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Angel Reese
Huddle up. It's me, Angel Reese. You can't beat the postgame burger and fries, right? Know what else you can't beat? The Angel Reese special. Let's break it down. My favorite barbecue sauce, American cheese, crispy bacon, pickles, onions, and a sesame seed bun, of course. And don't forget the fries and the drink. It's gonna be a high C for me. Sound good? All you have to do to get it is beat me in a one on one. I'm just playing get the angel Reef Special at McDonald's now. Ba da ba ba ba.
David Alan Grier
I participate in restaurants for a limited time.
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Stephen Colbert
It's the late show poncho with Stephen Colbert.
Welcome back, everybody. Ladies and gentlemen, my guest tonight is a newly minted Tony award winning actor. You know, from In Living Color, Jumanji and a soldier's play. He now stars in the drama series Joe Pickett. Please welcome back to the late show, sir David Alan Grier.
David Alan Grier
Are we doing distancing?
Stephen Colbert
No, no, no, no. Please, please. Won't you. Won't you please.
David Alan Grier
Do I look different to you?
Stephen Colbert
What?
David Alan Grier
Do I look different to you?
Stephen Colbert
No, you don't look. Why should I? Should you? Well, you. You have. There has been one change since you left.
David Alan Grier
There has.
Stephen Colbert
You won a Tony award for sandals. I knew there was a glow. I wasn't sure why. Thank you.
David Alan Grier
Thank you.
Stephen Colbert
Wow. Well, a little pep in the step. Yeah, yeah.
David Alan Grier
You know, when I'm at the car wash, I'm like, call me Tony, you know?
Stephen Colbert
Third. Third nomination. Right?
David Alan Grier
Fourth. Fourth. Fourth nomination.
Stephen Colbert
Wow. We have. We actually have a little clip. We have part of your. We have part of your speech right here, Jim.
David Alan Grier
Kenny Leon. Kenny Leon. Kenny. I don't know if I was the first call or the last call, brother, but I'm just glad you called, baby. Thank you, guys. And to the other nominees, Tough bananas. I won.
Stephen Colbert
I love honesty. I love honesty. Love honesty.
David Alan Grier
You know, in that moment, I was down the road and sincerity was on one side and douchebaggery was on the other and I just grabbed the wheel and went left. No, I mean, I. It really was moving in slow motion and I thought, should I be. Should I say this thing or do this other thing that I really want to do? So I just. It was all from my heart.
Stephen Colbert
Now you have emotional reactions to things both positive and negative. There was a post you put on Instagram, some video you put on Instagram because your alma mater, Michigan.
David Alan Grier
Wow.
Stephen Colbert
Recently beat the Ohio State.
David Alan Grier
You know what university football team it was.
Stephen Colbert
And we have some footage. Wait, you don't even have to tell us. You don't have to say. You have to explain this, but you don't have to tell us, Jim.
David Alan Grier
Yeah. Yeah.
Stephen Colbert
I don't know when the last time was I felt that good. When was the last time you felt that good?
David Alan Grier
Well, you know, I attended Michigan in the city 70s, and that was when we were dominant. But we have not beaten Ohio State, I think, in, like, over eight years. And what people don't understand, University of Michigan, Ohio State, they are our arch rivals. Arch rivals. So, like, in a. In a football season, we could lose every single game. But if you beat Ohio State, that's a successful season. So. So a lot of people thought we weren't even gonna score. And when it finally won, it was just like, this is. I mean, I got it, Tony. And Michigan won. It was. So.
Stephen Colbert
We have to take a quick break, but we'll be right back with more David Alan Grier, everybody.
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Stephen Colbert
Hey, everybody, we're back with David Alan Grier. David, where do you have the Tony? Where do you keep it?
