The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Gary Oldman's Colbert Questionert
Date: September 22, 2025
Overview
In this episode, host Stephen Colbert invites acclaimed actor Gary Oldman to take part in the "Colbert Questionert," a set of 15 quirky, revealing questions. The goal is to break through Oldman's actorly mystique and get to the core of who he is through rapid-fire, personal queries, ranging from childhood memories to his favorite smells. The tone is warm, humorous, and thoughtful as Colbert uses his signature wit to draw out sincere, candid responses from Oldman.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Nature of the "Colbert Questionert"
- Purpose (01:39–02:39):
- Colbert introduces the exercise as 15 questions "ergonomically designed to penetrate the armor of a human being...an emotional bunker buster."
- Sets a playful, yet sincere stage for self-revelation.
Practical Personal Favorites
- Favorite Sandwich (02:42–03:06):
- Oldman: "A club...Turkey. Turkey."
- Colbert adds, “Especially if you’re traveling.”
- First Concert (03:07–03:37):
- Oldman: “Elton John. 70s...maybe at Hammersmith Odeon.”
- Scariest Animal (03:37–04:02):
- Oldman: “Cheetah. Lion.”
- Colbert notes cheetah’s non-retractable claws for speed, sparking mutual appreciation for the animal's unique traits.
Brush with Stardom
- First Autograph Sought (04:07–04:44):
- Oldman recounts shyly asking football star George Best for an autograph at 13 or 14, losing it for years, and then his wife finding it stuck in a child's book.
- “He was my hero.” (Gary Oldman, 04:41)
- Emotional resonance, as Oldman admits to crying upon its rediscovery.
Life and Death Philosophy
- Afterlife Musings (04:44–05:20):
- Oldman: “I think it’s like unplugging a battery...I don’t know...It’s just lights out and that’s it, I think.”
- Colbert affirms, “It’s a mystery.”
Classic Pop Culture Picks
- Favorite Action Movie (05:20–05:27):
- Oldman: “Dr. No.”
- Travel Preference (05:27–05:43):
- Oldman: “Window. I do like a window.”
Sensory Preferences
- Favorite Smell (05:43–06:01):
- Oldman: “Like someone else’s barbecue...the waft a few blocks away.”
- Least Favorite Smell (06:01–06:16):
- Oldman: “Cat.”
- Admits to having owned cats, but not missing the smell.
Formative Moments
- Earliest Memory (06:24–07:44):
- Oldman: “I used to sing myself to sleep...I remember the particles in the air...”
- Recalls his father humorously shouting, “Go to bloody sleep!”
- Reflects on musical upbringing with Beatles records: “I’d play the 45 at 33 and a third so I could learn the lyrics.”
Canine Affection
- Cats or Dogs? (08:04–08:11):
- Oldman: “Dogs. Smells better.”
Desert Island Track
- One Song for Life (08:13–08:23):
- Oldman: “‘I’m Only Sleeping.’” (a Beatles song)
Quickfire Quirks
-
Guess Stephen’s Number (08:27–08:36):
- Oldman guesses: “5.”
- Colbert: “No.”
-
Describe the Rest of Your Life in Five Words (08:36–09:58):
- Extended, playful wrangle with the word count.
- Oldman lands at: “I will live honestly, comma, to the best of my ability,” with Colbert’s humorous bracketed dispensations for grammar.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Nostalgia and Loss:
“I thought I’d lost it. He was my hero… and I burst into tears.”
—Gary Oldman, on finding George Best’s autograph (04:41) -
On the Afterlife:
“It’s just lights out and that’s it, I think.”
—Gary Oldman (05:05) -
On Scent:
“Like someone else’s barbecue...that waft. Ah, it’s good.”
—Gary Oldman (05:46) -
On Childhood Memories:
“I remember the room where we were. I remember...the particles in the air.”
—Gary Oldman (06:34) -
On Summing Up His Future:
“I will live honestly, comma, to the best of my ability.”
—Gary Oldman (09:46)
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Colbert introduces the “Questionert”: 01:39–02:39
- Favorite sandwich & first concert: 02:42–03:37
- Scariest animal: 03:37–04:02
- First autograph & touching story: 04:07–04:44
- Life, death, and mystery: 04:44–05:20
- Favorite action movie & flight seat: 05:20–05:43
- Favorite/least favorite smell: 05:43–06:16
- Earliest memory & childhood music: 06:24–07:44
- Pets, desert-island song, number guess: 08:04–08:36
- Five-word life summary: 08:36–09:58
- Closing recognition: 10:04–10:07
Episode Tone
True to Colbert’s style, the tone is convivial, curious, and humor-infused, yet also reflective and personal. Oldman’s thoughtful and sometimes tender answers fit the conversational flow, creating a rare, genuine look at the man behind his many iconic roles.
Conclusion
This episode provides a charming, revealing portrait of Gary Oldman through an imaginative and intimate set of questions. Whether discussing youthful idols, mortality, or the joys of a distant barbecue, Oldman’s answers are honest, sometimes vulnerable, and unmistakably human—fulfilling Colbert’s promise: “Gary Oldman, congratulations. You are known.” (10:04)