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Stephen Colbert
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Stephen Colbert
It's the Late Show Poncho with Stephen Colbert.
Alan Ritchson
Welcome back, friends, ladies and gentlemen. My next guest returns this Thursday as Jack Reacher in season three of Reacher.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Elbow on the pad. Put your arm out like we're gonna arm wrestle, then make a fist. I'm gonna grab your fist and try to pull it down to the pad while you try to stop me. Just your strength against mine.
Stephen Colbert
Easy.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Three weaker than I thought. Sorry. Hand slipped.
Alan Ritchson
Please. Welcome to the Late Show. Alan Ritson.
Arm Wrestling Partner
You want to arm wrestle? No, no, not a Bavarian.
Alan Ritchson
Arm wrestle. There you go. Yes.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Just your strength against mine. Let's do this. There you go.
Alan Ritchson
There you go. No, the last person I arm wrestled was Krasinski, and so he smoked me. So I think it might be a step up. Let me train a little bit.
Arm Wrestling Partner
It's pretty tough.
Alan Ritchson
Yeah. Nice to have you on.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Thank you so much.
Alan Ritchson
Nice to meet you.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Nice to have you.
Alan Ritchson
Thanks.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Thank you. Thank you.
Alan Ritchson
So good to be here. I enjoy the Reacher. I enjoy the Reacher. It's a global hit. It's a global hit.
Arm Wrestling Partner
I got some Reacher fans.
Alan Ritchson
Why do you think that Reacher resonates with people? I mean, I enjoy it because you often punch bad guys in the face real hard.
Arm Wrestling Partner
That's nice. Yeah.
Alan Ritchson
Why do you think it resonates with.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Killing a lot of bad guys? Yeah, we all want to kill bad guys, don't we?
Alan Ritchson
Yes. Yeah. Yeah.
Arm Wrestling Partner
I don't. You know, it's crazy. Crazy. There's really nothing like it. I mean, there's, like, no demo, you know?
Alan Ritchson
What do you mean? It crosses everything.
Arm Wrestling Partner
I've had girls, young, old. I've had little grandmas. Come, Reacher. Like little kids. Like, I went to a Sky Zone the other day with my kids and I got swarmed by like 40 little 8 year olds. I was like, your parents let you watch this show? Wow. We hung a guy like with nothing on his body. Season 1 Anyway, by the way, 48 year olds.
Alan Ritchson
Do you think you could take 48 year olds?
Arm Wrestling Partner
I think, yeah. I think, yeah. As long as most are girls. Yeah. But it's crazy. It's like. You know, I was talking about this with one of your producers. She said it's like the Mona Lisa effect. I don't think it hasn't, you know, weird.
Alan Ritchson
In other words, we project onto her, we project onto Reacher because we don't know much about him.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Right. Well, we see it's wish fulfillment. Right? So we see what, you know, we see what we want to see in the world through the lens of Reacher. Like we want to see justices righted immediately. Right. I mean, like how clumsy is due diligence these days? Our process for justice is like, you know, I mean, hardly exists. And in Reacher we see like, oh, he's righting wrongs right away. I love that. And I want to be that person in the world. So I see myself in Reacher and Lee Child says, you know, the guy who wrote the book, the guy who wrote the books, that ladies like one night stands too. So they want to be Reacher. They want to be Reacher too.
Alan Ritchson
Well, your character, Jack, a lot of people saw him first on screen portrayed by Tom Cruise.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Oh, right, yeah.
Alan Ritchson
Tom Cruise and you guys. Very similar.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Almost sounded like somebody was gonna boo.
Alan Ritchson
No, no, they were going cruise.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Oh, they said yes. Which is how I feel. Yes, Cruise, yes. Thank you for what you've done for us. You brought so many eyes to the show.
Alan Ritchson
He does his own stunts.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Yes.
Alan Ritchson
Do you do your own stunts?
Arm Wrestling Partner
I do.
Alan Ritchson
Really?
Arm Wrestling Partner
I do. I mean, it's a process. Thank you. It's a process people don't understand, you know. Cause I tell people I do my own st. And then I'll like, I'll be on Instagram with my stunt double. I'm like, this is my stunt double, Ryan Taran. He's been in, you know, he's been a part of the show for a long time. Big Australian dude. He's just as hardy as they come. And he, you know, we design a lot of the fights in action together that we do in some films and we work together on Reacher and people are like, why you tell people you do Your own stunts, and yet you have a stunt double, but they don't. You know, the process is like, it's months long. You know, we'll design the fights, will refine them. He'll yell at me, he'll tell me I don't fight well. He'll swing like a girl, and then he'll warm the cameras up. And so he'll do four or five takes until the camera gets these big moves, right? The big sweeping camera thing. And I'm not sacrificing my body while he's sacrificing himself for us. And then when everything's right, I jump in and I do as many as it takes to get it done.
