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.
Hello, Hubsters! Last week’s premiere week of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert was phenomenal. He is finally back on our TV screens and The Nation rejoices. If the first week was any indication of what the show will be, we are in for an incredible ride. Here we are in week number two. Stephen’s guests are unique and wide-ranging. We have actors and actresses, a sitting Supreme Court Justice, rappers and rock stars, the United Nations Secretary-General, and possible Democratic nominee for the 2016 presidential election, Bernie Sanders.
This is shaping up to be an outstanding week. Which guests are you most looking forward to? Please take our poll and leave us your thoughts in the comment section. Enjoy your week, Hubsters!
** CBS have just updated this weeks guest line up. BKAG updates will be added shortly.
Monday, September 14 (2015)
Emily Blunt (Actress – “Sicario“)
Emily Blunt is the star of the new film Sicario, in which she plays an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited by an elected government task force to aid the war on drugs at the US/ Mexico border. The movie has received a 91% Certified Fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Lou Lumenick from the New York Post called it, “A well-deserved showcase for Emily Blunt.” Scott Mendelson of Forbes said, “Emily Blunt is superb in tense, disturbing drug war thriller.” Sicario opens to limited release on September 18th and wide release on October 2nd.
Stephen Breyer (Supreme Court Justice and Author: “The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities“)
Justice Breyer will sit down with Stephen to discuss his new book, “The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities.” Justice Breyer is known for his pragmatic approach to constitutional law. He is associated with the liberal side of the Court. In this past year, Justice Breyer voted with the majority more often that any other justice. On the last day of the Supreme Court’s term in June, he issued a major dissent questioning the constitutionality of the death penalty. He is pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, and is for the Affordable Care Act.
The Dead Weather (Album – “Dodge and Burn“)
The Dead Weather are a rock band composed of Jack White (formerly of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs), Alison Mosshart (of The Kills and Discount), Dean Fertila (of Queens of the Stone Age), and Jack Lawrence (of The Raconteurs). They will perform a song off their new album, “Dodge and Burn.” Their appearance on the Late Show marks their first performance in five years. Their new LP will be available on September 25th, but they have already released new songs off the LP called “Cop Go,” “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles),” “Buzzkill(er),” and “Itʼs Just Too Bad.”
Tuesday, September 15 (2015)
Jake Gyllenhall (Actor – “Everest“)
Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the stars of the new film, Everest, a 3D biographical disaster drama shot for the super-sized IMAX format. Gyllenhaal plays the leader of a Mount Everest expedition group. During the enormous and dangerous climb to the summit, the expedition group is devastated by a severe snow storm. The story is based on the real events of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster. Kevin Lally of Film Journal wrote, “With a horrific fate awaiting so many of its real-life characters, Everest isnʼt exactly an entertaining night at the movies. But the people onscreen are achingly relatable, even if youʼd never dream of taking the kinds of risks they do. The classic dramatic elements of pity and fear are in full throttle in this awe-inspiring recreation of a doomed ascent.” From CTV News: Gyllenhaal said depicting real people and events brought “tremendous responsibility.” He said Scott Fischer’s children had contacted him, “a bit worried about how their father might be portrayed.” “It was actually a beautiful thing to sit down with the two of them and hear who their father was to them,” Gyllenhaal said. Everest hits theaters on September 18th.
Tim Cook (CEO of Apple)
Tim Cook’s guest appearance was announced by Stephen via Twitter. The two will discuss Apple’s new Fall product line-up, which includes the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, the massive iPad Pro, which is 12.9 inches, and an upgraded Apple TV, which includes Siri. On September 14th, Cook made a surprise appearance at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City. According to Farhad Manjoo of The New York Times, “Timothy D. Cook, Apple’s chief executive, called the new iPad Pro ‘the most capable’ tablet the company has ever created. With a larger screen and optional keyboard, it becomes a device that is meant to be useful for both the creation and consumption of content.”
Run the Jewels (Hip-Hop Duo) with TV on the Radio (Indie Rock Band)
According to Pichfork, “A representative has confirmed that TV on the Radio will act as Run the Jewels’ live band.” Run the Jewels are a hip-hop duo comprised of rappers Killer Mike and El-P. On September 4th, they performed at Banksy’s Dismaland, a pop- up “bemusement park.” TV on the Radio are an indie rock band from Brooklyn. Their latest album “Seeds” was released in 2014. On September 11th they performed at the Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, NC. According to Stereogum, TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek remixed ‘Sea Legs’ from Run the Jewels debut.”
