The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Natalie Portman's Colbert Questionert

Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Natalie Portman

Episode Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show features Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman taking on the “Colbert Questionert”—a rapid-fire series of questions designed to penetrate to the soul and reveal the true self, as only Stephen Colbert can. The conversation is light-hearted, sincere, and peppered with humor, offering listeners a rare glimpse into Portman's personality beyond her professional life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to the Colbert Questionert

• Stephen Colbert explains the premise: a set of probing and sometimes silly questions aimed at uncovering the essence of his guest.
• Natalie readily accepts the challenge, eager to participate.

  "I accept your challenge." – Natalie Portman (02:12)

The Colbert Questionert – Natalie’s Answers

First concert attended:

• Debbie Gibson.

  "Debbie Gibson." – Natalie Portman (02:37)

Scariest animal:

• Rattlesnake. Natalie shared a hiking encounter with a rattlesnake in Los Angeles, describing it as one of her scariest moments.

  "I was hiking and I saw one...it was rattling." – Natalie Portman (02:53)

Fruits:

• Prefers apples over oranges.

  "Apples." – Natalie Portman (03:09)

Celebrity autographs:

• Has asked for autographs from many, notably tap dancer Savion Glover; she was a big fan and did tap dancing as a kid.

  "Many people. Savion Glover." – Natalie Portman (03:27)

What happens when we die?

• A thoughtful, earnest answer: disintegrate into the ground, with soul living on in loved ones.

  "We disintegrate into the ground. And then our soul lives on in the people who love us." – Natalie Portman (03:48)

Favorite action movie:

• Die Hard — and confirms she considers it a Christmas movie.

  "Die Hard." – Natalie Portman (04:12)
  On it being a Christmas movie: "Yeah." (04:21)

Window or aisle seat?

• Window. She jokes about her small stature.

  "I'm very small." – Natalie Portman (04:33)

Favorite smell:

• Jasmine.

  "Jasmine." – Natalie Portman (04:42)

Cats or dogs?

• Dogs — she owns three, and jokes that they “speak French.”

  "Dogs...I have three dogs." – Natalie Portman (05:06-05:12)
  "Of course." [on if her dogs speak French] (05:15)

One song for the rest of your life:

• Try A Little Tenderness by Otis Redding.

  "Try A Little Tenderness. Otis Redding, maybe." – Natalie Portman (05:43)

Guess the number:

• Portman guesses ‘seven’, but Colbert offers no real parameters or validation.

  "You didn't even say between what and what." – Natalie Portman (06:27)

Describe the rest of your life in five words:

• Playfully avoids the question: “Pass.”

  "Pass." – Narrator/Portman (06:42-06:45)
  "That's a mean question." – Natalie Portman (06:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On enduring love after death:

  "And then our soul lives on in the people who love us. Very earnest answer." – Natalie Portman (03:56)

• On tough questions:

  "That's a mean question." – Natalie Portman, on summing up her life in five words (06:50)

• On travel:

  "I'm very small." – Natalie Portman, asked about getting out from a window seat (04:33)

• On dogs’ linguistic abilities:

  "Of course." – Natalie Portman, on whether her dogs speak French (05:15)

Timestamped Highlights

• 01:53 – Colbert introduces the Colbert Questionert.
• 02:37 – First concert: Debbie Gibson.
• 02:48 – Scariest animal: Rattlesnake; tells a hiking story.
• 03:09 – Apples vs. oranges.
• 03:27 – Savion Glover autograph story.
• 03:48 – Thoughts on death and legacy.
• 04:12 – Favorite action movie: Die Hard; is it a Christmas movie?
• 04:28 – Window or aisle?
• 04:42 – Favorite smell: Jasmine.
• 05:06 – Cats or dogs? (Dogs, and they speak French.)
• 05:43 – Only song for life: Try A Little Tenderness (Otis Redding).
• 06:11 – Guesses the number "seven."
• 06:42 – Five words to describe rest of life: “Pass.”

Tone and Atmosphere

The exchange is playful and conversational, with Natalie open and thoughtful, while Colbert maintains his signature wit and gentle prodding for fun and revealing answers. The tone is light-hearted but allows for genuine, meaningful moments, especially when discussing legacy and favorite experiences.

Conclusion

Listeners are treated to a warm, entertaining, and insightful session revealing personal tidbits about Natalie Portman—her tastes, values, and some quirky preferences—delivered in the uniquely engaging Colbert style. The Colbert Questionert proves once again to be an effective and enjoyable way to get to know celebrity guests beyond the usual press tour chatter.