The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Jharrel Jerome | 'Unstoppable'

Release Date: January 18, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes the immensely talented Jharrel Jerome. Recognized for his stellar performances in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight and the critically acclaimed Netflix series When They See Us, Jerome now takes center stage in the upcoming film Unstoppable. The conversation dives deep into Jerome's acting journey, his latest project, and personal anecdotes that reveal the dedication and passion behind his craft.

Jharrel Jerome's Career Highlights

Jerome opens the discussion by reflecting on his notable roles. Stephen Colbert commends his impressive trajectory, stating:

"Your first film was in the Oscar winning Moonlight and Emmy for the Netflix series When They See Us. Now you're starring in a movie with Jennifer Lopez and Don Cheadle at the ripe old age of 27."
(01:06)

Jerome humbly acknowledges his success, sharing insights into his experiences transitioning between significant projects and the challenges he has overcome to reach his current standing in the film industry.

Discussing 'Unstoppable'

Unstoppable marks a pivotal point in Jerome's career, portraying Anthony Robles, a real-life NCAA wrestling champion born with one leg.

Casting and Collaboration

Jerome expresses his excitement about working alongside industry giants like Jennifer Lopez and Don Cheadle:

"I haven't told her this is gonna be awkward, but I'm pretty sure she was my screensaver for at least a month. So, yeah, I freaked out."
(05:37)

He humorously recounts the moment he learned Jennifer Lopez would portray his character's mother, highlighting his genuine admiration and initial surprise.

Character Portrayal and Training

Delving into the specifics of his role, Jerome explains the depth and dedication required to authentically portray Anthony Robles:

"Anthony is an incredible, incredible human being. He was born with one leg and decided to go into collegiate wrestling, and he became a monster on the mat. And he was undefeated his entire senior year, and he became an NCAA champion."
(06:17)

Stephen Colbert probes further into the physical demands of the role, to which Jerome elaborates on the rigorous training regimen:

"I've been in the gym a lot. More than I like."
(02:04)

Collaboration with Anthony Robles

A noteworthy aspect of the film is Jerome's collaboration with the real Anthony Robles, who serves as both his body double and stunt double:

"He not only was my body double, but he trained me as a wrestler and he got in the gym with me almost every day."
(06:44)

This partnership not only enhances the authenticity of Jerome's performance but also builds a profound mutual respect between the two.

Impact of COVID and Production Delays

Jerome candidly discusses the challenges faced during the production of Unstoppable, particularly the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent industry strikes.

"It's been a bit of a rocket ride."
(01:26)

He outlines the timeline:

"2019, you get cast and then Covid delays it. And then you guys come back and then I assume the strike delays it for a while."
(02:08)

The prolonged delays necessitated intense physical preparation over five years, a period Jerome describes with a mix of humor and frustration:

"I've been forced to be in shape for almost five Years now. Forced, forced."
(02:28)

Despite these hurdles, Jerome remains optimistic and committed to delivering a compelling performance.

Early Career and Education

Shifting focus to his formative years, Jerome shares a heartfelt narrative about his audition process for LaGuardia High School, a prestigious arts institution known for producing stars like Timothée Chalamet and Jennifer Aniston.

Audition Experience

Jerome paints a vivid picture of his audition day:

"The audition was about 1400 kids throughout the city, all five boroughs. And I'm from the Bronx, so I get on the train and I shout out bx. It was a nine hour audition, so I went through four different rooms."
(03:06)

He likens the experience to an American Idol audition, highlighting the intense competition and the emotional roller coaster of the process.

Monologue Preparation

Discussing the specifics, Jerome recounts the challenges of performing monologues without prior knowledge:

"At the time I did the monologues, I had no idea what a monologue was. My mom googled it and she was like, a monologue, you have to do a monologue."
(03:49)

He details the selection process for his monologue, emphasizing his dedication and the support from his mother:

"We practiced it together for a few weeks and I went into the audition and they accepted me into the school."
(04:15)

Personal Anecdotes

Jerome shares a touching memory of carrying a photograph of his mother for comfort during his freshman year:

"For me, having her in my back pocket felt. I don't know, it just made me feel safe."
(04:46)

This gesture underscores the foundational support that fueled his early ambitions and successes.

Personal Reflections and Insights

Throughout the conversation, Jerome reflects on his growth both personally and professionally. He acknowledges the influence of his upbringing in the Bronx and his Dominican heritage in shaping his identity and approach to acting.

"I'm from the Bronx. You know, I'm Dominican."
(05:37)

His gratitude towards his mentors and the real Anthony Robles showcases his humility and recognition of the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jerome expressing his enthusiasm for Unstoppable and gratitude towards his fans and collaborators. Stephen Colbert wraps up the interview by promoting the film's availability on Prime Video, underscoring the seamless blend of humor and heartfelt conversation that characterizes The Late Show Pod Show.

Jerome's journey from a passionate auditioning teenager to a celebrated actor embodies the resilience and dedication required in the entertainment industry. His role in Unstoppable not only showcases his exceptional talent but also highlights his commitment to portraying stories that inspire and resonate.

Notable Quotes

• "I've been forced to be in shape for almost five Years now. Forced, forced." – Stephen Colbert
  (02:28)

• "Anthony is an incredible, incredible human being. He was born with one leg and decided to go into collegiate wrestling, and he became a monster on the mat." – Jharrel Jerome
  (06:17)

• "At the time I did the monologues, I had no idea what a monologue was. My mom googled it and she was like, a monologue, you have to do a monologue." – Stephen Colbert
  (03:49)

Final Thoughts

Jharrel Jerome's appearance on The Late Show Pod Show offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a dedicated actor navigating the complexities of the film industry. His candidness, combined with Stephen Colbert's insightful questions, provides listeners with a rich and engaging narrative that celebrates Jerome's achievements and anticipates his future successes in Unstoppable.

For more episodes and exclusive content, visit The Late Show YouTube channel.