Wednesday, September 16 (2015)
Kevin Spacey (Under the Lights with Cal Ripken, Jr. and Kevin Spacey)
Actor Kevin Spacey has teamed with MLB legend, Cal Ripken, Jr. to host a charity gala, Under the Lights with Cal Ripken, Jr. and Kevin Spacey. The event will take place on September 28th at the Mead Center for American Theater, home of Arena Stage, Washington, D.C. According to the Kevin Spacey Foundation website, “The evening will consist of musical entertainment, surprise special guests, and a lively retrospective on the Hall of Fame and Academy Award-winning careers of two living legends.” The Kevin Spacey Foundation has partnered with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. “Both charities successfully impact youth with programs to instill critical life skills for success. Our foundations’ work is strengthened through collaboration and the impact is unquestionable.” To purchase tickets to the event, click here.
Carol Burnett (Actress and Comedienne: “The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes“)
Carol Burnett is an actress and singer, best known for the late 60s-70s variety show The Carol Burnett Show. Her first breakout role was as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress on Broadway. After that performance Burnett quickly began earning roles in television and film, as well as appearing on Broadway. She was a frequent variety show guest on The Garry Moore Show before moving to Los Angeles and getting her own variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, which was on the air for 11 years. Burnett was the first woman to have her own variety show, and it was a huge success. The show included sketches, music, and dance, and often parodied movies and television programs. Now, after 40 years, the long-lost episodes from the first five seasons of The Carol Burnett Show are being released on DVD.
Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp (Farm Aid)
Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp are singer-songwriters who will sit down for an interview with Stephen and also give a musical performance. Nelson and Mellencamp are board members of Farm Aid, which is a concert that brings together a variety of artists, farmers, and fans. Its goal is to keep family farmers on their own land. According to Farm Aid’s website, “Farm Aid is the longest running concert for a cause in America, raising $48 million since 1985 to help family farmers thrive all over the country while inspiring millions of people to take part in the Good Food Movement.” Farm Aid is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The concert will take place on September 19th in Chicago, IL. Aside from Nelson and Mellencamp, the line-up includes Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Imagine Dragons, Mavis Staples, and more.
Thursday, September 17 (2015)
Trevor Noah (Host – “The Daily Show”)
[Coming Soon]
Ban Ki-Moon (United Nations Secretary-General)
Since commencing his second term in January 2012, Ban has focused his public statements and speeches on peace and equality in the Middle East, and on issues of equality and LGBT rights. During his time as Secretary General BAn has advocated for campaigns such as “Unite to End Violence Against Women”, and has also increased the women employment at the U.N. According to the U.N. website, during this past Friday’s briefing Ban Ki-Moon discussed peace operations, forestry issues, and the increasing violence rate in the country.
Chris Stapleton (Album – “Traveller“)
Chris Stapleton is an American country singer/songwriter, who released his first solo album, “Traveller”, earlier this year. Co-produced with Dave Cobb, the album features a mixture of original compositions and covers. The album has received much praise, including this review from ‘Rolling Stone’, “Indeed, Traveller is excellent and, gliding along on Cobb’s breezy production, is an effortless listen.” Some hit songs from this album are “Outlaw State of Mind” and “Traveller”.
Friday, September 18 (2015)
Lupita Nyong’o (Actress)
Lupita Nyong’o is an Academy Award winning actress, whose first feature film role was in Steve McQueen’s, 12 Years a Slave in 2013. The role was critically acclaimed, and saw her win her first Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actress”, becoming the sixth black actress, first African actress, first Kenyan actress and the first Mexican to win the award. She since been featured on the cover of ‘Vogue’ in June 2014 , and was also named “The Most Beautiful Woman” by ‘People’ Magazine in 2014. Lupita can next be seen in the highly anticipated film ‘Star Wars : The Force Awakens’ later this year. The film is expected to be released on December 18, 2015.
Bernie Sanders (Senator)
Bernard “Bernie” Sanders is an American politician and junior United States Senator from Vermont. He is one of the candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, officially announcing his campaign on 30 April, 2015. Sanders is currently polling in second place in the Democratic nomination with 25%, while Hillary Clinton leads with 44%. Known for being a self-described democratic socialist, and very liberal, Sanders stated that he (unlike other presidential candidates) will not pursue funding through a Super PAC, and will instead focus on receiving small individual donations. His support of issues including LGBT rights, Civil Rights, pro-choice, increasing minimum wage, and climate change, and his use of social media to gain momentum have resulted in a large grassroots following online.
Christopher Wheeldon (Director and Choreographer – “An American in Paris”)
Robert Fairchild (Ballet Dancer – “An American in Paris”)
Leanne Cope (Ballet Dancer – “An American in Paris”)
Hailed as the “most award-winning musical of the season!” on its official website, An American in Paris is a romantic story of a French girl and an American soldier, both looking for new beginnings after a time of war. The Tony Award winning Christopher Wheeldon, directs and choreographs a company of Broadway and international virtuosos, including principle dancers Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope, who star as Jerry and Lise.
