Sally Field | First Drafts with Evie

Summary

---

The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode Summary: Sally Field | First Drafts with Evie

Date: May 7, 2026
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guests: Sally Field; Evie Colbert (First Drafts segment)

---

Overview

This episode is split between two main segments:

1. A characteristically sharp and satirical monologue by Stephen Colbert, followed by a playful “First Drafts” Mother’s Day segment with his wife Evie Colbert.
2. A thoughtful, intimate interview with legendary actress Sally Field, who discusses her acting career, her connection to major roles, and her latest film, “Remarkably Bright Creatures.”

---

Detailed Breakdown

1. Monologue—Politics, Current Events, and Satire

[01:49–14:01]

• Iran-U.S. War and “Peace Plan”
  • Stephen jokes about the U.S. and Iran closing in on ending the war, referencing reports of a vague memorandum and mocking its lack of substance.
    • “So it's a single sheet of paper which is a letter of intent to eventually outline the idea of what you might agree to some other time. Mr. President, does this mean you have a peace plan?” – Stephen Colbert [03:25]
    • (Comic asides about the ceremonial Dove of Peace and political theater)
  • Comedically dissects the “single-sheeter” bullet points, suggesting the agreement resembles pre-war conditions:
    • “I think I might have a case of deja Hormuz. Hey.” – Stephen [04:06]
    • Evie adds: “Just like this war.” – Evie Colbert [04:08]
• Operation Epic Fury & Project Freedom
  • Stephen lampoons the confusing military/administrative actions and Trump’s inconsistency.
    • “The President’s just living up to the Trump family motto: when the going gets tough, bye, bitch.” [06:57]
• Ballroom Funding Irony
  • Critiques Senate Republicans seeking $1 billion for Trump’s ballroom after promises of zero taxpayer money.
    • Stephen plays audio of Trump’s repetitive reassurances: “Zero taxpayer dollars.” [07:12]
    • “How ironic—to lie that blatantly takes a lot of balls, and he still hasn’t built the room to store them.” [07:49]
• Reflecting Pool Joke and Forrest Gump Callback
  • Jokes about Trump resurfacing the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, riffing on the word “reflecting” and riffing on Forrest Gump:
    • “Some call it the freedom puddle; others, the Jenny splash zone. It's a great place. It's the perfect place.” [08:57]
    • “A great place for the learning disabled to fall in love with someone who later tragically contracts AIDS from a box of chocolates...” [09:13]
• FDA/Tanning/Vaping Satire
  • Satirizes Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s FDA policies on tanning and the new allowance for fruit-flavored vapes, mocking public health hypocrisy.
    • “But you know the old adage: hurt people, hurt people, and tan people, tan people.” [10:23]
    • “Candy-flavored vapes are clearly targeted at adults. That's why I'm proud to announce the official vape of the Late Show: Paw Patrol Razzleberry Vape Pack for grownups.” [12:20]
• Vaccines and Misinformation
  • Riffs on FDA blocking positive vaccine results, jesting about “fun flavors” for vaccines.
    • “If you let us have our vaccines, we promise to vape them… Fun flavors like cotton candy Covid mango, MMR and HPVina colada.” [13:44]

---

2. “First Drafts” Mother’s Day Cards with Evie Colbert

[15:40–24:21]

Segment Introduction

• Stephen introduces Mother’s Day and welcomes Evie on stage for a heartfelt (and comic) farewell edition of their “First Drafts” segment, exchanging banter about family traditions.
  • “This is very special. This is first drafts, but it is the final draft of first drafts.” – Stephen [17:07]
  • “Six years of doing this. What a nice discovery.” – Stephen [17:27]

Comic Card Reads & Marriage Banter

• The segment consists of Stephen reading sweet “final” draft versions of Mother’s Day cards, then revealing their jokey, “first draft” counterparts, with Evie handing him cards and poking fun at his habits.

  • Flex Seal Card
    • Sweet: “There’s no bond like the one between mother and child. I’ll always be close to you, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day.”
    • First draft: “There’s no bond like the one between mother and child, except for Flex Seal. That guy made a whole boat out of it.”
      • [17:47–18:16]
    • Evie (earnestly): “What is Flex Seal?”
  • Strawberry Card
    • Sweet: “To the best mom ever, I love you berry much.”
    • First draft: “To the best mom ever, I dropped acid. Is the strawberry still watching me? Don’t do it, kids.”
      • [20:03–20:13]
    • Evie: “Or don’t tell your mother if you do it.”
  • Father’s Day Gag
    • Evie recalls her dad saying, “She’s not my mother,” about not needing to buy her mom a Mother’s Day present. [20:35–20:46]
  • Don Rickles Anecdote
    • Stephen shares a Don Rickles story about “signaling ships” with jewelry—turning the show into a marriage confessional. [21:03–22:09]
  • Crack Card
    • Sweet: “The greatest feeling in the world is a hug from your mom. Happy Mother’s Day.”
    • First draft: “The greatest feeling in the world is the first time you try crack. Just being honest. Don’t do it, kids. Crack is whack.” [22:40–23:02]
  • Job Description Card (Segment Finale)
    • Sweet: “Mom, chauffeur, tutor, nurse, therapist, cheerleader, short order cook, administrator, accountant. Being a mom is a big Job. Thank you for all you do.”
    • First draft: “Mom, chauffeur, tutor… Just tell me which one is my dad.” [23:40–24:18]

