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.
A whole new week of shows kicks off as the last week of June comes to an end. Summertime and the livin’ is easy! 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!
In weekend news: The eyes of the world are on the Brexit. The UK has voted to leave the EU, causing shockwaves around the world. UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, resigned from his office on Friday and the stock markets in Europe and the US have been sharply falling. Hillary Clinton leads Donald Trump in two new polls released on Sunday. An ABC/Washington Post poll finds that 51% of voters said they would vote for Clinton while 39% said they would vote for Trump. This election is anyone’s guess, but let’s hope that The Donald keeps declining in the polls. On Sunday “Shark Week” started on The Discovery Channel, marking its 28th anniversary. Check it out, unless you are planning a beach vacation! Stay cool, Hubsters.
Monday, June 27th (2016)
Kevin Love (NBA Star – “Cleveland Cavaliers”)
Kevin Love is an American NBA basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is a three-time All-Star and holds the longest streak for consecutive games recording double figures in points and rebounds. He was a member of the gold medal-winning USA men’s national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics. This month the Cavaliers faced off against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Playoffs, which is a best-of-seven game series. Love suffered a concussion in Game 2, which forced him to miss Game 3. His return in Game 4 saw him come off the bench to score 11 points. On June 19th Love managed 9 points and 14 rebounds in Game 7 to help the Cavaliers win the series, beating the Warriors 93–89. The victory ended a 52-year major sports championship drought in Cleveland.
Jenny Slate (Voice Actress – “The Secret Life of Pets”)
Jenny Slate is an American comedian, actress, voice artist, and author best known for her role as Donna Stern in “Obvious Child,” as well as being the co-creator of the “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” short films and children’s book series. She is also known for her season as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 2009 to 2010 and for her appearances in shows such as “House of Lies,” “Married,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Hello Ladies,” and “Kroll Show.” In her latest project, “The Secret Life of Pets,” she will lend her voice to Gidget, a white Pomeranian. “The latest film from Chris Renaud (Despicable Me) and his team is a madcap caper full of densely-packed sight gags, dizzying action set pieces and a healthy side-helping of Renaud trademark silliness,” writes Screen International. And Variety states, “The formula may be familiar, but the personalities are completely fresh, yielding a menagerie of loveable — if downright ugly — cartoon critters banding together to help these two incompatible roommates from ending up on the streets.” “The Secret Life of Pets” opens in theaters on July 8th.
Dierks Bentley (Album – “Black”)
Frederick Dierks Bentley, is an American country music singer and songwriter. His eighth studio album is “Black.” Spin raves, “No one can say ‘Black’ isn’t ambitious, and it’s nuanced too; easily Bentley’s most personal, affecting release yet.” And Rolling Stone writes, “What lifts ‘Black’ past merely being a good concept album is an old-school musicality that never takes a backseat to modern-country conventionality.” “Black” is available now.
Tuesday, June 28th (2016)
Tom Brokaw (Author – “A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope”)
Tom Brokaw is an American television journalist and author, best known as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. Brokaw now serves as a special correspondent for NBC News, reporting and producing long-form documentaries and providing expertise during election coverage and breaking news events. In August of 2013, Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a treatable but incurable blood cancer. After treatment, in December of 2014, Brokaw announced that his cancer is in full remission. His latest book, “A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope,” is a powerful memoir of a year of dramatic change—a year spent battling cancer and reflecting on a long, happy, and lucky life. “It’s impossible not to be inspired by Brokaw’s story, and his willingness to share it,” writes The Los Angeles Times. And The Daily Beast raves, “Moving, informative and deeply personal.” “A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope” is available now.
Sara & Erin Foster (Co-Stars – “Barely Famous”)
Sara and Erin Foster are sisters who are the co-creators and co-stars of “Barely Famous,” the VH1 docu-comedy that highlights the obvious, outlandish conventions of reality TV. Aspiring screenwriter, Erin, and actress, Sara, comment on the world of celebrity and insist that they don’t care about fame and fortune. And, because no reality convention is too sacred, the ladies point out the absurdity of the medium itself. “As you might have guessed, the series is chock-full of celebrity cameos. The sisters make great use of their famous friends and all involved are very eager to be part of the show. They’re clearly having such a good time mocking themselves that it’s impossible not to laugh along with them,” writes The Hollywood Reporter. And The New York Daily News states, “It may be possible to lampoon vacuous reality shows. But while Sara and Erin play their parts well, they haven’t found much material that goes beyond the absurd extremes already offered by the objects of all this satire.” Season two of “Barely Famous” premieres June 29th at 9:00PM ET on VH1.