Better Know A Guest – September 14 – 18, 2015
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.
Hello, Hubsters! Last week’s premiere week of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert was phenomenal. He is finally back on our TV screens and The Nation rejoices. If the first week was any indication of what the show will be, we are in for an incredible ride. Here we are in week number two. Stephen’s guests are unique and wide-ranging. We have actors and actresses, a sitting Supreme Court Justice, rappers and rock stars, the United Nations Secretary-General, and possible Democratic nominee for the 2016 presidential election, Bernie Sanders.
This is shaping up to be an outstanding week. Which guests are you most looking forward to? Please take our poll and leave us your thoughts in the comment section. Enjoy your week, Hubsters!
** CBS have just updated this weeks guest line up. BKAG updates will be added shortly.
Monday, September 14 (2015)
Emily Blunt (Actress – “Sicario“)
Emily Blunt is the star of the new film Sicario, in which she plays an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited by an elected government task force to aid the war on drugs at the US/ Mexico border. The movie has received a 91% Certified Fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Lou Lumenick from the New York Post called it, “A well-deserved showcase for Emily Blunt.” Scott Mendelson of Forbes said, “Emily Blunt is superb in tense, disturbing drug war thriller.” Sicario opens to limited release on September 18th and wide release on October 2nd.
Stephen Breyer (Supreme Court Justice and Author: “The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities“)
Justice Breyer will sit down with Stephen to discuss his new book, “The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities.” Justice Breyer is known for his pragmatic approach to constitutional law. He is associated with the liberal side of the Court. In this past year, Justice Breyer voted with the majority more often that any other justice. On the last day of the Supreme Court’s term in June, he issued a major dissent questioning the constitutionality of the death penalty. He is pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, and is for the Affordable Care Act.
The Dead Weather (Album – “Dodge and Burn“)
The Dead Weather are a rock band composed of Jack White (formerly of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs), Alison Mosshart (of The Kills and Discount), Dean Fertila (of Queens of the Stone Age), and Jack Lawrence (of The Raconteurs). They will perform a song off their new album, “Dodge and Burn.” Their appearance on the Late Show marks their first performance in five years. Their new LP will be available on September 25th, but they have already released new songs off the LP called “Cop Go,” “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles),” “Buzzkill(er),” and “Itʼs Just Too Bad.”
Tuesday, September 15 (2015)
Jake Gyllenhall (Actor – “Everest“)
Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the stars of the new film, Everest, a 3D biographical disaster drama shot for the super-sized IMAX format. Gyllenhaal plays the leader of a Mount Everest expedition group. During the enormous and dangerous climb to the summit, the expedition group is devastated by a severe snow storm. The story is based on the real events of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster. Kevin Lally of Film Journal wrote, “With a horrific fate awaiting so many of its real-life characters, Everest isnʼt exactly an entertaining night at the movies. But the people onscreen are achingly relatable, even if youʼd never dream of taking the kinds of risks they do. The classic dramatic elements of pity and fear are in full throttle in this awe-inspiring recreation of a doomed ascent.” From CTV News: Gyllenhaal said depicting real people and events brought “tremendous responsibility.” He said Scott Fischer’s children had contacted him, “a bit worried about how their father might be portrayed.” “It was actually a beautiful thing to sit down with the two of them and hear who their father was to them,” Gyllenhaal said. Everest hits theaters on September 18th.
Tim Cook (CEO of Apple)
Tim Cook’s guest appearance was announced by Stephen via Twitter. The two will discuss Apple’s new Fall product line-up, which includes the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, the massive iPad Pro, which is 12.9 inches, and an upgraded Apple TV, which includes Siri. On September 14th, Cook made a surprise appearance at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City. According to Farhad Manjoo of The New York Times, “Timothy D. Cook, Apple’s chief executive, called the new iPad Pro ‘the most capable’ tablet the company has ever created. With a larger screen and optional keyboard, it becomes a device that is meant to be useful for both the creation and consumption of content.”
Run the Jewels (Hip-Hop Duo) with TV on the Radio (Indie Rock Band)
According to Pichfork, “A representative has confirmed that TV on the Radio will act as Run the Jewels’ live band.” Run the Jewels are a hip-hop duo comprised of rappers Killer Mike and El-P. On September 4th, they performed at Banksy’s Dismaland, a pop- up “bemusement park.” TV on the Radio are an indie rock band from Brooklyn. Their latest album “Seeds” was released in 2014. On September 11th they performed at the Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, NC. According to Stereogum, TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek remixed ‘Sea Legs’ from Run the Jewels debut.”
