Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert – Jonathan Groff Episode

Release Date: April 5, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes the multi-talented Jonathan Groff, a Tony and Grammy award-winning actor known for his roles in acclaimed productions such as Spring Awakening, Frozen, and Merrily We Roll Along. The conversation delves into Groff's recent milestone birthday, his illustrious career on Broadway, his latest project, and personal insights into maintaining balance amidst the demands of a thriving career.

Celebrating a Milestone: Turning 40

Stephen Colbert opens the discussion by congratulating Groff on his recent 40th birthday, prompting Groff to share how he chose to celebrate this significant milestone.

Jonathan Groff [01:49]: "How do I celebrate 40? Okay. So I woke up. Thank God."
[01:49]

Groff humorously recounts his birthday morning, highlighting the simplicity and joy of simply waking up alive, which he considers a great start to the day.

Jonathan Groff [02:00]: "I do try to do that every day."
[02:00]

He emphasizes his commitment to daily journaling, a practice that centers his thoughts and sets a positive tone for each day.

The celebration takes an unexpected turn when Groff attends a quiet breakfast at his friend Lea Michele's apartment, only to be surprised by seven of his close friends wishing him a happy birthday.

Jonathan Groff [02:22]: "And say, Happy 40th. It was really sweet."
[02:22]

Colbert jokes about the surprise breakfast feeling like an intervention, to which Groff responds by describing how he celebrated with an "anti-intervention" approach by indulging in a bottle of champagne.

Jonathan Groff [02:38]: "Exactly, exactly."
[02:38]

Reflecting on a Stellar Career

The conversation shifts to Groff's Broadway journey, particularly his role in Merrily We Roll Along. Colbert inquires about the emotional impact of winning awards, to which Groff reflects on the profound significance of his achievements.

Jonathan Groff [03:35]: "It meant everything. It really did. It was like a childhood dream come true."
[03:35]

Groff shares the heartfelt moment of winning amidst his family’s presence, underscoring the long two-decade dedication to theater in New York.

Colbert references Groff's first headshot from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, sparking a nostalgic discussion about his early days in acting and the deliberate choices made to showcase his range as a performer.

Jonathan Groff [04:27]: "What we were going for with this, which I really remember, I had one smiling and one serious."
[04:27]

Groff elaborates on the duality represented in his headshot, symbolizing both his lightness and darkness, and commends his versatility as an actor.

Current Endeavors: "Just in Time" Musical

Transitioning to Groff's latest project, Colbert expresses excitement about Just in Time, a new musical centered around singer Bobby Darin. Groff details the genesis and development of the show, highlighting his deep personal connection to Darin's music and performance style.

Jonathan Groff [07:08]: "Ted Chapin asked me to do a night of his music at the 92nd Street Y eight years ago."
[07:08]

Groff describes his growing obsession with Darin after immersing himself in Darin's performances, leading to a seven-year development process alongside director Alex Timbers.

Jonathan Groff [07:00]: "I started looking at clips of Bobby Darin and it was like these black and white clips of him were coming out of the computer and grabbing my heart."
[07:00]

He provides an insider’s look at the creative direction of the musical, emphasizing the immersive nightclub experience crafted within the Circle in the Square Theater.

Jonathan Groff [08:03]: "We've got, like, tables in the audience that we act at and act around."
[08:03]

Groff also shares an anecdote about his immediate departure to perform in the preview, showcasing his dedication and the seamless integration of his professional commitments.

Balancing Act: Managing Stress and Finding Joy

Colbert inquires about how Groff decompresses from the high-stress environment of performing and preparing for consecutive shows. Groff candidly discusses his approach to balancing intense work schedules with personal well-being.

Jonathan Groff [05:32]: "I'm a little bit of an addict, so even though it's work, it brings me so much joy and I love doing it so much."
[05:32]

He reflects on the fleeting nature of days filled with passion-driven work, describing it as a privilege to pursue what he loves professionally.

Groff also shares his experiences with Vipassana meditation retreats, both the silent sittings and the more active service roles, illustrating his commitment to mindfulness and community service as methods of maintaining mental equilibrium.

Jonathan Groff [06:15]: "I was like making oatmeal. That was my position."
[06:15]

Despite the challenges, Groff expresses fulfillment in returning to Broadway and continuing to engage deeply with his craft.

Closing Remarks

As the conversation wraps up, Colbert congratulates Groff on Just in Time and shares a brief insight into the show’s debut. Groff thanks Colbert and the audience, leaving listeners with an anticipation for his upcoming performances.

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Jonathan Groff, shedding light on his personal milestones, professional achievements, and the creative processes behind his latest theatrical ventures. Groff's reflections on balancing passion with personal well-being provide valuable takeaways for aspiring artists and fans alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of a successful career in the arts.

Notable Quotes

• Jonathan Groff on Celebrating 40:
  "How do I celebrate 40? Okay. So I woke up. Thank God."
  [01:49]

• On Winning Awards:
  "It meant everything. It really did. It was like a childhood dream come true."
  [03:35]

• Discussing Bobby Darin Obsession:
  "I started looking at clips of Bobby Darin and it was like these black and white clips of him were coming out of the computer and grabbing my heart."
  [07:00]

• Balancing Work and Joy:
  "I'm a little bit of an addict, so even though it's work, it brings me so much joy and I love doing it so much."
  [05:32]

For more episodes and exclusive content, visit The Late Show YouTube channel.