Bibi Bourelly (Album – “Free The Real (Pt. #1)”)
Badriia Ines Bourelly, professionally known as Bibi Bourelly, is a German singer and songwriter. “Feel the Real (Pt. #1)” is her latest album. “Although her bluntness is best experienced live, Bourelly’s savvy yet simplistic hooks make the five-track ‘Free The Real’ a worthy listen. On record, as on stage, the words tumble from her throat in all caps,” writes Spin. And Revolt states, “Aiming to address the ‘first chapter’ of her career, what’s resulted are five guitar-driven, emotionally-charged tracks full of attitude and encouragement, with vocals that are scratchy and soulful, fragile and frayed, all at once.” “Feel the Real (Pt. #1)” is available now.
Wednesday, June 29th (2016)
Samuel L. Jackson (Actor – “The Legend of Tarzan”)
Samuel L. Jackson is an American actor and film producer who has appeared in over 100 films and has received numerous accolades and awards. His films include “Jungle Fever,” “True Romance,” “Jurassic Park,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Django Unchained,” and “The Hateful Eight.” Jackson’s latest film is “The Legend of Tarzan.” Many years after he left Africa behind, Tarzan – played by Alexander Skarsgård – returns to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary, unaware that he is actually a pawn in a Belgian captain’s deadly plot. Critic reviews for the film are not yet available. “The Legend of Tarzan” opens in theaters, including IMAX 3D, on July 1st.
Julie Klausner (Creator & Co-Star – “Difficult People”)
Julie Klausner is a New York City-based author, comedian, podcaster, comedy writer, and actress. She created the comedy series “Difficult People” and stars alongside Billy Eichner as two struggling and jaded New York comedians. “At a time when the world is overrun with Twitter-infatuated part-time comedians, this portrait of fame-thirsty New Yorkers is spot-on, and often very funny. They could be this generation’s ‘Will and Grace,’” raves Entertainment Weekly. And The New York Times writes, “…And yes, they are self-absorbed, hypercritical people who you would and should hate. But the reason the show works is that, very subtly, it’s mocking them. Julie and Billy are all about self-loathing, and they invite you to loathe right along with them.” Season two of “Difficult People” premieres July 12th on Hulu.
ScHoolboy Q (Album – “Blank Face”)
Quincey Matthew Hanley, better known by his stage name ScHoolboy Q, is an American hip hop recording artist from South Central Los Angeles, California. His forth studio album, “Blank Face,” features guest appearances from several prominent artists, such as Kanye West, Jadakiss, and Tha Dogg Pound. On June 24, the short film, “By Any Means” (taken from the eighth track on the album), was released. The nine-minute short film presents a loose day-in-the-life look at ScHoolboy Q’s South Central neighborhood. Critic reviews for the album are not yet available. “Blank Face” will be available on July 8th.
Thursday, June 30th (2016)
Ellie Kemper (Voice Actress – “The Secret Life of Pets”)
Ellie Kemper is an American actress, comedian, and writer best known for her roles as Erin on “The Office” and as Kimmy Schmidt in the Netflix comedy series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” In her latest project, “The Secret Life of Pets,” she will lend her voice to Katie, the owner of two dogs. “The latest film from Chris Renaud (Despicable Me) and his team is a madcap caper full of densely-packed sight gags, dizzying action set pieces and a healthy side-helping of Renaud trademark silliness,” writes Screen International. And Variety states, “The formula may be familiar, but the personalities are completely fresh, yielding a menagerie of loveable — if downright ugly — cartoon critters banding together to help these two incompatible roommates from ending up on the streets.” “The Secret Life of Pets” opens in theaters on July 8th.
Patrick Fugit (Actor – “Outcast”)
Patrick Fugit is an American actor who rose to fame playing a young rock-fan-turned-reporter in “Almost Famous.” His other films include “White Oleander,” “Saved!,” and “Gone Girl.” Fugit now stars in the horror drama television series, “Outcast,” as Kyle Barnes, a man who has been possessed by demons since he was young. “‘Outcast’ is a creepy, unsettling treat—and one of the strongest TV debuts of the year,” raves The AV Club. And Variety proclaims, “Fugit depicts Barnes with the scraggly desperation of a starving, wounded animal. With his poignant portrayal securely holding each hour’s center, ‘Outcast’ quickly mutates from a creepfest into a tragedy about doubt, coping and human frailty.” “Outcast” airs Fridays at 10:00PM ET on Cinemax.
