Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Stephen Presents: 'Severance' Stars Tramell Tillman & Britt Lower
Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, Stephen Colbert welcomes two prominent stars from the acclaimed Apple TV series Severance: Tramell Tillman, who portrays the pivotal character Mr. Milchick, and Britt Lower, who stars as Helly R. The episode delves into their experiences on set, the nuances of their characters, and their personal journeys within the show. Colbert’s trademark humor and insightful questioning create a lively and informative conversation for fans and newcomers alike.

Interview with Tramell Tillman

Guest: Tramell Tillman
Role: Mr. Milchick in Severance

Getting Back on Set

Tramell Tillman shares his initial apprehensions about returning to a film set post-pandemic. Reflecting on his first day back, he acknowledges feeling "terrified" due to a year and a half hiatus from acting. Filming during COVID-19 added an extra layer of complexity, but the presence of seasoned actors like John Turturro provided comfort. [07:10]

Working with John Turturro

Tramell fondly describes John Turturro as "the best uncle ever," highlighting their supportive dynamic. Turturro's calming influence helped Tramell navigate moments of nervousness and forgetfulness on set. [07:25]

The Grashupen Pronunciation Fiasco

A humorous highlight of the interview revolves around Tramell’s pronunciation of the fictional Swedish word "grashupen." Colbert teases Tramell about his playful mispronunciation, which has sparked amusement among Swedish fans. [07:57] Tramell explains the creative process behind his pronunciation choice, referencing The Golden Girls and striving to infuse authenticity while embracing comedic flair. [10:17]

Notable Quotes:

• "You are a pain in the ass." — Stephen Colbert to Tramell regarding his on-set antics. [06:17]
• "I smell like a sheep." — Stephen Colbert, humorously referencing Tramell’s character's attire. [02:08]

Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Tramell recounts a memorable incident where he accidentally struck his hero, John Turturro, during a shadowboxing session on set. This anecdote not only underscores the camaraderie among the cast but also showcases Tramell’s dedication to embodying his character's toughness. [18:19]

Interview with Britt Lower

Guest: Britt Lower
Role: Helly R. in Severance

Auditioning Amidst Adversity

Britt Lower discusses her unconventional audition process for Severance, which involved submitting a self-taped scene from her home. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Britt's passion for the role shone through, leading to her successful casting. [15:13]

Breaking into the Show

Britt shares her excitement and humility in joining the second season of Severance. She reflects on her journey from auditioning to working alongside industry veterans like Ben Stiller and John Turturro. [15:41]

Personal Anecdotes

Britt reminisces about her time at Northwestern University, humorously recounting an elusive quest to find Stephen Colbert on campus. This lighthearted story adds a personal touch to her interview, highlighting her down-to-earth personality. [14:11]

Character Development

Delving into her role as Helly R., Britt explains how she connects with her character's complexities and motivations. Her commitment to portraying Helly authentically contributes significantly to the show's depth and appeal. [15:13]

Notable Quotes:

• "I just feel so grateful to be on this show because I get to work with my heroes, Ben Stiller being one of them." — Britt Lower expressing her admiration and gratitude. [16:43]
• "You're also my hero." — Tramell Tillman to Stephen Colbert, demonstrating the mutual respect among the cast and crew. [16:58]

Conclusion

Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode by congratulating both Tramell Tillman and Britt Lower on their remarkable performances in Severance. He emphasizes the show's success and anticipates its continued impact with the forthcoming second season available on Apple TV. The episode not only highlights the actors' professional experiences but also offers listeners a glimpse into the camaraderie and creative processes behind a hit television series.

Closing Remarks:

• "Season two of Severance is on Apple TV." — Stephen Colbert inviting listeners to engage with the series. [16:52]

This episode serves as a delightful exploration of Severance through the eyes of its talented cast members, providing fans with deeper insights into the making of the show and the personal journeys of Tramell Tillman and Britt Lower.