Farewell Sentiments

• Evie thanks Stephen and his staff:
  • “I just want to say thank you. It’s been fun. Thank you for letting me be part of this.” – Evie [23:21–23:29]
  • “You have the most incredibly wonderful staff. They’re so nice to me. I love them.” – Evie [23:33]

---

3. Main Interview: Sally Field

[25:17–36:06]

Introduction & Reflection on Acting

• Stephen introduces Sally as a legendary actor, referencing Forrest Gump, Steel Magnolias, and her new film Remarkably Bright Creatures.
• Opens with Sally's SAG Life Achievement Award speech:
  • “Acting to me is about finding those precious moments when I feel totally, utterly, sometimes dangerously alive.” – Sally Field (quoted by Stephen) [27:11]

Early Days, Childhood & Discovery of Acting

• Sally shares how the restrictive 1950s shaped her defiance and creativity:
  • “Little girls in the 50s weren’t allowed to feel anything or do anything... Except I wasn’t like that inside at all.” – Sally [27:44]
• Describes her first time onstage in seventh grade as a transformative experience:
  • “For the first time, I could finally hear my own voice… I could be mean, angry, I could do really awful things to people.” – Sally [28:12]

On Taking “Leaps” & Choosing Roles

• Discusses reading screenplays that made her “hands shake”—notably Sybil:
  • “I didn’t have it yet, and damn, I was gonna get it.” – Sally [29:20–29:27]

Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire & On-set Memories

• Sally reveals why she never broke during Robin Williams’ antics:
  • “I would never laugh ever. And everybody else was laughing and carrying on. It wasn’t funny… And then Pierce Brosnan… made a fart noise on his arm and I was gone.” – Sally [29:57–30:44]

Winning the Oscar & Social Activism

• Stephen brings up Norma Rae and Sally’s enduring activism:
  • “Did that movie awaken in you some sort of activism that you’re still engaged in today?” – Stephen
  • Sally: “Be heard. Whatever it takes. Get out on the streets. Be heard. It’s the First Amendment, you know.” [31:45–31:53]

Revisiting Her Roots: Gidget

• Stephen admits he’s never seen Gidget, and Sally jokes about the “crime-fighting” teen surfer:
  • “She was kind of a tomboy… She learned to surf with the boys because they let her in.” – Sally [32:46–32:59]

“Remarkably Bright Creatures”: Working with an Octopus

• Sally credits her new cephalopod co-star:
  • “Honestly, I think Marcellus was one of the best leading men I have ever worked with.” – Sally [33:39–33:48]
  • Shares that the story is about love, healing, and connection between humans and creatures:
    • “Something we need right now about healing and love and family and our profound connection to creatures.” – Sally [33:59]

Profound Bond with Her Dog, Dashiell Hammett

• Sally explains how her COVID lockdown with puppy Dash forged a deep bond:
  • “That’s bonding time. So it was just he and I for months and months. My grandkids would drive by and wave hi, Grammy… I’d never had a real connection with a creature.” – Sally [35:23–35:41]
  • “His name is Dashiell Hammett. He’s a crime fighter.” – Sally [35:43]

Closing Friendship and Mutual Appreciation

• Stephen and Sally express mutual warmth and future intent to stay in touch:
  • “Wherever you go, I will follow.” – Sally [36:04]
  • “I’ll follow you, too." – Stephen [36:06]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Satire of Political Process:

  • “I have concepts of a plan.” – Colbert, channeling Trump [03:25]
  • “To lie that blatantly takes a lot of balls, and he still hasn’t built the room to store them.” – Colbert [07:49]

• On Acting:

  • “Acting to me is about finding those precious moments when I feel totally, utterly, sometimes dangerously alive.” – Sally Field [27:11]

• On Breaking Character:

  • “I would never laugh, ever (at Robin Williams)... and then Pierce Brosnan made a fart noise on his arm and I was gone.” – Sally Field [30:12–30:44]

• On Her New Film:

  • “Honestly, I think Marcellus was one of the best leading men I have ever worked with.” – Sally Field (on starring opposite an octopus) [33:39]

---

Important Timestamps

• 01:49 – Colbert’s monologue starts
• 15:40 – “First Drafts” Mother’s Day segment with Evie Colbert begins
• 17:07 – Announcement: final “First Drafts” segment
• 23:21 – Evie’s farewell to the segment and thanks to staff
• 25:17 – Sally Field interview begins
• 27:11 – Reflection on acting feeling “dangerously alive”
• 29:20 – “Sybil” made hands shake – Sally on her career choices
• 30:44 – Sally’s only on-set break: Pierce Brosnan’s “fart noise”
• 31:45 – Sally on activism and Norma Rae
• 33:39 – On her octopus co-star
• 35:23 – Sally describes lockdown and bonding with dog Dash
• 36:04 – Mutual expressions of friendship between Stephen and Sally

---

Tone & Style

• Colbert: Satirical, sharp, self-deprecating, with a warmth for guests and family
• Evie Colbert: Witty, playful, affectionate, gently teasing
• Sally Field: Honest, earnest, reflective, quietly funny

---

For New Listeners

This episode is a showcase of Colbert’s blend of political satire and heartfelt conversation. The “First Drafts” segment offers a loving peek into his home life, while the Sally Field interview displays candid reflections on acting, social change, and the joys of connection, both human and animal.