Alan Ritchson
Have you hurt yourself doing this?
Arm Wrestling Partner
I've broken bones, yeah.
Alan Ritchson
Wow.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Wow.
Alan Ritchson
Do you get paid? I died if you do that.
Arm Wrestling Partner
I died out there.
Alan Ritchson
Was this like a Marvel Universe sort of thing where you had to get sort of jacked up into the part, or has this always been the package?
Arm Wrestling Partner
Yeah. I was born like this, man. Oh, yeah. Yes. Yeah. Your mom was like, ah, get it? No, I was. No. You know, when I booked the role, I was walking around at, like, I was, you know, six'three 205 pounds. I was like, practically a horse jockey. This is like, I look back at 205. Yeah, 205. Six, three, two, five is skinny.
Alan Ritchson
What are you now?
Arm Wrestling Partner
240.
Alan Ritchson
Wow.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Okay. Yeah, so I was, you know, and I was still playing superheroes and stuff on tv, and I thought I was big. But I look at photos now, and I'm like, my kids, I got three boys, 12, 11, and 9. They tell the truth. Like, dad, you look like an 18 year old there. You know, I'm like, that was six years ago.
Alan Ritchson
Do they. Three boys, you said? Yeah. Do they think, like, people think Reacher is cool or do you think. Do they think you're cool?
Arm Wrestling Partner
No, they're not impressed by the fact that, dude, I played a ninja Turtle. I played Reacher. Yeah, man. No, they. They don't care. Like, I try. I have to beg. I have to. I bribe them to come to set. Guys, you're going to get all the catering you want. We'll get you cookies, pie. Like they don't care.
Alan Ritchson
What about your. What about your wife?
Arm Wrestling Partner
Okay, so she, too, doesn't care.
Alan Ritchson
There, there. There you are. What? This is. People will love this. You've been married for 19 years. Good for you.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Thank you. I don't know why she sticks around, dude.
Alan Ritchson
Exactly.
Arm Wrestling Partner
She deserves better.
Alan Ritchson
How did you guys meet?
Arm Wrestling Partner
We met. Thanks for asking. We met in ballet.
Alan Ritchson
Well, good for you.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Thank you.
Alan Ritchson
How long did you do that?
Arm Wrestling Partner
Thank you. Not long. I was in it for her and out. As soon as we had it, we had it in the bag. No, I was pursuing a music theater degree in high school, so I was dual enrolling in college.
Alan Ritchson
Okay.
Arm Wrestling Partner
And part of the prerequisite for the music theater program was that I take dance classes. So I was in ballet because of the dance classes. So I had to do. It was a thing.
Alan Ritchson
Do you still have it? Like, can you give me like first position, second position?
Arm Wrestling Partner
Oh, yeah. First position. Yeah, dude, it's been. Yes. I don't know.
Alan Ritchson
That's nicely done.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Couple pirouettes. Anyway, we move off and. Yeah. Long story short, we got three kids.
Alan Ritchson
Happy ending.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Thank you.
Alan Ritchson
Season three of Reacher premieres Thursday on Amazon Prime. Alan Ritchson, everybody.
Stephen Colbert
More Late show pod show after this.
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Stephen Colbert
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Alan Ritchson
Ladies and gentlemen, folks of all ages, you know my next guest from Law and Order, SUV and Better Call Saul. She now stars in the new CBS series Beyond the Gates. Please welcome Tamara Tuney. Hi. So nice to have you on.
Tamara Tunie
Thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here.
Alan Ritchson
People know and love you. From Law and Order suv, svu. Svu. I never missed an episode. Soon they will love you for the new cbs.
Tamara Tunie
Listen, it took me two years to get it right, so.
Alan Ritchson
Really?
Tamara Tunie
Yeah, absolutely.
Alan Ritchson
I was in Criminal Intent. I was in Law and Order of Criminal Intent once.
Tamara Tunie
Yes.
Alan Ritchson
Yeah. I was the murderer.
Tamara Tunie
Of course you were.
Alan Ritchson
Yes.
Arm Wrestling Partner
I mean.
Tamara Tunie
I mean that in the best possible way.
Alan Ritchson
I was a guy who lived in his Mom's basement and killed people with lie bombs through the mail.
Tamara Tunie
I would cast you as that.
Alan Ritchson
When I asked, I met the writer, and she goes, oh, I thought of you when I wrote it.
Tamara Tunie
That's so disturbing.
Alan Ritchson
Now they're gonna know you in the new CBS show Beyond the Gates.
Tamara Tunie
Yes, sir.
