The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Sarah Paulson (Extended) | Seoul Sucker
Date: October 30, 2025

Overview

This episode features Emmy and Tony-winning actress Sarah Paulson discussing her career highlights, her recent Tony win, her foray into high fashion, and starring in the new Ryan Murphy series “All’s Fair.” The episode also includes Stephen Colbert’s signature satirical monologue on current events, playful banter, and a heartfelt tribute to Diane Keaton.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Monologue: Global Politics, Windmills, and Animal Escapades

[01:36 - 10:45]

• Donald Trump’s Asia Tour:
  Colbert humorously recaps Trump’s visit to South Korea, poking fun at the ceremonial excess and menu (“They’re literally making him the Burger King. Now kneel, now kneel” [04:08]), and Trump’s frosty interaction with Canadian PM Mark Carney.

  • Memorable Quote:

    “He’s like reverse Santa because you want to stay as far away from his lap as possible.” (03:10, Stephen Colbert)

• Windmill ‘Phobia’:
  Highlighting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s (RFK Jr.) claims that “windmills are the most dangerous thing ever created by man,” including pseudo-scientific worries about their effects on whales and bald eagles.

  • Memorable Quotes:

    “If you have one near your house, your house is worthless. And they say the noise causes cancer.” (05:48, RFK Jr.)
    “Yes, it’s the whales who are crazy.” (06:19, Colbert)

• Airport Delays and Squirrel/Monkey Escapades:
  Joking about government shutdown effects and segueing into animal “emergencies” in Texas and Mississippi—as only Colbert can, blending real news with absurd humor.

Sarah Paulson Extended Interview

[14:18 - 27:11]

Paulson’s Tony Win & Broadway Origins

[15:37 - 16:42; 16:44 - 16:55]

• Winning her first Tony for “Appropriate”:
  She describes the award as a “literal dream come true,” recalling watching the Tonys as a child.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “The idea that I would actually get to do it, get to do it in a way that was like, the most creatively fulfilling experience I’d had in a long time. And then get a freaking Tony Award was like the coolest thing that ever happened.” (16:18, Sarah Paulson)

  • Keeps her Tony in her bedroom and greets it each morning.

Runway Debut at Paris Fashion Week

[16:57 - 19:20]

• Modeling for Prada:
  Paulson shares the anxiety and humor of walking the runway, playfully describing her “leg of a Scottie dog” compared to the models.
  • Memorable Quotes:

    “When they called, I was like, yeah, of course.” (17:24, Sarah Paulson)
    “At the end, you all come out together. And I couldn't keep up with the person in front of me... The person behind me was like, ‘I'm gonna step on your head if you don't hurry up.’” (18:26, Paulson)

• Demonstrating the Runway Walk:
  Sarah and Stephen have fun with a mini catwalk lesson.
  • Memorable Moment:

    “I think it's a lot of, like, pelvis… you want to, like, lead like this, you know?” (18:40, Paulson, with laughter in studio)

All’s Fair – New Series with Star-Studded Cast

[19:20 - 23:10]

• Discussing Cast & On-Set Experiences:
  Paulson marvels at working alongside icons like Glenn Close, Kim Kardashian, Niecy Nash-Betts, Naomi Watts, and more.
• The ‘Fatal Attraction’ Viewing at Kris Jenner’s House:
  The cast hosts a wine-fueled movie night, introducing Kim Kardashian to the classic film starring Glenn Close.
  • Memorable Moments:

    “[Glenn Close] had a picture of margaritas at the bottom of this elevator scene... every time she would do the makeout and she was nervous, she would like, go over there and glug, glug, glug, and then be like, let's go.” (20:38, Paulson)

  • Kris Jenner serves cookies with Glenn Close's face, which Sarah saves in her freezer as a memento.

Role in All’s Fair and Series Synopsis

[23:11 - 24:36]

• Paulson Plays Villain ‘Carrington Lane’:
  The character is inspired by Alexis Carrington from “Dynasty.” Carrington is excluded from an all-female law firm and seeks revenge.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “Having me as an enemy is very unwise. You are all about to find out what that's like.” (23:46, Paulson in character)

Memories of Diane Keaton

[24:36 - 27:11]

• Heartfelt Tribute Following Keaton’s Passing:
  Paulson lovingly recalls working with Diane Keaton on her first major film (“The Other Sister”), sharing an industry lesson about empathy, professionalism, and kindness.
  • Memorable Quotes:

    “The most important thing you can do for any person anywhere... is to think of the other person and to try your best to consider what the other person is going through.” (26:10, Paulson) “She was more interested in you than she was in herself, or she'd be more interested in every single person in this audience than she was in herself.” (26:25, Paulson)

  • Paulson now emulates that support for fellow actors.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Trump’s Global Tour:

  “We didn't come to South Korea to eat burger patties with ketchup, but that's just traveling with a toddler for you. Trump is plain pasta, pasta, butter, salt. Trump is.” (04:36, Stephen Colbert)

• On Fashion Week:

  “I presented at the Oscars. Yeah. This was the most nerve wracking thing I've ever done.” (18:04, Paulson)

• Cookie Conundrum:

  “I did not eat these cookies because I didn't really feel right about, like, biting into Glenn. Felt weird to me. So they're in my freezer. And I think there they will stay.” (21:17, Paulson)

• On Diane Keaton:

  “All the actors have gone home except for Diane. Went back to her trailer and changed into her regular clothes, got a glass of wine and came and sat down and did all the off camera for me.” (25:56, Paulson)

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |:----------|:---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:36 | Colbert’s monologue on Trump, South Korea, and global politics | | 05:48 | RFK Jr. windmill segment – satirical take on pseudoscience | | 10:03 | Animal news bit: monkey escapes & Sarah Paulson’s entrance | | 14:18 | Sarah Paulson interview begins | | 15:37 | Discussion of Tony Award win | | 16:57 | Runway debut and Prada experience | | 19:20 | “All’s Fair” casting and “Fatal Attraction” movie night | | 23:11 | “All’s Fair” character details and series premise | | 24:36 | Tribute to Diane Keaton – mentorship and kindness | | 27:11 | Episode wrap-up and thanks |

Conclusion

This episode blends Stephen Colbert's trademark wit and timely satire with a delightfully candid, humorous, and at times deeply emotional conversation with Sarah Paulson. Paulson’s infectious charisma shines—whether sharing star-studded “All’s Fair” stories, recounting her Tony win, or reflecting on acts of kindness from legends like Diane Keaton. The episode’s tone is playful yet sincere, making it both entertaining and touching for listeners.