We Are Scientists (Album – “Helter Seltzer”)
We Are Scientists is a New York City-based indie rock band that formed in Berkeley, California, in 2000. It consists of guitarist and vocalist Keith Murray and bass guitarist Chris Cain. Their sixth album is “Helter Seltzer.” “‘Helter Seltzer’ ends up being a bit of a hit and miss album, where the biggest pluses come from the band stretching its sound a bit,” writes PopMatters. And All Music states, “The result is an album of angular yet immediately memorable hooks bathed in a fizzy mix of rock guitars, candy-coated synths, and gigantic drumbeats.” “Helter Seltzer” is available now.
Friday, July 1st (2016)
Zachary Quinto (Actor – “Star Trek Beyond”)
Zachary Quinto is an American actor and film producer best known for his roles as Sylar on the science fiction drama series “Heroes,” Spock in the reboot “Star Trek,” and its sequel “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Quinto will once again reprise his role as Spock for the upcoming third installment, “Star Trek Beyond.” The crew of the USS Enterprise, halfway into their five-year mission, are attacked by a seemingly unstoppable wave of unknown aliens forcing them to abandon ship. Stranded on an unknown planet and with no apparent means of rescue, the crew find themselves in conflict with a new and ruthless enemy. Critic reviews for the film are not yet available. “Star Trek Beyond” opens in theaters on July 22nd.
Natasha Lyonne (Actress – “Orange Is the New Black”)
Natasha Lyonne is an American actress known for such films as “American Pie,” “Everyone Says I Love You,” and “Slums of Beverly Hills,” as well as her appearances on TV shows including “Girls,” “Portlandia,” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” She currently portrays Nicky Nichols on the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” which is in its forth season. “Season 4 feels more like a drama than ever, and that’s not a bad thing. ‘Orange Is the New Black’ has introduced a multitude of characters we don’t usually see on television and given them complicated and intimate relationships that speak volumes about issues not contained to prison’s impenetrable walls,” proclaims The Washington Post. And The AV Club writes, “Once the show establishes its new rhythm, one in which it’s impossible to guess who or what the next scene will consist of, ‘Orange’ is thrillingly off-kilter.” Season four of “Orange Is the New Black” is now streaming on Nexflix.
Better Know a Guest – June 27 – July 1, 2016
A whole new week of shows kicks off as the last week of June comes to an end. Summertime and the livin’ is easy! 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!
In weekend news: The eyes of the world are on the Brexit. The UK has voted to leave the EU, causing shockwaves around the world. UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, resigned from his office on Friday and the stock markets in Europe and the US have been sharply falling. Hillary Clinton leads Donald Trump in two new polls released on Sunday. An ABC/Washington Post poll finds that 51% of voters said they would vote for Clinton while 39% said they would vote for Trump. This election is anyone’s guess, but let’s hope that The Donald keeps declining in the polls. On Sunday “Shark Week” started on The Discovery Channel, marking its 28th anniversary. Check it out, unless you are planning a beach vacation! Stay cool, Hubsters.
Monday, June 27th (2016)
Kevin Love (NBA Star – “Cleveland Cavaliers”)
Kevin Love is an American NBA basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is a three-time All-Star and holds the longest streak for consecutive games recording double figures in points and rebounds. He was a member of the gold medal-winning USA men’s national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics. This month the Cavaliers faced off against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Playoffs, which is a best-of-seven game series. Love suffered a concussion in Game 2, which forced him to miss Game 3. His return in Game 4 saw him come off the bench to score 11 points. On June 19th Love managed 9 points and 14 rebounds in Game 7 to help the Cavaliers win the series, beating the Warriors 93–89. The victory ended a 52-year major sports championship drought in Cleveland.
Jenny Slate (Voice Actress – “The Secret Life of Pets”)
Jenny Slate is an American comedian, actress, voice artist, and author best known for her role as Donna Stern in “Obvious Child,” as well as being the co-creator of the “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” short films and children’s book series. She is also known for her season as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 2009 to 2010 and for her appearances in shows such as “House of Lies,” “Married,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Hello Ladies,” and “Kroll Show.” In her latest project, “The Secret Life of Pets,” she will lend her voice to Gidget, a white Pomeranian. “The latest film from Chris Renaud (Despicable Me) and his team is a madcap caper full of densely-packed sight gags, dizzying action set pieces and a healthy side-helping of Renaud trademark silliness,” writes Screen International. And Variety states, “The formula may be familiar, but the personalities are completely fresh, yielding a menagerie of loveable — if downright ugly — cartoon critters banding together to help these two incompatible roommates from ending up on the streets.” “The Secret Life of Pets” opens in theaters on July 8th.