---

End of Summary.

Transcript

[IXL Announcer]

As the school year winds down and summer plans start to take shape, it's easy for learning to slip into the background. But it doesn't have to. With ixl, keeping your child's skills sharp is simple and it only takes a few minutes a day. IXL is an award winning online platform that helps kids truly understand what they're learning. Whether they're building confidence in math, strengthening reading and writing skills, or reviewing key science concepts, IXL makes learning clear and engaging. Design. Designed for students from Pre K through 12th grade, IXL uses personalized interactive content that adapts to your child's level and pace so they're always learning exactly what they need. Studies show kids who use IXL score higher on tests proven in all 50 states. It's an easy way to keep learning on track now through the summer and into the next school year with IXL make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL. Ixllearning.com audio Visit ixllearning.com audio to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer]

Just got a new puppy or kitten. Congrats. But also, yikes. Between crates, beds, toys, treats and those first few vet visits, you've probably already dropped a small fortune. Which is where Lemonade Pet Insurance comes in.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

It helps cover vet costs so you

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer]

can focus on what's best for your new pet. The coverage is customizable, sign up is quick and easy, and your claims are handled in as little as three seconds. Lemonade offers a package specifically for puppies and kittens. Get a'llemonade.com pet your future self will thank you. Your pet won't. They don't know what insurance is.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you very much everybody. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome one and all. Welcome to the Late show. I'm your host Stephen Colbert. I want to start off tonight. First of all, happy six zero to Mayo to all who celebrate. We all may have something to celebrate soon because according to White house officials, the U.S. and Iran are closing in on an end to the war. Well, all right. There you have it. At last, an end of the conflict and commemorated. I will now release the ceremonial Dove of Peace. There it goes. Send us a postcard from Tehran. It's all because reportedly Trump is ready to sign a one page memorandum of understanding that sets a framework for a more detailed nuclear negotiations later. So it's a single sheet of paper which is a letter of intent to eventually outline the idea of what you might agree to some other time. Mr. President, does this mean you have a peace plan?

[Stephen Colbert (voice or side comments)]

I have concepts of a plan.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, that's close enough. That's something. It's something. It's something. The bullet points of this single sheeter include a moratorium on nuclear enrichment for the Iranians, the US Lifting of its sanction, and both sides lifting restrictions around transit through the Strait of Hormuz. So exactly what was happening before. I think I might have a case of deja Hormuz. Hey,

[Evie Colbert]

just like this war.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, I see. Hey, hurry up. Going through a lot right now. Me too. Yeah, me too, fella. So that's it. War over. Except we don't really know who's calling the shots in Iran right now. And some of the Iranian officials aren't exactly on board with this. In fact, one Iranian spokesperson called it an American wish list and not a reality, adding, Americans will not gain in a lost war what they failed to achieve in face to face negotiations. Okay, give me the bird back. Thank you. Give me the bird back. And I'll take the box. Give me the box, too. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. There you go. Now, this war with Iran. Is he okay? Is he okay? He's fine. This war with Iran called Operation Epic Fury is. It's confusing. Yesterday, secretary of all that and a bag of chips, Marco Rubio was. He was guest hosting, and this is true, he was guest hosting Carolyn Levitt's daily press briefing while she's on maternity leave. So there's another job. And he explained to the press why this war doesn't need congressional approval. The operation is over. Epic Fury. The president notified Congress. We're done with that stage of it. Fly, you're free again. There you go. Epic Fury is over. Next came something called Project Freedom that they launched. And you'll recall that Project Freedom was the operation Trump launched to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Well, last night, Trump halted that military operation in the Strait of Hormuz after one day. No surprise there was. The President's just living up to the Trump family motto, when the going gets tough, bye, bitch. Point is bye. Hey, you guys like stupid things that infuriate you. Well, take a long toke off this. Senate Republicans are now seeking $1 billion from taxpayers to pay for Trump's ballroom. Okay, okay, okay. I know it's hard to wrap your head around a billion dollars. Okay, let me put that in layman's terms. That is bull, because from the start, I got a little Simon I got o. Because from the whole start of this thing, Trump has had one unwavering promise about his ballroom.

