The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Guest: Ethan Hawke (Extended)

Date: January 10, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features acclaimed actor, writer, and director Ethan Hawke as Stephen Colbert’s first guest of 2026 and marks Hawke's ninth appearance on the show. The two dive into reflections on the past year, personal growth, fatherhood, nostalgic moments, and Hawke’s new film "Blue Moon," his continued collaboration with Richard Linklater, and insights from his 40-year career. The conversation is a warm blend of humor, introspection, and industry anecdotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Reflections and New Year’s Thoughts

• Stephen initiates with a question about reflection vs. looking ahead:
  • Ethan Hawke admits he aspires to look forward, but actually spends a lot of time reminiscing about the past.
    • Notable Quote (Ethan Hawke, 03:12):
      “I aspire to be a looking ahead type person. It's a lie. I daydream about the past constantly... I replay it and I think about it.”
  • Hawke mentions trying to practice mindfulness and be present, recognizing the challenges of living in the moment.
    • Quote (Hawke, 03:58):
      “I want to be there. And then that makes me think, Ethan, be in the present. Don't worry about the future. Don't worry about the past. Be right here, right now. And I keep trying to do that.”

Family and Parenting Moments

• Discussion of old family photos and nostalgia over a favorite T-shirt (light-hearted banter, 04:43–05:08).
• How Hawke rang in the new year:
  • Describes a low-key New Year’s Eve at home, watching Stranger Things starring his daughter Maya Hawke.
  • Hawke shares what it feels like to watch his daughter become a cultural phenomenon:
    • Quote (Hawke, 06:05):
      “It's hard having a famous sister... They don't know. Yeah, my sister's picture is in the lockers everywhere, you know?”
    • The dynamic in his family shifted from having a famous dad to having a famous daughter.

Career Highlights and Early Memories

• Recent achievements:
  • Won National Society of Film Critics Best Actor award for "Blue Moon"
  • Received Career Achievement Award at Palm Springs Film Festival
  • Reflected on his debut film, "Explorers" (1985), acting with River Phoenix at age 15.
• First acting experience:
  • Hawke recounts being nervous during early days on set, overwhelmed by lighting, and even having physical reactions due to nerves.
    • Quote (Hawke, 07:10):
      "I walked on the set, I was so scared... I couldn't stop crying. Like, I would do the scene and my eyes would tear..."
    • Shares a candid childhood story about stealing—and crashing—River Phoenix's father's motorcycle, resulting in a broken foot (08:43).
      • Memorable Moment: The story is delivered with humor and humility, showing Hawke's fondness for his past and for Phoenix.

"Blue Moon" and Collaboration with Richard Linklater

• About "Blue Moon":
  • Hawke’s ninth collaboration with Linklater, focused on the legendary partnership (and breakup) of songwriters Rodgers and Hart.
  • The film explores the emotional fallout for Larry Hart when Rodgers partners with Oscar Hammerstein, leading to the creation of "Oklahoma!" (10:21).
    • Quote (Hawke, 10:53):
      “The tide is washing him away. The jazz age is over. Something else is happening and he's not going to go with it. And it's a brilliant script.”
• Development process:
  • The project took 10 years to develop; Linklater’s unique and patient method contrasts Hollywood’s faster pace.
    • Hawke reflects that this allowed for script improvement, personal growth, and deep study of the role.
    • Quote (Hawke, 11:38):
      "Most directors would just go, all right, I'll cast somebody else. And Rick says, all right, let's work on it for a decade... I also became a better actor, I think, to be honest with you."
• Colbert jokes about Linklater’s famously slow projects vs. Ridley Scott’s rapid work pace, leading to comedic banter.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being present:
  • (Ethan Hawke, 03:58)
    “I want to be there. And then that makes me think, Ethan, be in the present. Don't worry about the future. Don't worry about the past.”
• On his daughter Maya’s fame vs. his own:
  • (Hawke, 06:05)
    “It's hard having a famous sister...my sister's picture is in the lockers everywhere, you know?”
• On debut nerves:
  • (Hawke, 07:10)
    “I was so scared... I couldn't stop crying.”
• On the significance of "Blue Moon":
  • (Hawke, 10:53)
    “The tide is washing him away. The jazz age is over. Something else is happening and he's not going to go with it.”
• On Richard Linklater’s process:
  • (Hawke, 11:38)
    “He loves to think about things and meditate... It allowed me years to really meditate on it and think about it. And I also became a better actor, I think, to be honest with you.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:48–02:37 – Stephen Colbert introduces Ethan Hawke with banter and a brief scene from "Blue Moon"
• 02:55–04:21 – Reflections on the past, the importance of being present, and practicing mindfulness
• 05:05–06:36 – Hawke recounts New Year’s Eve spent watching his daughter Maya on “Stranger Things” and discusses family fame dynamics
• 06:49–09:21 – Hawke’s major awards, reminiscence of first acting gig in “Explorers,” and a mischievous story with River Phoenix
• 09:30–12:21 – Deep dive into “Blue Moon,” its inspiration, the legacy of Rodgers and Hart, and working for a decade with Richard Linklater

Tone and Style

True to Colbert's “Late Show” format, the episode is fast-paced, witty, and heartfelt, blending playful teasing ("What happened to that T-shirt?") with deeper reflections on personal growth, time, and the evolution of both career and self. Hawke is candid and self-deprecating, comfortable with nostalgia and honesty, while Colbert remains sharp and encouraging.

Summary

The episode is an engaging and revealing conversation with Hawke at his most relaxed and introspective. Covering everything from family anecdotes and career achievements to the artistic process behind "Blue Moon," listeners get a sense of Hawke's humility, dedication, and passion for his craft, as well as his gratitude for the present moment. The camaraderie between Colbert and Hawke anchors the episode, making it both insightful and warmly entertaining.