Alan Ritchson
Okay, so you started in theater.
Tamara Tunie
I did.
Alan Ritchson
So here we are in a Broadway theater. What was your first experience in a Broadway theater?
Tamara Tunie
My first Broadway show was with the legendary Lena Horne. Oh, yes.
Alan Ritchson
Hal Joey Stoneweather.
Tamara Tunie
So many things. And I like to tell this story because it was at the beginning of my career. I just moved to New York City, and I had gotten a job doing a production of Kiss Me Kate at a dinner theater in Connecticut. And it was fantastic, and I was so excited. And we rehearsed, we did tech, we opened the show. And the next morning after opening night, I woke up and my tonsils had abscessed, and I couldn't talk, I couldn't swallow, and I couldn't sing. I lost the job because I couldn't do it. So I came back to New York with my tail between my legs. And my survival job was office work because I learned to type in 7th grade. Pay attention in school children. And I learned to type in seventh grade so I could do office work. And I happened to be working at an accounting firm over on 6th Avenue, and one of my coffee cooler mates just happened to be the son of Lena Horne's manager, and he told me that they were casting background singers for her show, and so I should talk to my agent about it. So, long story short, I did, and I was cast in the show, and I was on the stage with the legendary Lena Horne when I was 22 years old. And it was an experience that really. Yeah, it really. It informed my career moving forward.
Alan Ritchson
I mean, when you make it to Broadway for the first time, did your family all come and.
Tamara Tunie
Yes, yes, my family came. My family came. My teachers from school came. Everyone came, but my mom came. And when my mother came, you know, you tell the production, you tell the production manager, you know, my mother's coming. Can you get tickets? And they say, of course. You know, little did I know that when I walked out on stage, my mother was sitting front row center. And, you know, you don't want to see familiar faces in the front row. Right. But at any rate, at intermission, I was walking past Lena's dressing room, and she always left her door open, you know, and so as I was walking past, she said, tuney, tuney, and I backed Up. I was like, yes, Lena, come in here. I came in. I was like, yes. She was putting on her makeup and looking in the mirror, and I was standing behind her. And she said, is that your mother in the front row? And I thought, oh, lord. Oh, Lord. I was like, yes, yeah, Lena, that's my mom. And she said, well, she's just grinning at me, and I'm just grinning at her, and we're having a good time. I was like.
Alan Ritchson
Fans of Law and Order SVU would want me to ask you this about medical examiner playing medical examiner. Melinda Warner, is it true that. That you inspired people with that role to become forensic examiners?
Tamara Tunie
Absolutely.
Alan Ritchson
That I've never inspired anyone to be a forensic examiner.
Tamara Tunie
I can't tell you how many times people have approached me and said, I'm studying forensic medicine. And this is. When I say people, I mean black women who are saying, I study forensic science because of your role on the show. Or my daughter is studying forensic science, or my sister is studying forensic science. And that's the power of television. I mean, that's the power of what we do.
Alan Ritchson
I would ask you whether, like, the. Even working with sort of the prop bodies and the organs and everything would bother you, but I understand that you had an unusual prep for this.
Tamara Tunie
I did. I happened to grow up in a funeral home. Both of my parents were morticians. Sure. And we lived. And it was like. I don't know if any of you watch Six feet Under, but literally we lived, you know, above the funeral home. The funeral home was on the first floor, and the morgue was in the basement. Just like six feet under, but black.
Alan Ritchson
And that didn't bother you? Didn't bother you as a kid or anything? It was fun.
Tamara Tunie
Not at all. Not at all. I mean, I was born into that environment, you know, and by the time I reached my teenage years, I was actually helping in the funeral home. I would style hair or do a little makeup or something like that. So when I walked into the morgue of Law and Order svu, nobody could tell me nothing.
Alan Ritchson
Now. Now you're starring in beyond the Gates. It's the first soap opera that has. First new Soap Opera in 25 years.
Tamara Tunie
Yes.
Alan Ritchson
What does it mean for you to be part of this show?
Tamara Tunie
The only show that would bring me back to daytime television was this show. And it is, because it is historic in its existence. It is the first daytime drama where the central family is African American and an African American family of affluence, power, generational wealth, beauty, talent. And it's breaking the color barrier. It's a glass ceiling show. It's a glass ceiling breaking show, and I'm so proud to be a part of it.
Alan Ritchson
Did you watch these shows growing up?
Tamara Tunie
Absolutely. I used to watch with my mom, who didn't watch with their mom or their grandma. Right. I used to watch with my mom back in the day. And then, you know, when I came to New York, I was here five or six years and I landed a role on as the World Turns that I performed for 15 years. So I'm returning to daytime, which is fantastic, and I'm returning to my home network, cbs. So it's great to be back.
