The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Melanie Lynskey on 'Yellowjackets'

Release Date: February 17, 2025

In a captivating episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes acclaimed actress Melanie Lynskey, renowned for her roles in "Heavenly Creatures", "Mrs. America", and the hit series "Yellowjackets". The conversation delves deep into Lynskey's personal journey, her illustrious career, and her experiences working alongside her husband, actor Jason Ritter.

Early Life and Beginnings in New Zealand

Melanie Lynskey opens up about her upbringing in New Plymouth, a small town on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. Reflecting on her provincial childhood, she shares nostalgic memories of growing up in a safe and tightly-knit community.

"I was walking to school. My best friend had a job at seven, locking the gates of the park at nightfall. It was so safe, and the kids could just go play." (03:01)

However, Lynskey recounts a poignant moment when her mother's advice about stranger danger became startlingly real:

"The next day a car pulled up alongside me. This woman said she was a friend of my mother's, and I just walked as quick as I could, almost in tears." (04:20)

This incident underscored the shift from her carefree childhood to a more cautious adolescence, highlighting the complexities of growing up.

Breakthrough with "Heavenly Creatures"

Celebrating 30 years since her film debut, Lynskey fondly reminisces about working with legendary director Peter Jackson on "Heavenly Creatures". She describes Jackson as:

"Kind of like a sweet, kind film nerd dad. He was so caring, so loving." (05:08)

The actress shares endearing anecdotes from the set, including road trips and shared moments that solidified her positive memories of early Hollywood:

"We took a road trip up the South Island and then took a ferry to the North Island just to spend time together. We watched 'The Bodyguard' on the ferry, and he fell asleep." (05:18)

Navigating the New Zealand Film Community

Lynskey discusses the interconnected nature of the New Zealand film industry, mentioning notable talents like Taika Waititi and the members of Flight of the Conchords. She expresses awe at their collective success:

"It's mind-blowing. People you've known since they were teenagers achieving so much." (06:24)

This camaraderie underscores the supportive environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among New Zealand actors and filmmakers.

Personal Life and Collaborations with Jason Ritter

Transitioning to her personal life, Melanie delves into her relationship with husband Jason Ritter, praising his kindness and collaborative spirit:

"He's such a kind person. I'm just like, I can't wait to hear how much you love him." (08:12)

Their professional collaborations, including Jason's cameo in "The Last of Us" and his role in "Matlock", are highlighted as seamless and joyous experiences:

"I love working with him. Kathy Bates has been my north star since I began acting. I'd love to be on 'Matlock' with him." (08:33)

Insights into 'Yellowjackets' and Character Development

A significant portion of the discussion centers around "Yellowjackets", with Lynskey anticipating the launch of its third season. She humorously intertwines the show's intense themes with personal reflections:

"The next season launches on Valentine's Day. So romantic." (09:42)

Addressing her character Shauna's expressions of rage, Lynskey reveals a personal connection through her experience with misophonia—a heightened sensitivity to certain sounds that triggers her fight-or-flight response:

"Misophonia is like a sensitivity to certain sounds. Chewing sounds, for instance, put me in a rage." (10:05)

This vulnerability provides depth to her portrayal, allowing Lynskey to infuse authenticity into her character's emotional turbulence.

Conclusion

Stephen Colbert and Melanie Lynskey engage in a heartfelt and insightful conversation that not only celebrates Lynskey's impressive body of work but also offers listeners an intimate glimpse into her life and creative processes. From her roots in New Zealand to her dynamic roles in television and film, Lynskey's journey is both inspiring and relatable.

As the episode wraps up, Lynskey emphasizes her excitement for the upcoming season of "Yellowjackets", leaving fans eager for more intense and captivating storytelling:

"Season three of 'Yellowjackets' premieres on February 14th on Paramount, plus with Showtime." (10:45)

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the latest season, promising a blend of romance and suspense that only "Yellowjackets" can deliver.

Notable Quotes:

• "I was walking to school. My best friend had a job at seven, locking the gates of the park at nightfall. It was so safe, and the kids could just go play." — Melanie Lynskey (03:01)

• "Kind of like a sweet, kind film nerd dad. He was so caring, so loving." — Melanie Lynskey on Peter Jackson (05:08)

• "Misophonia is like a sensitivity to certain sounds. Chewing sounds, for instance, put me in a rage." — Melanie Lynskey (10:05)

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers a rich and engaging exploration of Melanie Lynskey's life and career, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.