David Alan Grier
Well, right now it's in the Tony box and it's up above my fireplace because I have dogs. Very large dogs. Uncouth. Well, everything's a play toy. But what happened is, like, so I went back and, you know when I was giving the speech and you see people looking at the award like, oh, you know my new friend, I was looking for my name. There's no name on it. And I was like, okay, well. And as soon as you go backstage, they take the Award from you. And that's not your award. We're gonna inscribe it and send it to you. So, like, a month later, they sent in a box that had no markings, you know, because of the Tony thieves.
Stephen Colbert
They don't say, oh, New York, you're right.
David Alan Grier
Bands of Tony thieves. It was a rock.
Stephen Colbert
They roam the streets. Sure. Sure.
David Alan Grier
It was a box. And I thought it was, like an unwise ebay purchase, you know what I mean? So I just threw it in my car. It was there for a few days. Then I threw it in the laundry room. My dog chewed part of the box. I kicked it out the way the maid. So when I finally opened it, it was broken. The spinner was gone, and I MacGyvered that bitch. I was like, well, you're not going back. So. So I was like. I shoved that thing in there and I fixed the spinner, and now it's all good. Absolutely. I just wanted to ask.
Stephen Colbert
Roller coaster of motion.
David Alan Grier
It was.
Stephen Colbert
It really was. You know, I know you want to ask Mia.
David Alan Grier
Well, I know, Steve. It's probably difficult, you know, for you sitting next to a Tony winner like myself. Have you. Have you ever. It's ridiculous question, but have you ever won a Tony?
Stephen Colbert
I've. No, I've never. I've never won a Tony.
David Alan Grier
Yeah, I know.
Stephen Colbert
I don't. I don't have. I don't have room with my 11 Emmys. Have you ever won an Emmy? I don't know. I'm sorry. I mean, the Emmys aren't important as my two Grammys, but I was wondering whether if you've won any Peabody's, because I have five of those, and I'm just wondering if any.
David Alan Grier
Wow, that's great. I mean, you know, congratulations.
Stephen Colbert
Thanks very much.
David Alan Grier
You know, I don't know if you're aware of this, but the Tony Award is the most difficult award.
Stephen Colbert
No, I'm not.
David Alan Grier
Are you gonna edit that out? What I was gonna say. Excuse me. The Tony Award is the most difficult award to win. And statistically there's like, the Emmys the easiest, and then the Peabodys are really okay. I mean, but, you know, good luck.
Stephen Colbert
Thanks very much.
David Alan Grier
Whatever.
Stephen Colbert
Thanks very much. I want to talk to you about something that you've supported for a long time that a lot of people don't know about. That is the public wearing of overalls. Listen, I did not know that you were in the lifestyle. What is it about overalls that, you know, you love? What is it about that appeals to you?
David Alan Grier
Duh. It's an Adult onesie. Look at it. It's like baby clothes for old people.
Stephen Colbert
But do these jeans go all the.
David Alan Grier
Way up over your shoulders? They didn't actually.
Stephen Colbert
Just assume.
David Alan Grier
I told you, the segment producer. I was like, you know, I got overall shirt. He's like, that's okay. That's okay. Just leave them there. We just want you.
Stephen Colbert
When did this start?
David Alan Grier
When I was in college, man. You know, that was the seventies. So I was, you know, young hipster hippie, you know, black hippie, dude. Everybody's wearing overalls and painter pants, you know, So I got older and I just rediscovered them, you know, and I started wearing them. But it's a whole different vibe now with the beard, and they're the slipper.
Stephen Colbert
Of the entire body.
David Alan Grier
Well, I mean, I look more like an extra from To Kill a Mockingbird. I really, at this point, it's a little different aesthetic. I was about two years ago, it was a Halloween, and I was with my young daughter, and she was in her outfit. She was like a Japanese anime character. So we went to this tea shop, and the young blonde hipster goes, oh, I love you guys costumes. Are you a farmer? And I was like, no, I'm not. You know, I'm not a farmer. It's not a costume. It's what I wear. So, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's been painful, but I'm gonna stake my ground. And also, what you mistaken to say, Steven, is the reason why that picture was published is because I am a fashion God.