Alan Ritchson
You play. You're the glamorous matriarch of the family. I am, which is a great role. But do you ever that you don't get to be the person who's like, throwing cups and slapping your lover? Roberto.
Tamara Tunie
You know Roberto.
Alan Ritchson
He'll be coming later, later in the season.
Tamara Tunie
How did you know? You know, listen, it's a soap opera. So as pulled up and elegant as I am, you know, there's always time for some mess. It's gonna get messy. It's gonna get messy.
Alan Ritchson
Well, I look forward to the mess. Thank you so much for being here.
Tamara Tunie
Thank you for having me.
Arm Wrestling Partner
Sue.
Alan Ritchson
Beyond the Gates premieres Monday on cbs. Thank you for listening to the Late show pod show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives. Survivor 48 is here, and alongside it, we're bringing you a brand new season of On Fire, the only official Survivor podcast. If you're a Survivor super fan, you won't want to miss this deep dive into every episode where we break down how we design the game, the biggest moves, your burning questions. It's the only podcast that gives you inside access to Survivor that nobody else can listen to. On Fire, the official Survivor podcast with me, Jeff Probst, every Wednesday after the show. Wherever you get your podcast.
The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Episode Featuring Alan Ritchson and Tamara Tunie
Release Date: February 24, 2025
The episode kicks off with a playful interaction between host Stephen Colbert and guest Alan Ritchson. Alan engages in an arm-wrestling challenge with a partner, showcasing his friendly competitive spirit. This light-hearted segment sets an engaging tone for the episode.
Alan Ritchson delves into his role in the globally acclaimed series "Reacher," discussing why the character resonates with audiences worldwide. He attributes the show's success to its universal themes of justice and the satisfying portrayal of the protagonist taking swift action against wrongdoing.
The conversation highlights how "Reacher" serves as a form of wish fulfillment for viewers, allowing them to envision a world where justice is immediate and effective.
Alan and his arm-wrestling partner discuss the rigorous demands of performing stunts for the show. Alan shares insights into his commitment to performing his own stunts, emphasizing the collaborative process with his stunt double, Ryan Taran.
They touch upon the physical toll of stunt work, with Alan admitting to injuries sustained over the years.
The discussion transitions to Alan’s personal life, including his family and how he balances his acting career with fatherhood. Alan humorously recounts how his children perceive his roles, often underestimating his on-screen toughness.
He also touches on his long-term marriage, sharing light-hearted anecdotes about his relationship.
The episode smoothly transitions to introducing Tamara Tunie, a distinguished actress known for her roles in "Law & Order: SVU," "Better Call Saul," and the new CBS series "Beyond the Gates." Alan welcomes her to the show, and the conversation moves into her impressive career trajectory.
Tamara shares her first foray into Broadway, recounting her experience performing alongside the legendary Lena Horne. She narrates a challenging moment when an unexpected tonsil abscess jeopardized her debut, only to bounce back and secure her role, demonstrating resilience and passion for her craft.
Tamara discusses the profound impact her role as a medical examiner on "Law & Order: SVU" has had on viewers, particularly inspiring African American women to pursue careers in forensic science. She attributes this influence to the power of representation on television.
Drawing parallels between her upbringing and her role on "SVU," Tamara reveals that she grew up in a funeral home, which provided her with unique insights and comfort in handling prop bodies and forensic scenes on the show.
Tamara expresses her enthusiasm for "Beyond the Gates," highlighting its significance as the first daytime drama in 25 years to center around an affluent African American family. She emphasizes the show's role in breaking the color barrier and shattering glass ceilings in the industry.
As the episode wraps up, both Alan and Tamara reflect on their journeys in the entertainment industry, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs they've experienced. Tamara shares her gratitude for returning to daytime television and her network, CBS, reinforcing the importance of representation and diversity on screen.
Alan extends his appreciation to Tamara for joining the show, concluding the episode on a high note with anticipation for the exciting developments in their respective projects.
Representation Matters: Both Alan and Tamara highlight the importance of diverse representation in media, with Tamara specifically noting the inspiration her role has provided to young African American women.
Behind the Scenes: The discussion sheds light on the physical demands of acting, particularly in action-packed roles like "Reacher," and the dedication required to perform stunts safely.
Personal Resilience: Tamara’s story about overcoming a medical setback to perform on Broadway underscores the resilience needed in the entertainment industry.
Breaking Barriers: "Beyond the Gates" marks a significant milestone in daytime television, emphasizing the ongoing effort to break racial and gender barriers in media.
This episode offers listeners an in-depth look into the lives and careers of Alan Ritchson and Tamara Tunie, blending humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions about the entertainment industry and the impact of their work on audiences.