The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Episode Featuring Molly Gordon | "Oh, Hi!"

Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes actress Molly Gordon, known for her standout roles in Shiva Baby, The Bear, and her latest project, Ojai. The conversation delves into Molly's extensive background in acting, her creative endeavors, personal anecdotes, and insights into her new film.

Early Life and Acting Journey

Molly Gordon opens up about her lifelong passion for acting, which began at the tender age of three. She shares memorable experiences from her childhood in community theater:

Molly Gordon [03:27]: "I've been doing community theater since I was three years old."

Stephen expresses fascination with her early start:

Stephen Colbert [03:05]: "Do you remember the first thing you did on stage?"

Molly recounts a humorous yet humble start:

Molly Gordon [03:35]: "I was in the chorus of Cinderella and I fell off the stage."

She further elaborates on her youthful performances, highlighting her boldness even as a child:

Molly Gordon [03:43]: "I kind of did every age inappropriate show you could do by the time I was 15. Like, I did, you know, Into the Woods. I was the witch. I was from Acerra. Kind of brought a sexual energy to that character."

This fearless approach to acting set the foundation for her versatile performances in later roles.

Improv and The Groundlings Experience

Molly discusses her time with the Children's Groundlings in Los Angeles, an experience that honed her improvisational skills:

Stephen Colbert [04:20]: "So now I understand you did improv too, when you were a little kid, what did you do?"

Molly Gordon [04:25]: "I did Children's Groundlings in LA."

She reflects on how improv provided a creative outlet during her school years:

Molly Gordon [04:45]: "I wasn't always that good at school, so I think having a place where any answer was okay and anything was possible was really good for me."

Molly shares a relatable story about blending her theatrical flair with everyday interactions:

Molly Gordon [05:00]: "Someone would come up to me and they'd be like, 'Hey, mom, let's go to the water park.' And I'd be like, 'Hey, son.'"

This blend of humor and improvisation showcases her natural comedic timing and ability to engage audiences.

Collaborative Creativity: Theater Camp

Transitioning to her directorial ventures, Molly talks about co-writing, directing, and starring in Theater Camp alongside friend Ben Platt:

Stephen Colbert [05:29]: "You're also a director. You wrote, directed, and starred in the film Theater Camp with your friend."

Molly emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the project, rooted in her childhood experiences:

Molly Gordon [05:49]: "We did community theater together since we were three. Really? Yeah. And the videos in the movie are actually us when we're children performing."

She celebrates the film as a tribute to the joy and chaos of theater:

Molly Gordon [06:07]: "That movie was such a gift. I made it with Ben, Noah, and Nick, and it was this beautiful collaboration and getting to celebrate kind of the insanity and beauty of theater people."

Molly's passion for collaborative art shines through, highlighting the importance of friendship and creativity in her work.

Upcoming Project: Ojai

Molly introduces her latest film, Ojai, described as a "rom com gone wrong," set to release in theaters:

Molly Gordon [07:40]: "I would describe it as a rom com gone wrong."

She discusses the inspiration behind the film, citing influences from classic romantic comedies and her personal tastes:

Stephen Colbert [08:01]: "You are exactly my daughter's age. Do you have, like, favorite rom coms that influenced you?"

Molly Gordon [08:12]: "Yeah. I mean, Nora Ephron is everything she is."

Molly shares a touching personal connection with Nora Ephron, who was a family friend and a significant influence on her:

Molly Gordon [08:17]: "She was a family friend of mine... I feel very lucky to have... She reminded me that... 'Do you really feel like yourself with him?' ... 'Okay, then he's the one for you.'"

This mentorship and guidance from Ephron undoubtedly shaped Molly's approach to storytelling and character development in Ojai.

Personal Reflections and Relationships

Towards the end of the interview, Molly touches upon her personal life, sharing candid insights into her relationships:

Molly Gordon [09:13]: "We're no longer together."

Her openness adds a layer of authenticity to the conversation, allowing listeners to connect with her beyond her professional achievements.

Conclusion

Stephen Colbert wraps up the interview by promoting Ojai, encouraging listeners to watch the film upon its release:

Stephen Colbert [09:16]: "Molly, thank you so much for being here. Ojai is in theaters this Friday. Molly Gordon, everybody."

Molly's vibrant storytelling and genuine demeanor make this episode a compelling listen, offering fans a deeper understanding of her artistic journey and personal experiences.

Notable Quotes

• On her first stage experience:

  "I was in the chorus of Cinderella and I fell off the stage." [03:35]

• On the influence of improv:

  "Having a place where any answer was okay and anything was possible was really good for me." [04:45]

• On Theater Camp:

  "We made it where, you know, I don't know, the world's so messed up and, like, the Internet and you don't want to make art from that place." [06:22]

• On Nora Ephron's mentorship:

  "She was very close to my mom and to have grown up with her presence." [08:17]

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Molly Gordon's life, blending humor, heartfelt stories, and professional insights, making it a valuable listen for fans and newcomers alike.