[Stephen Colbert (voice or side comments)]

We're building one of the greatest ballrooms in the world, by the way. Zero money spent by the government. Zero. We have no taxpayer putting up 10 cents. It's all donors. There's not one dime of government money going into the ballroom. It's all donations. Rich people and people are putting up the money. Zero taxpayer dollars. Is that right, Scott? Zero taxpayer dollars. No taxpayer money. I want to split that zero. We did this. No charge to the taxpayer whatsoever. This was all donations made by friends of mine and people that are that love our country.

[Stephen Colbert]

How ironic to lie that blatantly takes a lot of balls and he still hasn't built the room to store them. It's not just ballrooms, just the perch. Hello? Hello? Hello? Is this on? Hello? Hello? It's not just ballrooms. Yesterday, Trump gave some attention to his latest renovation. Resurfacing the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which he is painting a deep blue. Here's an artist's rendering of what it will look like. Looks good. And it stays that color for up to 2,000 flushes. Trump, he loves it. He's very excited about this and he waxed poetic about the project.

[Stephen Colbert (voice or side comments)]

If you go down, if you'd like to see them doing it on your way back home, take a trip down to the reflecting pond, or they call it the reflecting pool. Some people call it the reflecting lake, but the word reflecting is always a part of it.

[Stephen Colbert]

The word reflecting, folks. The word reflecting is always part of it. They call it a pool, a lake and a pond. Some call it the freedom puddle, others the waiting lake of justice. And some. And some the Forrest Gump Jenny splash zone. It's a great place. It's the perfect place. Speaking of which, what a great guy. American hero, New Dick Cavett. A great place for the learning disabled to fall in love with someone who later tragically contracts AIDS from a box of chocolates. It's been a while since I've seen the movie. I'm pretty sure that's what his mama always said. You never know what you're gonna get from a box of chocolates. Sometimes it's nougat, sometimes it's caramel, sometimes it's aids. It's a great movie. There's news about. Wow. Thank. There's news. There's news. Thank you. There's news about health secretary and oven baked red snapper. Where they leave the eyes.

[Stephen Colbert (voice or side comments)]

In

[Stephen Colbert]

RFK Jr. Recently we learned that Bobby Jr. Is changing FDA rules to clear a path for minors to use tanning beds. Well, I mean, that comes as no surprise from someone who looks so. Hickory smoked. But you know the old adage, hurt people, hurt people, and tan people, tan people. Here's the story. It's a long time coming, but I know. I knew, I knew, I knew it was going to come. Here's the story. Bobby recently nixed an FDA rule that would have banned minors from using devices like indoor tanning lamps and require tanners to sign a form acknowledging the risk of cancer, early skin, aging, and other health effects. Instead, under Bobby's rules, you'll get a form that asks you to choose honey barbecue, teriyaki or Sean Penn. Elsewhere. Great actor. What an amazing actor. One battle after the zoom. One battle. Unbelievable. Elsewhere in the Food and Drug Administration, yesterday. Yesterday, for the first time, the FDA authorized fruit flavored vapes for adults. This is fantastic news for your sister's boyfriend. The newly approved flavors include menthol, mango and blueberry. That's going to lead to some awkward checkups eventually. Mr. Johnson. We had the tumor biopsied. I'm afraid. I'm afraid it's. Oops. All berries. This is a big shift. No, no, I'm sorry. I reject your praise. This is not easy for me. This is a big shift because up Till now, the FDA has rejected more than 1 million fruit, candy dessert flavored products over public health fears that those flavors are potentially appealing to children. What if they are? Those kids need something to take the edge off after a couple hours in the tanning booth. Also, that was just more. I think those regulations were just more nanny state over regulation. Candy flavored vapes are clearly targeted at adults. That's why I'm proud to announce the official vape of the late show Paw Patrol Razzleberry Vape Pack for Grown Ups. We changed the packag. We changed the packaging. You gotta give me credit for that. Tan kids. Tan kids. Huffin Huckleberry Menthol death sticks is just part of Trump's overall health agenda. Yesterday, the FDA blocked publication of research finding Covid and Shingle vaccines were safe. Here's what's so crazy. If they just let the articles be published, no one would have read them. Why. Don't talk about it and. No, no. I mean, why would they do this? They're insane in the brain. Okay, there you go. Thank you, Doctor. Here's a compromise, Maha. If you let us have our vaccines, we promise to vape them. Okay? They can come. They can. They can come in Fun flavors like cotton candy, Covid mango, MMR and HP Vina colada. We got a great show for you tonight.

[IXL Announcer]

Coming up, first drafts with Stephen and Evie.

[ADT Security Announcer]

Imagine you finally have a free day out on the town. You're about to enjoy a nice lunch when you get the alert that a window's been broken at home and you're miles away. These are the wake up calls that remind us in one second, everything can change. ADT security systems are built for those moments. They help keep your home safer. With 24. 7 monitoring, no one wants to feel unsafe at home or vulnerable when you're away. And with adt, you won't. Their systems are professionally installed by trained technicians, so you can trust them to watch out for your home. From day one, ADT has the most company operated monitoring centers in the industry. And the ADT plus app lets you keep tabs on your home. From anywhere you have service, you'll get the alerts that matter about your home safety. Don't wait to prepare your home for an emergency. When every second Counts, count on ADT. Visit ADT.com that's ADT.com or call 1-800-ADT ASAP. That's 1-800-ADT ASAP.