Dierks Bentley (Album – “Black”)
Frederick Dierks Bentley, is an American country music singer and songwriter. His eighth studio album is “Black.” Spin raves, “No one can say ‘Black’ isn’t ambitious, and it’s nuanced too; easily Bentley’s most personal, affecting release yet.” And Rolling Stone writes, “What lifts ‘Black’ past merely being a good concept album is an old-school musicality that never takes a backseat to modern-country conventionality.” “Black” is available now.
Tuesday, June 28th (2016)
Tom Brokaw (Author – “A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope”)
Tom Brokaw is an American television journalist and author, best known as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. Brokaw now serves as a special correspondent for NBC News, reporting and producing long-form documentaries and providing expertise during election coverage and breaking news events. In August of 2013, Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a treatable but incurable blood cancer. After treatment, in December of 2014, Brokaw announced that his cancer is in full remission. His latest book, “A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope,” is a powerful memoir of a year of dramatic change—a year spent battling cancer and reflecting on a long, happy, and lucky life. “It’s impossible not to be inspired by Brokaw’s story, and his willingness to share it,” writes The Los Angeles Times. And The Daily Beast raves, “Moving, informative and deeply personal.” “A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope” is available now.
Sara & Erin Foster (Co-Stars – “Barely Famous”)
Sara and Erin Foster are sisters who are the co-creators and co-stars of “Barely Famous,” the VH1 docu-comedy that highlights the obvious, outlandish conventions of reality TV. Aspiring screenwriter, Erin, and actress, Sara, comment on the world of celebrity and insist that they don’t care about fame and fortune. And, because no reality convention is too sacred, the ladies point out the absurdity of the medium itself. “As you might have guessed, the series is chock-full of celebrity cameos. The sisters make great use of their famous friends and all involved are very eager to be part of the show. They’re clearly having such a good time mocking themselves that it’s impossible not to laugh along with them,” writes The Hollywood Reporter. And The New York Daily News states, “It may be possible to lampoon vacuous reality shows. But while Sara and Erin play their parts well, they haven’t found much material that goes beyond the absurd extremes already offered by the objects of all this satire.” Season two of “Barely Famous” premieres June 29th at 9:00PM ET on VH1.
Bibi Bourelly (Album – “Free The Real (Pt. #1)”)
Badriia Ines Bourelly, professionally known as Bibi Bourelly, is a German singer and songwriter. “Feel the Real (Pt. #1)” is her latest album. “Although her bluntness is best experienced live, Bourelly’s savvy yet simplistic hooks make the five-track ‘Free The Real’ a worthy listen. On record, as on stage, the words tumble from her throat in all caps,” writes Spin. And Revolt states, “Aiming to address the ‘first chapter’ of her career, what’s resulted are five guitar-driven, emotionally-charged tracks full of attitude and encouragement, with vocals that are scratchy and soulful, fragile and frayed, all at once.” “Feel the Real (Pt. #1)” is available now.
Wednesday, June 29th (2016)
Samuel L. Jackson (Actor – “The Legend of Tarzan”)
Samuel L. Jackson is an American actor and film producer who has appeared in over 100 films and has received numerous accolades and awards. His films include “Jungle Fever,” “True Romance,” “Jurassic Park,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Django Unchained,” and “The Hateful Eight.” Jackson’s latest film is “The Legend of Tarzan.” Many years after he left Africa behind, Tarzan – played by Alexander Skarsgård – returns to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary, unaware that he is actually a pawn in a Belgian captain’s deadly plot. Critic reviews for the film are not yet available. “The Legend of Tarzan” opens in theaters, including IMAX 3D, on July 1st.
Julie Klausner (Creator & Co-Star – “Difficult People”)
Julie Klausner is a New York City-based author, comedian, podcaster, comedy writer, and actress. She created the comedy series “Difficult People” and stars alongside Billy Eichner as two struggling and jaded New York comedians. “At a time when the world is overrun with Twitter-infatuated part-time comedians, this portrait of fame-thirsty New Yorkers is spot-on, and often very funny. They could be this generation’s ‘Will and Grace,’” raves Entertainment Weekly. And The New York Times writes, “…And yes, they are self-absorbed, hypercritical people who you would and should hate. But the reason the show works is that, very subtly, it’s mocking them. Julie and Billy are all about self-loathing, and they invite you to loathe right along with them.” Season two of “Difficult People” premieres July 12th on Hulu.