Stephen Colbert
Well, I know you're a fashion icon.
David Alan Grier
Tell them why it's not just me. GQ magazine said I'm a fashion guy. Tell them. Tell them.
Stephen Colbert
GQ magazine said he's a fashion God. It's true. Our fact checkers actually checked on that.
David Alan Grier
I'm not making this up. They think, oh, it's all funny. No, it's not. I'm a fashion guy.
Stephen Colbert
No, I want to make you assured not all of it is funny. Okay, now tell me about Joe Pickett. It's a drama. We're getting some drama from Sir David Allen there. Tony winner. And what is it about? And who do you play?
David Alan Grier
Joe Pickett is about a game warden, and I'm the older, retiring game warden. My name's Vern Dunnigan, and it's in the middle of Wyoming, and it's all about land rights and dirty dealing and shady poachers and murders.
Stephen Colbert
Do you murder anyone?
David Alan Grier
I can't tell you. I can't tell you.
Stephen Colbert
But you murder someone really means you murder someone.
David Alan Grier
No, but it's the best because I play a guy who's a scumbag. And, you know, you would probably say duh. But, you know, it was really fun. I mean, it's a totally different role. These brothers, the dowdles are their names. We had our zoom meeting and I'm like, why do you want me to play this dastardly guy? And they talked me into it. We were in Calgary for like six months.
Stephen Colbert
Canada.
David Alan Grier
Yeah. And they shut down immediately. Shut down.
Stephen Colbert
As soon as you got there, of course.
David Alan Grier
Yeah. I was calling home like, you know, daddy's not in jail, honey. I'm really. I'll be home in two weeks. That part sucked. But the work was amazing, so. And it looks really good.
Stephen Colbert
Is it beautiful up there? I've never been up that high.
David Alan Grier
It is, but, you know, when you're depressed and drinking a lot, you don't look out the window as much. It is beautiful when you're not.
Stephen Colbert
When you're depressed and drinking a lot. How much are you wearing under the overalls? Or is it no shoes, no shirt, no substrate? What is going on?
David Alan Grier
I was really wearing. Well, because, you know, it was a pandemic. So, you know, when you do a movie, you basically wear your clothes just to get to the set.
Stephen Colbert
100%.
David Alan Grier
Yeah. And then you take them off for the rest of the day.
Stephen Colbert
They don't really get soiled.
David Alan Grier
Exactly. And you ride home. So it was just the fashion show for. For my driver and that walk from the car to the trailer. So, yeah, I did heavy on the overalls. I think I took four pair.
Stephen Colbert
Wow.
David Alan Grier
It was just over represented.
Stephen Colbert
I think I might want some overalls for Christmas at this point.
David Alan Grier
Hold on. I think Santa's going to surprise you.
Stephen Colbert
And who would play a good Santa right now? Second Tony. Second Tony.
David Alan Grier
I'll play the bad. I played a bad Santa. But you know what? Yes. David Algren, I wanted to tell you something, man. Jerry O'Connell was in the play with me. Yeah. Yeah. And so after the first table read, he said, david, you're gonna win a Tony for this.
Stephen Colbert
Literally, day one.
David Alan Grier
Yes. And I said, dude, shut up. You're gonna ruin it. You know, you can't say that. So literally every day Jerry would say, at some point, you are going to win a Tony for this. And I would be like, just shut up. So this went on throughout the entire run. So the night of the Tonys, I posted, I said, Jerry O'Connell told me every day I was going to win this award. Look at God. So he reposted it and he posted my. My phone number by mistake. Now this went out. Yeah, this went out. So my award was the first award of an over three hour broadcast. So as I sat there, I got hundreds and hundreds of texts and phone calls. So I thought, this is going to be the cruelest. Listen back because they're all going to be trolls. But what happened was it was all love that people, people called and they said, this one guy called and said, yo, man, this is Matt from Maine. I was gonna call you to talk, but I love you, man. I love you. So it was, it turned out to be the best thing. I was at the edge of my bed in my underwear at 2 in the morning just crying, reading these because they were all love. And it was great. It was amazing.
