” and co-stars in the USA Network comedy series “Playing House.” His film credits include “Pitch Perfect 2,” “Tomorrowland,” and “Keanu.” In his upcoming film, “Don’t Think Twice,” a member of a New York City improv troupe gets a big break, causing the rest of the group to realize that not everyone is going to make it after all. “As much as ‘Don’t Think Twice’ focuses on professional envy, though, it remains a love letter to this weirdo art form called improv,” writes The Hollywood Reporter. And The Playlist raves, “An honest and sharply drawn account of the eternal questions of ego, friendship, and sacrifice in the comedy world.” “Don’t Think Twice” opens in theaters on July 22nd.
Kathryn Hahn (Actress – “Bad Moms”)
Kathryn Hahn is an American actress whose films include “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Revolutionary Road,” “Step Brothers,” and “Our Idiot Brother.” Her latest film is the upcoming comedy “Bad Moms.” When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence. Critic reviews for the film are not yet available. “Bad Moms” opens in theaters on July 29th.
NAF (Album – “Nice As F***”)
Jenny Lewis is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. NAF (aka Nice As F***) is comprised of Lewis, Erika Forster, and Tennessee Thomas. Their debut self-titled album was released in June. “Gentle as a breeze, but resoundingly straightforward, Nice As F***’s whole album could be a nine-song meditation on Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Go Your Own Way,’” writes Rolling Stone. And Pitchfork reports, “It works in part because of the surprise factor (who knew Lewis had this kind of record in her?) but mostly because Lewis does what she always does: She sells the material.”
Wednesday, July 20th
Tony Goldwyn (Actor | Hillary Clinton Campaigner)
Tony Goldwyn is an American actor, producer, director, and political activist whose film credits include “Ghost,” “The Last Samurai,” and “The Divergent Series.” He stars in the ABC drama “Scandal,” as Fitzgerald Grant III, President of the United States. Goldwyn is a Hillary Clinton supporter and has been campaigning on her behalf. At an event in Leesburg, Virginia earlier this month, Goldwyn said,“No one has ever been more qualified to be President of the United States than Hillary Clinton. And what really blew me away, beyond her policy positions which I agree with, I really discovered a woman who has been so consistent in her commitment for 40 years to the people she has been fighting for. And that is children and women and American families who lack the resources to fight for themselves.” Goldwyn will appear at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia next week.
Mark Cuban (Owner – Dallas Mavericks)
Mark Cuban is an American businessman and investor. He is the owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatres, and Magnolia Pictures, and is the chairman of the HDTV cable network AXS TV. He is also a “shark” investor on the television series, “Shark Tank.” In May 2016, Cuban told “Meet the Press” that he would be open to being Hillary Clinton’s vice presidential candidate, though he would seek to alter some of her positions in order to do so. In the same interview, the self described “fiercely independent” Mr. Cuban also said that he would consider running as Donald Trump’s vice president after having a meeting with Trump, whom he called a friend. Cuban has since spoken out against Trump on social media and in the press. He told Extra, “It’s rare that you see someone get stupider before your eyes, but he’s really working at it.”
Lewis Black (Comedian – “The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour”)
Lewis Black is an American stand-up comedian, author, playwright, social critic, and actor. He is known for his angry face and his belligerent comedic style, in which he often simulates having a mental breakdown. Black’s comedy routines often escalate into angry rants about history, politics, religion, or any other cultural trends. He hosted the Comedy Central series “Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil,” and made regular appearances on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and now “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” delivering his “Back in Black” commentary segment. Black is currently performing “The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour.”
Cory Kahaney (Stand-Up Comedian)
Cory Kahaney is an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian who was a grand finalist on the first season of “Last Comic Standing.” She made appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and “The View,” and had stand-up specials on Comedy Central and HBO. Kahaney’s act is autobiographical, culled from a variety of the parts she plays in life.