Wednesday, September 16 (2015)
Kevin Spacey (Under the Lights with Cal Ripken, Jr. and Kevin Spacey)
Actor Kevin Spacey has teamed with MLB legend, Cal Ripken, Jr. to host a charity gala, Under the Lights with Cal Ripken, Jr. and Kevin Spacey. The event will take place on September 28th at the Mead Center for American Theater, home of Arena Stage, Washington, D.C. According to the Kevin Spacey Foundation website, “The evening will consist of musical entertainment, surprise special guests, and a lively retrospective on the Hall of Fame and Academy Award-winning careers of two living legends.” The Kevin Spacey Foundation has partnered with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. “Both charities successfully impact youth with programs to instill critical life skills for success. Our foundations’ work is strengthened through collaboration and the impact is unquestionable.” To purchase tickets to the event, click here.
Carol Burnett (Actress and Comedienne: “The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes“)
Carol Burnett is an actress and singer, best known for the late 60s-70s variety show The Carol Burnett Show. Her first breakout role was as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress on Broadway. After that performance Burnett quickly began earning roles in television and film, as well as appearing on Broadway. She was a frequent variety show guest on The Garry Moore Show before moving to Los Angeles and getting her own variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, which was on the air for 11 years. Burnett was the first woman to have her own variety show, and it was a huge success. The show included sketches, music, and dance, and often parodied movies and television programs. Now, after 40 years, the long-lost episodes from the first five seasons of The Carol Burnett Show are being released on DVD.
Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp (Farm Aid)
Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp are singer-songwriters who will sit down for an interview with Stephen and also give a musical performance. Nelson and Mellencamp are board members of Farm Aid, which is a concert that brings together a variety of artists, farmers, and fans. Its goal is to keep family farmers on their own land. According to Farm Aid’s website, “Farm Aid is the longest running concert for a cause in America, raising $48 million since 1985 to help family farmers thrive all over the country while inspiring millions of people to take part in the Good Food Movement.” Farm Aid is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The concert will take place on September 19th in Chicago, IL. Aside from Nelson and Mellencamp, the line-up includes Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Imagine Dragons, Mavis Staples, and more.
Thursday, September 17 (2015)
Trevor Noah (Host – “The Daily Show”)
[Coming Soon]
Ban Ki-Moon (United Nations Secretary-General)
Since commencing his second term in January 2012, Ban has focused his public statements and speeches on peace and equality in the Middle East, and on issues of equality and LGBT rights. During his time as Secretary General BAn has advocated for campaigns such as “Unite to End Violence Against Women”, and has also increased the women employment at the U.N. According to the U.N. website, during this past Friday’s briefing Ban Ki-Moon discussed peace operations, forestry issues, and the increasing violence rate in the country.
Chris Stapleton (Album – “Traveller“)
Chris Stapleton is an American country singer/songwriter, who released his first solo album, “Traveller”, earlier this year. Co-produced with Dave Cobb, the album features a mixture of original compositions and covers. The album has received much praise, including this review from ‘Rolling Stone’, “Indeed, Traveller is excellent and, gliding along on Cobb’s breezy production, is an effortless listen.” Some hit songs from this album are “Outlaw State of Mind” and “Traveller”.
Friday, September 18 (2015)
Lupita Nyong’o (Actress)
Lupita Nyong’o is an Academy Award winning actress, whose first feature film role was in Steve McQueen’s, 12 Years a Slave in 2013. The role was critically acclaimed, and saw her win her first Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actress”, becoming the sixth black actress, first African actress, first Kenyan actress and the first Mexican to win the award. She since been featured on the cover of ‘Vogue’ in June 2014 , and was also named “The Most Beautiful Woman” by ‘People’ Magazine in 2014. Lupita can next be seen in the highly anticipated film ‘Star Wars : The Force Awakens’ later this year. The film is expected to be released on December 18, 2015.
Bernie Sanders (Senator)
Bernard “Bernie” Sanders is an American politician and junior United States Senator from Vermont. He is one of the candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, officially announcing his campaign on 30 April, 2015. Sanders is currently polling in second place in the Democratic nomination with 25%, while Hillary Clinton leads with 44%. Known for being a self-described democratic socialist, and very liberal, Sanders stated that he (unlike other presidential candidates) will not pursue funding through a Super PAC, and will instead focus on receiving small individual donations. His support of issues including LGBT rights, Civil Rights, pro-choice, increasing minimum wage, and climate change, and his use of social media to gain momentum have resulted in a large grassroots following online.
Christopher Wheeldon (Director and Choreographer – “An American in Paris”)
Robert Fairchild (Ballet Dancer – “An American in Paris”)
Leanne Cope (Ballet Dancer – “An American in Paris”)
Hailed as the “most award-winning musical of the season!” on its official website, An American in Paris is a romantic story of a French girl and an American soldier, both looking for new beginnings after a time of war. The Tony Award winning Christopher Wheeldon, directs and choreographs a company of Broadway and international virtuosos, including principle dancers Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope, who star as Jerry and Lise.