Stephen Colbert
Who doesn't love David Alan Greer, man?
David Alan Grier
My student loan officer. More with David Alan Grier after this. Welcome to Nadia Yada island, next on Metro's Nadia Yada island podcast.
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David Alan Grier
No way.
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David Alan Grier
That's wild. Join Metro and get four free Samsung 5G phones only at Metro plus tax.
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David Alan Grier
Wait, can I ask you one kind of question?
Stephen Colbert
Sure. In front of them?
David Alan Grier
Yeah, sure, sure.
Stephen Colbert
Yeah.
David Alan Grier
Did you watch the Get Back of the Beatles?
Stephen Colbert
Oh, yeah, I watched it. Not to brag, but three weeks ahead of time because I interviewed Peter Jackson for it for like a little half hour special we did on the show. Unbelievable. Look into the creative process.
David Alan Grier
In my opinion, it was like watching Scenes from a Marriage, really. About two hours in, I was like, break up. Break up already. Just please break up.
Stephen Colbert
But it's also a love story. Like, where was the love she loves?
David Alan Grier
It's like, look, let's play a song. I don't want to play A song. We do Tun. Your guitar. I don't. You play. You. You play your song. But I don't like it, so. See, we will. Should we tour? I don't want to tour. Oh, my God.
Stephen Colbert
But wait a sec. Wait a second. That whole mood lifted when Billy Preston came in.
David Alan Grier
Yeah, he did, but. But there was one point where Billy Preston was there. And at first he did lift the mood, but then they started arguing themselves, and they would shoot, like, a shot of Billy Preston. He was like, you know, when you black and all your white friends are arguing, you, like. It was really funny. He was like, right, Billy?
Stephen Colbert
You know, can you believe how much they smoked?
David Alan Grier
First of all, the clothes. I would just like to go to, like, a tailor and say, give me that suit. That suit and that suit. It was so 60s, so, like, the clothes were fly, man. It was just. It was beautiful. I did like it a little bit, but it was too long. Oh, I'm sorry. Too long. And you can tell Yonko, but you.
Stephen Colbert
Got any of this.
David Alan Grier
But wait, you can tell. Yoko Ono really did want to sing with the band, too. She was like.
Stephen Colbert
Well, she did sing, like, in between songs. She was doing the thing.
David Alan Grier
Yeah, but, you know, the other dude was like, yeah. Your wife is wild. Mm. Yeah, it was wild, though. It was wild. It was beautiful. Just six short hours too, right?
Stephen Colbert
Eight. Eight. So you did not enjoy it as much as I did.
David Alan Grier
As I did. No, I did not. I did not. Plus, Paul McCartney's a bossy pants.
Stephen Colbert
Somebody had.
David Alan Grier
We rehearsed your song 500 times. Get back. Stop.
Stephen Colbert
He wrote, like, 75% of the album.
David Alan Grier
Well, you know, he had to. But I thought John was really nice. I really thought, like, they were gonna be, like, you know, hating each other.
Stephen Colbert
No, they clearly love each other. That's what I loved about her, is that it's a love story. And it's kind of heartbreaking to know that this is gonna be over soon.
David Alan Grier
Yeah, I guess. I mean, I do. No, I'm being serious now. I do wish that there were some way that they could have performed again for audiences, but if they don't want to do it, then, you know what's. That's why we broke up.
Stephen Colbert
You know, I would get back together with you in a minute.
David Alan Grier
Well, I don't see it, you know.
Stephen Colbert
Cause concert in Central Park.
David Alan Grier
No, see, I don't want to go back to all that because remember how we were, you know, we can't. I want to.
Stephen Colbert
I want you to know. I want you to know I was wrong. You were right. I apologize. And you can have all the rights to our songs.
