Stephen Colbert and James Corden “Complement Each Other”

In a phone interview with Deadline, CBS Entertainment chairman Nina Tassler said Corden was picked because, among other qualifications, he and David Letterman’s replacement Stephen Colbert “complement each other.” Where Colbert is known for his razor wit, Corden seduces with cuddliness, though he’s also very sharp. Corden has a gift for physical comedy, a star’s grace in a clown’s body, that gets audiences giddy.

“They’re both actors, both very solid on their feet,” Tassler said. “I love the way Stephen can move, the way James can move,” she said, noting both men can sing and dance. Describing Corden as “a cross between Fred Astaire and Jack Black,” Tassler said she expects him to put these skills sets to use on the new show, explaining” In this day and age when you’ve got someone who can write, perform, sing, dance and is very comfortable flying without a net it’s a rare commodity.”

“The man is fearless. You really have to stand somewhat in awe and appreciation for someone who operates at that level.”

She was describing Corden, in response to questions about today’s announcement, but the description also is an apt one for Colbert, who’s been tapped to take over Late Show after David Letterman retires from the franchise sometime in 2015, and may provide clues as to how Colbert will develop his new show as he moves away from the faux-newsman character he’s played for a decade in late night on Comedy Central. Both Colbert and CBS have said he will not bring his faux newsman, nor his faux news show, with him to CBS.

Full Article: Deadline.