[Home Depot Announcer]

It's time to bring on the blooms at the Home Depot with spring garden deals. Find savings on hanging baskets and flowers to brighten your backyard or any space that needs instant color. Then get everything you need to plant and protect them with low prices guaranteed on soil and mulch. Dig into spring garden deals for four days at the Home Depot now through May 10th exclusion supply. See homedepot.com pricematch for details.

[Stephen Colbert]

Folks, Mother's Day is this Sunday. It's the day we celebrate all moms, grandmas, and yes, even stepmoms. She's nice. She makes dad happy. And, hey, she was in your chemistry class. And Mother's Day means Mother's Day cards. And I'd like to show you some in my segment. First drafts, Of course. It wouldn't be Mother's Day without the world's best mom, my wife Evie. Come on out. Wow. Hi. Wow. Thank you. Wow. Wow. It is.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Unbelievable.

[Evie Colbert]

Hi.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hi. Hi. Sit, sit, sit.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

All right.

[Stephen Colbert]

Sit, sit. That's nice. Wow. You know what? In honor of both that dress and Mother's Day, I just want to say hi. Chi Mama. You look amazing.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

This is like Mother's Day extra.

[Stephen Colbert]

This is Mother's Day extra. Sparkly Mother's Day. I know what you love on Mother's Day. What did you always get on Mother's Day, when we had kids around, what would we bring?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Scones or biscuits or something like that?

[Stephen Colbert]

Scones would bring up scones for you. We'd make scones for you. And a cup of coffee. Oh, yeah, and the New York Times.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

All right, I'll see you later.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes. There you go. Yeah, hold that up. That's proof of life. All right, listen, honey, this is very special. This is first drafts, but it is the final draft of first drafts.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

All right?

[Stephen Colbert]

That's the last of the first drafts that we're going to do.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

This has been fun. I have had a very good time.

[Stephen Colbert]

It has been such a blast.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Thank you so much for doing these

[Stephen Colbert]

six years of doing this. What a nice discovery.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Really fun.

[Stephen Colbert]

Lot of nice outfits.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Really, really fun. Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, darling, let's do the thing. You know how this works.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Oh, boy.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'll show the audience a lovely Mother's Day card that you might find in a store, and then I'll show them the not so great first draft of that same card. And if you could hand me the cards in the proper order, they sweet

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

to act like they need to know.

[Stephen Colbert]

They may not understand. This might be, you know, English is their second language or something. Okay, here's a sweet. There's no bond like the one between mother and child. I'll always be close to you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day. Aw, that's lovely. But the first draft said there's no bond like the one between mother and child. Except for Flex Seal. That guy made a whole boat out of it. I'd love some.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

You'd love some?

[Stephen Colbert]

For Father's Day? For Father's Day. I love Flex.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

What is Flex Seal?

[Stephen Colbert]

What is Flex Seal? What is Flex? You don't know what Flex Seal is?

[Evie Colbert]

No.

[Stephen Colbert]

You know how everybody's got giant tanks of water? Clear tanks of water in their house and water's pouring out of it. You can just take a piece of it and go whack. And you get rid of seals.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Okay.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

I think this is a good time for me to bring up something for what I think we need. So it's been, you know, 21 years

[Stephen Colbert]

that I've been doing the late night show.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Yeah. I'm obsessed with your job.

[Stephen Colbert]

Obsessed.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

We're going to have a lot of time, and I think we need to establish some ground rules, I actually think.

[Stephen Colbert]

Like what?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Well, I think you keep in mind

[Stephen Colbert]

I have an editor. What is the growl?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Okay. So first of all, I think we need to reacquaint you with social interaction, with people in the real world?

[Stephen Colbert]

Like what? I talk to people.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Well, that's kind of the problem. Not everybody wants to talk about song lyrics. When you run in to get a bottle of wine, like, you know, you might just.

[Stephen Colbert]

Did the girl at the wine store talk to you about this?

[Evie Colbert]

Because.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. I've got a ground rule, too.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Okay, what is it?

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm not going to have, like, 200 people to listen to my stories.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Well, this is what I'm afraid of.

[Stephen Colbert]

You have to pretend like you don't know my stories.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Oh, God. Oh, God. Yeah, but 34 years of hearing your stories, I just. I mean. Okay,

[Stephen Colbert]

did everybody tell you how I got deaf in one ear?

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Can I have that, please? Do you want to hear my favorite poem? Give me the. Give me the.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

No, that's another thing.

[Stephen Colbert]

What?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

You can't just recite poetry to strangers. I just don't think they're going to love that. You have to, you know. They're not like your staff who go, thank you. That's right.

[Evie Colbert]

Beautiful.