David Alan Grier
What? Dang. This is. Okay, cool. Cool, man.
Stephen Colbert
Slow down. You move too fast. You got to make the morning last. Just. No, no.
David Alan Grier
Remember. Wait. Remember when George quit, though?
Stephen Colbert
When George quit our band?
David Alan Grier
No, when George quit the Beatles, man.
Stephen Colbert
Oh, we're out of the improv.
David Alan Grier
Yeah, we are. And scene. You can see my body language. That was a reluctant. That was a reluctant.
Stephen Colbert
Are you familiar with the term union overtime?
David Alan Grier
No, but I had this monologue, and I'm telling you, I'm not going. You're the best host I've ever known. There's no way that I'll ever, ever, ever, ever go.
Stephen Colbert
David Andrew every. 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.
Release Date: February 15, 2025
Guest: David Alan Grier
Host: Stephen Colbert
Podcast: CBS
Episode Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
The episode opens with a humorous and light-hearted moment as Stephen Colbert introduces David Alan Grier, highlighting his impressive resume that spans iconic shows like In Living Color, blockbuster films such as Jumanji, and his recent role in the drama series Joe Pickett. Colbert enthusiastically welcomes Grier back to the show, setting the stage for an engaging and entertaining conversation.
Stephen Colbert [01:00]: "Welcome back, everybody. Ladies and gentlemen, my guest tonight is a newly minted Tony award-winning actor... Please welcome back to the late show, sir David Alan Grier."
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Grier's recent Tony Award win. Grier shares candid moments from his acceptance speech, emphasizing his honesty and the authenticity of his words during the emotional milestone.
David Alan Grier [02:05]: "I’m just glad you called, baby. Thank you, guys. And to the other nominees, tough bananas. I won."
Colbert praises Grier's sincerity, reflecting on the importance of honesty in such public acknowledgments.
Stephen Colbert [02:28]: "I love honesty. I love honesty. Love honesty."
Grier delves deeper into his feelings during the acceptance, describing a moment of introspection and heart-felt decision-making.
David Alan Grier [02:33]: "I was like, should I say this thing or do this other thing that I really want to do? So I just. It was all from my heart."
Transitioning from his professional achievements, Grier shares personal anecdotes, including a humorous take on how his Tony Award trophy came into his possession. He narrates the mishaps involving Tony thieves and his resourceful (albeit humorous) solution to preserve the award.
David Alan Grier [05:59]: "I threw it in my car... Then I threw it in the laundry room. My dog chewed part of the box... I MacGyvered that bitch."
Colbert joins in the laughter, highlighting the entertaining nature of Grier's storytelling.
Stephen Colbert [06:37]: "Roller coaster of motion."
One of the standout segments of the episode is the light-hearted debate on fashion, specifically the public wearing of overalls. Grier passionately defends his love for overalls, describing them as “adult onesies” and sharing his experiences of wearing them both in college and in his current lifestyle.
David Alan Grier [08:14]: "It's an Adult onesie. Look at it. It's like baby clothes for old people."
Colbert engages with Grier's fashion philosophy, playfully suggesting he might need some overalls for Christmas.
Stephen Colbert [12:38]: "I think I might want some overalls for Christmas at this point."
Grier responds with his trademark humor, reinforcing his status as a self-proclaimed fashion icon.
David Alan Grier [09:53]: "GQ magazine said I'm a fashion guy. Tell them."
The conversation illustrates Grier's unique blend of humor and sincerity, making the topic both amusing and relatable.
Shifting focus to Grier's latest project, Joe Pickett, the discussion delves into the show's premise and Grier's role as Vern Dunnigan, an older, retiring game warden. He describes the show's themes, including land rights and the gritty realities of dealing with poachers and murders in Wyoming.
David Alan Grier [10:30]: "Joe Pickett is about a game warden... it's all about land rights and dirty dealing and shady poachers and murders."