Wyclef Jean (Album – “Carnival III: Road to Clefication”)
Wyclef Jean is a Haitian-American rapper, musician, and actor who first achieved fame as a member of the acclaimed hip-hop group, the Fugees. Jean has won three Grammy Awards. His upcoming album,
“Carnival III: Road to Clefication” will be released this fall and is his first album in seven years. In June, Jean released the song “Hendrix,” a single from the album. An official release date for the album has not yet been announced.
Thursday, July 21st (2016)
Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts Senator)
[Info Coming Soon]
Billy Eichner (Actor – “Difficult People”)
[Info Coming Soon]
case/lang/veirs (Album – “case/lang/veirs”)
[Info Coming Soon]
Friday, July 22nd (2016)
TBA
Better Know a Guest – July 18 – 22, 2016
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will be LIVE all week, covering the latest on what’s going down at the Republican National Convention! You do not want to miss this week of exciting live shows!
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, July 18th (2016)
Zoe Saldana (Actress – “Star Trek Beyond”)
Zoe Saldana, is an American actress and dancer whose film credits include “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Colombiana,” and “Avatar.” Her role as Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek” and “Star Trek Into Darkness” will now be reprised in the upcoming third installment, “Star Trek Beyond.” “‘Star Trek Beyond’ might be the Star Trekkiest film of the new, J.J. Abrams–ified Trek era. That is to say, it’s the one that feels the most like a turbo-loaded episode of the original series, and has at least some of that classic spirit of exploration and derring-do,” writes The Village Voice. And the New York Daily News reports, “It’s not only filled with the usual special-effects eye candy, but smart, fan-focused writing.” “Star Trek Beyond” opens in theaters on July 22nd.
Jennifer Saunders (Actress – “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie”)
Jennifer Saunders is an English comedian, screenwriter, and actress who received worldwide acclaim through the early to mid-1990s for writing and playing the lead role of Edina Monsoon in the sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous.” Her many awards include three BAFTAs, an International Emmy Award, and a British Comedy Award. Saunders will reprise her role as Edina in “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.” “Sometimes bloody good fun is enough. It’s as good a reason as any for making this sunny, silly rallying cry for irresponsibility, and a better one still for watching it,” raves Variety. And The Hollywood Reporter proclaims, “Stuffed to its statement earrings with celebrities, fashion folk and comedian chums making cameos, this breezy blast of bawdy jokes and Bollinger product placement should lift spirits in a post-Brexit Britain.” “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” opens in US theaters on July 22nd.
Ron Suskind (Author – “Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism”)
Ron Suskind is a Pulitzer Prize winning American journalist and best-selling author. He was the senior national affairs writer for The Wall Street Journal from 1993 to 2000. His books include “A Hope in the Unseen,” “The Price of Loyalty,” and “The One Percent Doctrine.” Suskind has written books on the George W. Bush Administration, the Barack Obama Administration, and related issues of the United States’ use of power. His book “Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism” is now available in paperback. “Mr. Suskind displays virtuosity in capturing the intimate realities of life in a household dominated by autism, where the disorder shapes the life of every family member,” writes The New York Times. “Ron Suskind’s ‘Life, Animated’ is an extraordinary saga of an exceptional boy from a remarkable family and their compelling journey through autism,” raves The Chicago Tribune.
Tuesday, July 19th (2016)
Keegan-Michael Key (Actor – “Don’t Think Twice”)
Keegan-Michael Key is an American actor, writer, and comedian who starred in the Comedy Central sketch series “Key & Peele” and co-stars in the USA Network comedy series “Playing House.” His film credits include “Pitch Perfect 2,” “Tomorrowland,” and “Keanu.” In his upcoming film, “Don’t Think Twice,” a member of a New York City improv troupe gets a big break, causing the rest of the group to realize that not everyone is going to make it after all. “As much as ‘Don’t Think Twice’ focuses on professional envy, though, it remains a love letter to this weirdo art form called improv,” writes The Hollywood Reporter. And The Playlist raves, “An honest and sharply drawn account of the eternal questions of ego, friendship, and sacrifice in the comedy world.” “Don’t Think Twice” opens in theaters on July 22nd.