[Stephen Colbert]

But age cannot wither nor custom stale my infinite variety. Give me that.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Oh, it's gonna be a rocky summer.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's gonna be a rough summer. It really is. Okay, here's a cute one. To the best mom ever. I love you berry much. Sweet. That is really nice.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Very sweet.

[Stephen Colbert]

But the first draft said, to the best mom ever. I dropped acid. Is the strawberry still watching me? Don't do it, kids.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

That's not good.

[Stephen Colbert]

Don't do it, kids.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Or don't tell your mother if you do it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Exactly. Yeah. What do you want for Mother's Day?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Nothing. We're just going to go to have brunch with our kids.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's wonderful. So no presents? You don't need presents. You don't need presents.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

No, thanks.

[Stephen Colbert]

Tell the people what your dad used to say about Mother's Day presents.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

He said I'm. What did he say?

[Stephen Colbert]

You said, why don't you get mom something?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

And he said, she's not my mother.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Which is true. I'm not your mother.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're not? But if I didn't get you anything, how would you feel?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Well, I've gotten used to it now.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. Give me that. She means she's used to the presence, my friends. Signaling ships. Okay. Do you want to tell them the signaling ship story?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

No, you tell. That's your favorite story. I know this story as we.

[Stephen Colbert]

So, it's Don Rickles. Actually. I was nominated for Best Host one year up against Don Rickles. Don Juan, God bless him. And so Don gets up there and starts talking about his wife. So they've been married for like, 60 years at that point. And Don gets up there and talks about his wife, who had been the secretary, the assistant to the manager. He wanted like that. And he couldn't get in with the guy, so he would call every day and just do shtick to her. And his shtick, of course, was always kind of like abusik. And, you know, well, like, Rickles was very tough. His jokes were very, like, tough. And she said to him, no one wants to hear a smart aleck. That's what she said to him. And he goes, of course, now she's sitting on the beach in Malibu signaling ships, meaning all the jewelry that she wears leave over her. And we were at the Emmys that night, and you had something nice on. You lifted up and you went, there you go. Because when we met, no one wanted to talk to this smart alec.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

What smart alec?

[Stephen Colbert]

This one.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

What do you mean?

[Stephen Colbert]

I made $8,000 a year when you met me.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

But people still wanted to talk to you. What, people just didn't want to pay you? They did.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'll talk to you. I'll talk to you for free. It's come full circ. Oh.

[Evie Colbert]

Oh, you know.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, my goodness. Oh, well, now you're hosting the next one. All right, here's a card that says the greatest feeling in the world is a hug from your mom. Happy Mother's day. That is the damn truth right there. But the first trap said, the greatest feeling in the world is the first time you try crack. Just being honest. Don't do it, kids. Don't crack is whack.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Last one, baby.

[Stephen Colbert]

This is the last card. Don't mix up which one's which. Please. Did you just give me this? Give to me. Give them to me.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

No, I control it now.

[Stephen Colbert]

You control it. You have to make sure you're giving me the straight one, the bad one.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

I got the good one here.

[Stephen Colbert]

Good one first. Ok. And that's the bad one.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

I got the bad one.

[Stephen Colbert]

Ok, great. Well, this is. This is the last first draft.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

I just want to say thank you. It's been fun. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.

[Stephen Colbert]

All right.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

And I also want to say.

[Stephen Colbert]

What?

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

I also want to say you have the most incredibly wonderful staff. They're so nice to me. I love them. There you go, babe.

[Stephen Colbert]

There you go. All right, here's a fun one. It says, mom, chauffeur, tutor, nurse, therapist, cheerleader, short order cook, administrator, accountant. Being a mom is a big Job. Thank you for all you do.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Oh, God, that makes me cry.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's a great one. That's beautiful. But the first dress said mom. Chauffeur, tutor, nurse, therapist, cheerleader, short order cook, administrator, accountant. Just tell me which one is my dad. Abby McGee, everybody.

[IXL Announcer]

Coming up, Sally Field.

[American Express Announcer]

Membership means more with American Express Business Gold. Earn four times Membership Rewards points in your top two eligible spending categories every month, including eligible U.S. advertising purchases in select media and U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery. What are you waiting for? Get the card that flexes with your spending every month Terms and points cap apply. Learn [e-mail] Business Gold AmEx Business Gold Card built for business by American Express.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now at McDonald's. A McDouble is 250. So you can get your gym gains on or just get lunch for only 250. Get more value on the under three dollar menu.

[American Express Announcer]

Limited time only.

[Stephen Colbert]

Prices and participation may vary.

[ADT Security Announcer]

Prices may be higher for delivery.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, everybody. Welcome back. Thank you, friends. Ladies and gentlemen, my guest tonight is a legendary Oscar and Emmy award winning actor. You know, from Forrest gump, steel magnolias, Mrs. Doubtfire, and so much more. She now stars in Remarkably Bright Creatures.

[American Express Announcer]

You can't just read people's text messages.

[Evie Colbert]

Is that Avery from the paddleboard shot?

[Stephen Colbert (voice or side comments)]

Yes. Yeah.

[Evie Colbert]

Are the two of you dating?