ScHoolboy Q (Album – “Blank Face”)
Quincey Matthew Hanley, better known by his stage name ScHoolboy Q, is an American hip hop recording artist from South Central Los Angeles, California. His forth studio album, “Blank Face,” features guest appearances from several prominent artists, such as Kanye West, Jadakiss, and Tha Dogg Pound. On June 24, the short film, “By Any Means” (taken from the eighth track on the album), was released. The nine-minute short film presents a loose day-in-the-life look at ScHoolboy Q’s South Central neighborhood. Critic reviews for the album are not yet available. “Blank Face” will be available on July 8th.
Thursday, June 30th (2016)
Ellie Kemper (Voice Actress – “The Secret Life of Pets”)
Ellie Kemper is an American actress, comedian, and writer best known for her roles as Erin on “The Office” and as Kimmy Schmidt in the Netflix comedy series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” In her latest project, “The Secret Life of Pets,” she will lend her voice to Katie, the owner of two dogs. “The latest film from Chris Renaud (Despicable Me) and his team is a madcap caper full of densely-packed sight gags, dizzying action set pieces and a healthy side-helping of Renaud trademark silliness,” writes Screen International. And Variety states, “The formula may be familiar, but the personalities are completely fresh, yielding a menagerie of loveable — if downright ugly — cartoon critters banding together to help these two incompatible roommates from ending up on the streets.” “The Secret Life of Pets” opens in theaters on July 8th.
Patrick Fugit (Actor – “Outcast”)
Patrick Fugit is an American actor who rose to fame playing a young rock-fan-turned-reporter in “Almost Famous.” His other films include “White Oleander,” “Saved!,” and “Gone Girl.” Fugit now stars in the horror drama television series, “Outcast,” as Kyle Barnes, a man who has been possessed by demons since he was young. “‘Outcast’ is a creepy, unsettling treat—and one of the strongest TV debuts of the year,” raves The AV Club. And Variety proclaims, “Fugit depicts Barnes with the scraggly desperation of a starving, wounded animal. With his poignant portrayal securely holding each hour’s center, ‘Outcast’ quickly mutates from a creepfest into a tragedy about doubt, coping and human frailty.” “Outcast” airs Fridays at 10:00PM ET on Cinemax.
We Are Scientists (Album – “Helter Seltzer”)
We Are Scientists is a New York City-based indie rock band that formed in Berkeley, California, in 2000. It consists of guitarist and vocalist Keith Murray and bass guitarist Chris Cain. Their sixth album is “Helter Seltzer.” “‘Helter Seltzer’ ends up being a bit of a hit and miss album, where the biggest pluses come from the band stretching its sound a bit,” writes PopMatters. And All Music states, “The result is an album of angular yet immediately memorable hooks bathed in a fizzy mix of rock guitars, candy-coated synths, and gigantic drumbeats.” “Helter Seltzer” is available now.
Friday, July 1st (2016)
Zachary Quinto (Actor – “Star Trek Beyond”)
Zachary Quinto is an American actor and film producer best known for his roles as Sylar on the science fiction drama series “Heroes,” Spock in the reboot “Star Trek,” and its sequel “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Quinto will once again reprise his role as Spock for the upcoming third installment, “Star Trek Beyond.” The crew of the USS Enterprise, halfway into their five-year mission, are attacked by a seemingly unstoppable wave of unknown aliens forcing them to abandon ship. Stranded on an unknown planet and with no apparent means of rescue, the crew find themselves in conflict with a new and ruthless enemy. Critic reviews for the film are not yet available. “Star Trek Beyond” opens in theaters on July 22nd.
Natasha Lyonne (Actress – “Orange Is the New Black”)
Natasha Lyonne is an American actress known for such films as “American Pie,” “Everyone Says I Love You,” and “Slums of Beverly Hills,” as well as her appearances on TV shows including “Girls,” “Portlandia,” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” She currently portrays Nicky Nichols on the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” which is in its forth season. “Season 4 feels more like a drama than ever, and that’s not a bad thing. ‘Orange Is the New Black’ has introduced a multitude of characters we don’t usually see on television and given them complicated and intimate relationships that speak volumes about issues not contained to prison’s impenetrable walls,” proclaims The Washington Post. And The AV Club writes, “Once the show establishes its new rhythm, one in which it’s impossible to guess who or what the next scene will consist of, ‘Orange’ is thrillingly off-kilter.” Season four of “Orange Is the New Black” is now streaming on Nexflix.