Kathryn Hahn (Actress – “Bad Moms”)
Kathryn Hahn is an American actress whose films include “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Revolutionary Road,” “Step Brothers,” and “Our Idiot Brother.” Her latest film is the upcoming comedy “Bad Moms.” When three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence. Critic reviews for the film are not yet available. “Bad Moms” opens in theaters on July 29th.
NAF (Album – “Nice As F***”)
Jenny Lewis is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. NAF (aka Nice As F***) is comprised of Lewis, Erika Forster, and Tennessee Thomas. Their debut self-titled album was released in June. “Gentle as a breeze, but resoundingly straightforward, Nice As F***’s whole album could be a nine-song meditation on Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Go Your Own Way,’” writes Rolling Stone. And Pitchfork reports, “It works in part because of the surprise factor (who knew Lewis had this kind of record in her?) but mostly because Lewis does what she always does: She sells the material.”
Wednesday, July 20th
Tony Goldwyn (Actor | Hillary Clinton Campaigner)
Tony Goldwyn is an American actor, producer, director, and political activist whose film credits include “Ghost,” “The Last Samurai,” and “The Divergent Series.” He stars in the ABC drama “Scandal,” as Fitzgerald Grant III, President of the United States. Goldwyn is a Hillary Clinton supporter and has been campaigning on her behalf. At an event in Leesburg, Virginia earlier this month, Goldwyn said,“No one has ever been more qualified to be President of the United States than Hillary Clinton. And what really blew me away, beyond her policy positions which I agree with, I really discovered a woman who has been so consistent in her commitment for 40 years to the people she has been fighting for. And that is children and women and American families who lack the resources to fight for themselves.” Goldwyn will appear at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia next week.
Mark Cuban (Owner – Dallas Mavericks)
Mark Cuban is an American businessman and investor. He is the owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatres, and Magnolia Pictures, and is the chairman of the HDTV cable network AXS TV. He is also a “shark” investor on the television series, “Shark Tank.” In May 2016, Cuban told “Meet the Press” that he would be open to being Hillary Clinton’s vice presidential candidate, though he would seek to alter some of her positions in order to do so. In the same interview, the self described “fiercely independent” Mr. Cuban also said that he would consider running as Donald Trump’s vice president after having a meeting with Trump, whom he called a friend. Cuban has since spoken out against Trump on social media and in the press. He told Extra, “It’s rare that you see someone get stupider before your eyes, but he’s really working at it.”
Lewis Black (Comedian – “The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour”)
Lewis Black is an American stand-up comedian, author, playwright, social critic, and actor. He is known for his angry face and his belligerent comedic style, in which he often simulates having a mental breakdown. Black’s comedy routines often escalate into angry rants about history, politics, religion, or any other cultural trends. He hosted the Comedy Central series “Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil,” and made regular appearances on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and now “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” delivering his “Back in Black” commentary segment. Black is currently performing “The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour.”
Cory Kahaney (Stand-Up Comedian)
Cory Kahaney is an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian who was a grand finalist on the first season of “Last Comic Standing.” She made appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and “The View,” and had stand-up specials on Comedy Central and HBO. Kahaney’s act is autobiographical, culled from a variety of the parts she plays in life.
Wyclef Jean (Album – “Carnival III: Road to Clefication”)
Wyclef Jean is a Haitian-American rapper, musician, and actor who first achieved fame as a member of the acclaimed hip-hop group, the Fugees. Jean has won three Grammy Awards. His upcoming album,
“Carnival III: Road to Clefication” will be released this fall and is his first album in seven years. In June, Jean released the song “Hendrix,” a single from the album. An official release date for the album has not yet been announced.
Thursday, July 21st (2016)
Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts Senator)
[Info Coming Soon]
Billy Eichner (Actor – “Difficult People”)
[Info Coming Soon]
case/lang/veirs (Album – “case/lang/veirs”)
[Info Coming Soon]
Friday, July 22nd (2016)
TBA