[Stephen Colbert (voice or side comments)]

No.

[American Express Announcer]

No. We're just. We're texting. I mean, barely.

[Stephen Colbert]

I just.

[American Express Announcer]

I'm playing it cool.

[Evie Colbert]

Whatever that means. How do you want me to respond?

[American Express Announcer]

I don't want you to respond. I'm gonna text her tomorrow. Put the phone down.

[Evie Colbert]

What? If you have any hope of ever dating someone like Avery, you have to take her seriously.

[American Express Announcer]

I do take her seriously.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's called flirting.

[American Express Announcer]

I'm flirting.

[Evie Colbert]

Flirting? What is flirting? Flirting is nothing. It's words and eyes and everything that matters takes time and effort.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Evie Colbert]

Okay.

[Stephen Colbert]

What is that?

[Evie Colbert]

What?

[Stephen Colbert]

What is that?

[Evie Colbert]

What?

[American Express Announcer]

You're.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're calling her.

[Evie Colbert]

No, I'm not.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're.

[American Express Announcer]

Tova, hang up the phone right now.

[Evie Colbert]

I didn't.

[American Express Announcer]

Yes, you're calling. You're calling her right now.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hang up the phone. Tova. No. No.

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

Hello?

[Evie Colbert]

Avery. Yes. Did I call you or did you call me?

[Stephen Colbert]

Please. Welcome back to the Late Show, Sally Field. Thank you for being here.

[Evie Colbert]

Look what you did to my glasses.

[Stephen Colbert]

Sally Field.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

So wonderful to see you again.

[Evie Colbert]

So good to see you again since

[Stephen Colbert]

the last time I saw you.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

You received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.

[Evie Colbert]

Oh, yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. You said something. You said something that struck me when I read it. You said in the speech, quote, acting to me is about finding those precious moments when I feel totally, utterly, sometimes dangerously alive.

[Evie Colbert]

Uh huh.

[Stephen Colbert]

I love that idea. Can you tell me about a time early on when you were hooked by that feeling about being dangerously alive?

[Evie Colbert]

Well, yeah, I was born in 1946 just to name names here.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Evie Colbert]

And so I was raised in the 50s, and little girls in the 50s weren't allowed to feel anything or do anything. They'd just sit and be like this, you know, and you couldn't, you know, you had to sit with your legs like this and you'd be really nice and good. Except I wasn't like that inside. I wasn't like that inside at all. I was filled with all sorts of things that were not acceptable whatsoever. And then I found the stage when I was 12, in the seventh grade, and it was a scene. I wasn't right for the scene, but I did it for the time first. First time I could finally hear my own voice. I could hear my own voice and I could be all the things I really was. I could be mean, I could be angry. I could do really awful things to people.

[Stephen Colbert]

This sounds like the origin story of a serial killer or a great actress. It's a fine line.

[Evie Colbert]

If I hadn't found the stage, that might have been me.

[Stephen Colbert]

It reminds me of this great quote. I think it's from Carl Wallenda, which is, to be on the wire is life. All else is waiting.

[Evie Colbert]

Oh, how great, how great, how great. Yeah. Or leap after leap in the dark.

[Stephen Colbert]

Right, Right.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

So let's talk about some of these leaps. You also describe screenplays. Sometimes you've read screenplays in your past. So good that my hands shook the first time I read them.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

What made your hands shake? Give me some examples.

[Evie Colbert]

Well, gosh. Well, first one that my hand shake was Sybil. First time I read Cybil, I mean. I mean.

[Stephen Colbert]

And is it like, oh, this is so. This dialogue is so good, or, oh, look at the challenge that I have ahead of me.

[Evie Colbert]

It was that I didn't have it yet, and damn, I was gonna get it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah. And so it was just the magnitude of this craft that I had in my hands. I was gonna get this or die trying. And luckily I got it and got to keep going. Otherwise, who knows?

[Stephen Colbert]

Speaking of. Speaking of your great filmography, here's the. Here you are with Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire. Was he always cracking people up on set?

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah, he was. Everybody would laugh, but everybody would, like,

[Stephen Colbert]

break in a scene.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah, but me, it drove him mad, actually, because I would never laugh, ever. And everybody else was laughing and carrying on.

[Stephen Colbert]

You were too professional for that.

[Evie Colbert]

It wasn't funny. I would just go, it just wasn't fun.

[Stephen Colbert]

You stand your ground.

[Evie Colbert]

And then once we were at the tail end of the picture and Robin was always trying something different to make me laugh. It was so unfunny. I can't begin to tell you. And then Pierce, Wonderful. Pierce Brosnan. We were sitting at the table at the restaurant and he made a fart noise on his arm and I was gone. That was it. That was it.

[Stephen Colbert]

How did Robin take that?

[Evie Colbert]

He said that's all it took. I mean, I had to leave for a minute. I laughed so hard they had to redo my makeup.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. Wow. I love it.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

We have to take a quick break, Sally. Ok, but don't go anywhere. We'll be right back with more Sally Field. Everybody. A digit. That's Sally Field.

