Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Scarlett Johansson's Colbert Questionnaire
Date: April 4, 2026
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Scarlett Johansson
Episode Overview
In this lively and unscripted conversation, Stephen Colbert invites Scarlett Johansson to take the famed "Colbert Questionnaire," a signature segment designed to reveal unexpected truths and quirks about celebrity guests. With humor and candor, Scarlett fields Colbert's rapid-fire questions, touching on everything from favorite smells and first concerts to life after death, all while playfully navigating Colbert's wit.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
The Colbert Questionnaire: Deep Dives & Surprises
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Sandwich Superlatives
- Scarlett names the "Blimpy Best" Italian sandwich as her favorite, praising its unique bun and stinky filling combo.
“It's got all the, you know, the mortadel, salami... oil and vinegar, onion. It's a very stinky sandwich."
— Scarlett Johansson (02:50) - Colbert jokes about her unknowingly becoming a blimpy spokesperson.
- Scarlett names the "Blimpy Best" Italian sandwich as her favorite, praising its unique bun and stinky filling combo.
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First Concert Experience
- Scarlett reveals her first-ever concert was Cypress Hill at Roseland and reminisces about the high energy—literally—of the event:
"I'm still buzzing from it, man. ...I remember they rolled this huge, huge blunt that was like...the size of a blimpy best."
— Scarlett Johansson (03:25) - She playfully admits her memory of the event is fuzzy.
- Scarlett reveals her first-ever concert was Cypress Hill at Roseland and reminisces about the high energy—literally—of the event:
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Scariest Animal
- Without hesitation, Scarlett declares her loathing for cockroaches, especially "palmetto bugs" and water bugs that fly.
"That is an insect from hell."
— Scarlett Johansson (05:05) - The two swap childhood horror stories about cockroaches in New York and South Carolina.
- Without hesitation, Scarlett declares her loathing for cockroaches, especially "palmetto bugs" and water bugs that fly.
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Apples or Oranges?
- Scarlett resists a quick answer, echoing previous reluctant guests. After a negotiation about fruit varieties, she ultimately picks Fuji apples over Valencia oranges.
“What psychotic person would pick a tart baking apple?”
— Scarlett Johansson (06:52)
- Scarlett resists a quick answer, echoing previous reluctant guests. After a negotiation about fruit varieties, she ultimately picks Fuji apples over Valencia oranges.
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Have You Ever Asked for an Autograph?
- Scarlett, as a child star promoting "The Horse Whisperer," asked Patrick Stewart for his autograph on a transatlantic flight.
"I remember he wrote Sweet Dreams, Patrick Stewart, because we were all going to sleep...it was a big deal."
— Scarlett Johansson (07:51)
- Scarlett, as a child star promoting "The Horse Whisperer," asked Patrick Stewart for his autograph on a transatlantic flight.
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What Happens When We Die?
- Scarlett gives a reflective, philosophical response:
“I guess we just like rejoin the Matrix, I think.”
— Scarlett Johansson (08:43) - Colbert jokingly agrees to meet her on the "mainframe."
- Scarlett gives a reflective, philosophical response:
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Favorite Action Movie
- Scarlett quickly names "Terminator 2."
“Quality.”
— Stephen Colbert (08:58)
- Scarlett quickly names "Terminator 2."
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Window or Aisle?
- Scarlett favors the window seat for peace and views, but considers Colbert's bathroom-access argument for the aisle.
"Yeah, but then the cart is like right by your head all the time."
— Scarlett Johansson (09:15)
- Scarlett favors the window seat for peace and views, but considers Colbert's bathroom-access argument for the aisle.
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Favorite and Least Favorite Smell
- Her favorite: the top of her four-year-old son's head—“like a little warm roll, but a little salty” (09:54)
- Least favorite: Hot garbage, especially as a New Yorker.
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Earliest Memory
- Scarlett’s earliest memory is being with her twin brother in a playpen. They’re unsure if they genuinely share the same first memory or if they’ve "given each other the memory" through conversation.
"I was first born, so...the three most important minutes of my life."
— Scarlett Johansson (11:09)
- Scarlett’s earliest memory is being with her twin brother in a playpen. They’re unsure if they genuinely share the same first memory or if they’ve "given each other the memory" through conversation.
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Cats or Dogs?
- She can’t pick, but confesses she currently loves her goldfish, Jingles and Bubbles.
“I'll accept goldfish."
— Stephen Colbert (12:18)
- She can’t pick, but confesses she currently loves her goldfish, Jingles and Bubbles.
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One Song for the Rest of Your Life
- Scarlett debates, then picks Neil Young’s "Harvest Moon" for its easy-listening vibes.
“Maybe it would be. I think I could listen to that for a while.”
— Scarlett Johansson (13:19)
- Scarlett debates, then picks Neil Young’s "Harvest Moon" for its easy-listening vibes.
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Rest of Your Life in Five Words
- After some banter, Scarlett sums up:
“She lived for more years.”
— Scarlett Johansson (14:07)
- After some banter, Scarlett sums up:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Stinky Sandwiches:
"I wouldn't eat it, like, if you were gonna have a, you know, romantic lunch with somebody."
— Scarlett Johansson (02:56) -
On Cockroaches Flying at You:
"Not only do you have a disgusting, like, water cockroach looking thing, but it flies. And it's aggressive. It goes for you."
— Scarlett Johansson (04:55) -
On Childhood Memories Shared with Her Twin:
"We're not sure if we've just given each other the memory."
— Scarlett Johansson (10:58) -
On Autographs:
"I felt like the Queen of England and Patrick Stewart was in the cabin."
— Scarlett Johansson (07:50) -
On Philosopher’s Questions:
“The hallmark of the Colbert questionnaire is rapid tonal shifts.”
— Stephen Colbert (08:24)
Key Timestamps
- Colbert Questionnaire Begins: 01:44
- Best Sandwich: 02:10–03:05
- First Concert: 03:18–04:03
- Scariest Animal: 04:14–05:07
- Apples or Oranges: 05:38–07:03
- Autograph: 07:12–08:09
- What Happens When We Die: 08:22–08:49
- Favorite Action Movie: 08:50–09:02
- Favorite/Least Favorite Smell: 09:49–10:28
- Earliest Memory: 10:33–11:13
- Pets (Goldfish): 11:18–12:26
- One Song Forever: 12:36–13:23
- Five Words for Life: 13:50–14:14
Tone & Dynamic
- Playful and quick-witted throughout, with Colbert using gentle teasing to elicit genuine and humorous responses from Johansson
- Scarlett is open, self-deprecating, and good-natured, matching Colbert’s energy while sharing relatable personal stories
- Signature “Colbert Questionnaire” format allows for both silliness and moments of thoughtful introspection
This episode is a must for fans of Scarlett Johansson or The Late Show, offering an entertaining, revealing, and often hilarious look beneath the surface of a Hollywood icon’s personality.