Grier shares his experience filming in Calgary, Canada, touching on the challenges and camaraderie with fellow actors, particularly actor Jerry O'Connell, who humorously predicted Grier's Tony win early on.
David Alan Grier [13:16]: "Jerry O'Connell was in the play with me... he said, 'You're gonna win a Tony for this.'"
This segment offers listeners an insider's view of the show's production and Grier's interactions with his co-stars, adding depth to his portrayal of Vern Dunnigan.
In a delightful departure from his acting career, Grier and Colbert discuss the Get Back documentary on The Beatles. Grier poignantly compares the documentary to Scenes from a Marriage, highlighting the emotional turmoil and interpersonal dynamics depicted.
David Alan Grier [16:27]: "It was like watching Scenes from a Marriage, really... break up already."
Colbert probes deeper into the narrative, focusing on the love story element and the eventual breakup of the band, to which Grier reflects on the bittersweet nature of their performances and personal relationships.
Stephen Colbert [17:04]: "But it's also a love story. Like, where was the love she loves?"
The conversation touches on the creative tensions within the band and the influence of individuals like Yoko Ono, providing a nuanced take on the legendary group's legacy.
David Alan Grier [17:52]: "Yoko Ono really did want to sing with the band... it was wild."
Colbert humorously interjects, reminiscing about the band's dynamics and Grier's own interactions with Paul McCartney in the documentary.
Stephen Colbert [19:26]: "You know, I would get back together with you in a minute."
Grier concludes the segment with a reflective note on the documentary's portrayal of The Beatles, emphasizing the authentic emotions captured during their final days together.
David Alan Grier [19:48]: "Yeah, we are. And scene."
As the episode draws to a close, Colbert and Grier share light-hearted banter, transitioning into a humorous improvisation segment where Grier humorously reenacts a reluctant exit from an improv scene, solidifying the genuine rapport between host and guest.
Stephen Colbert [19:53]: "Are you familiar with the term union overtime?"
David Alan Grier [19:56]: "No, but I had this monologue..."
The episode wraps up with Colbert expressing gratitude towards Grier, encouraging listeners to seek more content on The Late Show YouTube channel.
Stephen Colbert [20:21]: "Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert."
David Alan Grier's Achievements: Grier celebrates his Tony Award win with humor and authenticity, discussing the challenges and triumphs associated with the accolade.
Personal Insights: Through anecdotes about his Tony Award trophy and his fashion choices, Grier offers a glimpse into his personal life, blending humor with heartfelt sincerity.
Professional Endeavors: Grier provides an in-depth look at his role in Joe Pickett, sharing behind-the-scenes experiences and the complexities of portraying a retiring game warden.
Cultural Commentary: The discussion on the Get Back documentary showcases Grier's thoughtful analysis of The Beatles' dynamics and the emotional narrative captured in the film.
Engaging Dialogue: The chemistry between Colbert and Grier enhances the episode, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners.
David Alan Grier on Honesty:
"You know, in that moment, I was down the road and sincerity was on one side and douchebaggery was on the other and I just grabbed the wheel and went left. [...] It was all from my heart."
[02:33]
Grier on Overalls as Fashion:
"It's an Adult onesie. Look at it. It's like baby clothes for old people."
[08:14]
Grier on the Tony Award Trophy Mishap:
"I threw it in my car... Then I threw it in the laundry room. My dog chewed part of the box... I MacGyvered that bitch."
[05:59]
Grier Comparing Get Back to Scenes from a Marriage:
"It was like watching Scenes from a Marriage, really... break up already."
[16:27]
This extended episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert featuring David Alan Grier is a blend of humor, personal storytelling, and insightful discussions about Grier's career and cultural observations. From celebrating his Tony Award victory to dissecting The Beatles' final days, Grier's candidness and comedic flair make for a compelling and enjoyable listen. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Grier's work, this episode offers valuable perspectives and plenty of laughs.