[Evie Colbert]

It is. It is.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now you won your first Oscar in 1980. Normarae.

[Evie Colbert]

1980. 1980.

[Stephen Colbert]

1980. Okay. And that's about a millworker who organizes the other factory work.

[Evie Colbert]

You have seen it?

[Stephen Colbert]

Of course I have.

[Evie Colbert]

I'm telling that.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm reminding everybody. Yeah. Union. Union. Union.

[Evie Colbert]

Yes. That's it. That's it. It's actually relevant to today. Just standing up, you know.

[Stephen Colbert]

Did that movie like awakening you some sort of. I know the activism you're still engaged in today. Did you inform that? Yeah.

[Evie Colbert]

Be heard. Whatever it takes. Get out on the streets. Be heard. It's the first Amendment, you know,

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer (continued)]

the

[Evie Colbert]

freedom of speech, the freedom of the press.

[Stephen Colbert (voice or side comments)]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Freedom to practice religion or freedom thereof.

[Evie Colbert]

From it or peacefully assemble without fear of persecution or prosecution or retribution. Part of all those things.

[Stephen Colbert]

We first. Many people first got to know you. Oh my God, Gidget. Okay, now forgive me.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

This is my Sally Field blind spot. I've never seen Gidget.

[Evie Colbert]

What?

[Stephen Colbert]

But I know all about Gidget. I've seen the photos. A doorbell is what you were. Tell me who Gidget was. Oh, for goodness sake.

[Evie Colbert]

What planet have you been?

[Stephen Colbert]

Did she fight crime? What did Gidget do?

[Evie Colbert]

Yes. She was a crime fighter.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Evie Colbert]

Well, in a way, she was kind of a tomboy because all the other girls were like, va va voom tall. And she just wasn't so she learned to surf with the boys because they let her in.

[Stephen Colbert]

Did you have to learn to surf?

[Evie Colbert]

In a way, yes. I had to go out all the time with this kind of semi cute guy. He's probably still alive. And I don't want to say he was just semi cute. He was just gorgeous.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's all right. You can say his name. Kurt Russell.

[Evie Colbert]

Oh, that it were. That would have been fine.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. Now you're now starring in the new film Remarkably Bright Creatures.

[Evie Colbert]

I am? Yep.

[Stephen Colbert]

Based on the bestselling book. What was it like to work alongside your co star? Here we go. Your co star is Marcellus the Octopus.

[Evie Colbert]

Yep.

[Stephen Colbert]

Right there.

[Evie Colbert]

Yep.

[Stephen Colbert]

Tell me about your relationship with.

[Evie Colbert]

Honestly, I think Marcellus was one of the best leading men I have ever worked with. Yep. Truly, truly, truly.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Evie Colbert]

He was there sometimes, but lots of them.

[Stephen Colbert]

What?

[Evie Colbert]

Lots of them I worked with were only there periodically, even though they were there all the time.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah. And he was. You know, it's a great. It's a lovely, lovely story. Something we need right now about healing and love and family and our profound connection to creatures. Humans have a profound connection to creatures.

[Stephen Colbert]

You have a profound connection to a creature. Tell me about this creature right here. Who's this for?

[Evie Colbert]

I didn't know you would do that. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Who's that?

[Evie Colbert]

Okay. So in 2019, I had been just working a lot. I wanted to go home. I wanted to go home. I wanted to go home. Something, I guess you'll be doing a lot of. Sorry. I just had to say.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah, didn't want to go to Evie's. Really worried.

[Evie Colbert]

I know, but, you know, I could come over. I'll do anything. I'll wash your car. Just give me a call. I'll be there.

[Stephen Colbert]

Will you listen to my stories and pretend you haven't heard them before?

[Evie Colbert]

I will, I will, I will. I promise I will. Anyway, so I wanted to go, and I was still not at home. I was at D.C. where I'd had to do some events and things, and I just went online and found this lady who breeds these little puppies. So two months later, because he was a little newborn baby, then two months later, I drove out to Bakersfield and got this little. He was 8 weeks old. He weighed 6 pounds and drove him home. And three weeks later, we were in shutdown with the COVID Oh, yeah. So it.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's bonding time.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah, that's bonding time. So it was just he and I for months and months. My grandkids would drive by and wave hi, Grammy. Because nobody. I was older, nobody could come in or get near me except him. And that's bonding. And I'd never had a real connection with a creature.

[Stephen Colbert]

Not can tell me. What's his name?

[Evie Colbert]

His name is Dashiell Hammett. He's a crime fighter.

[Stephen Colbert]

I kid you. Yeah. Sally.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

How delightful to see you again. Thank you so much for being here.

[Evie Colbert]

Absolutely.

[Stephen Colbert]

I've so enjoyed talking to you over the years. More to come.

[Evie Colbert]

More to come. Wherever you go, I will follow.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'll follow you, too. Remarkably Bright Creatures is on Netflix this Friday. It's Sally Field, everybody. Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for

[Lemonade Pet Insurance Announcer]

3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail].