Andrew Scott On Forging Intimacy With Paul Mescal, His Co-Star In “All Of Us Strangers”

Actor Andrew Scott explains the “beautiful premise” of his new film, and tells Stephen about the chemistry he shares with his co-star and fellow Irishman, Paul Mescal. “All Of Us Strangers” is in theaters December 22nd.
#Colbert #AndrewScott #AllOfUsStrangers
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@susanwright802]

"the accidental cruelty of families....". Such a beautiful and generous way to talk about all the hard stuff and wounding that happens in our earliest blueprints of relationships.

[@Neojhun]

Seems like an old analogy that Adam Savage was the one that taught me: Your family Installed Your Buttons not just Push Them.

[@tracylf5409]

That literally destroys individuals & impacts the progeny to be equally broken, dysfunctional, and cruel. :(

[@lindaohanraha-hanrahan2817]

I thought the exact thing.💕

[@HBarnill]

I sincerely think Andrew Scott is the greatest actor of his generation. He blows my mind each time he's on stage or screen.

[@Splurge24]

He was absolutely sensational in Present Laughter

[@mrlnxf8455]

You're right. Phoebe Waller-Bridge said the same and she would know! :D

[@JenOween]

Completely agree.

[@ciaranosullivan9352]

Check out his performance in Smithereens, which was an episode of black mirror. Season 5. I was blown away.

[@donalddonney1595]

Are you his agent?

[@brianmccaig]

An incredibly moving film. Haunted me for days after seeing it.

[@RaceBannonChannel]

All Of Us Strangers is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. It rattled me it was so good. Brilliant on every level.

[@mileslaw]

So glad Andrew is getting more recognition. Been a fan since Sherlock.

[@cya2163]

Andrew Scott is one of those actors no one saw coming. He is so genuinely unassuming, but so freaking brilliant in any role I've ever had the pleasure to watch...I look forward to seeing everything he does!

[@christinemo9622]

Hamlet's famous monologue "To be or not to be" is really difficult to perform, to make it sound fresh, because it has been done so many times and by really famous actors, but Andrew nailed it. It was like hearing for the first time. Brilliant!

[@lynnejamieson2063]

For those who love Andrew Scott but haven’t seen it, the film Pride is well worth a watch. It is based on a true story of a gay activist group from London helping out a group of striking coal miners in Wales during The Miners Strike in the mid 80’s. It was a nationwide strike that lasted for almost a year involved many physical clashes between miners and the police, filled the UK news for the whole period of industrial action and there are many places throughout the UK still trying to recover from the effects of the pit closures that the miners were striking to prevent. Anyhoo, it’s a great film with a stellar cast and some faces that should be recognisable.

[@JeM130177]

Yessss one of my favourite films ever! Absolutely gorgeous beautiful movie

[@lynnejamieson2063]

@@JeM130177 it’s a favourite of mine too, though I don’t think it did all that well outside of the UK as for many there wouldn’t have been the cultural and familial ties that most from the UK’s industrial areas have.

[@shedskin01]

I knew I’d seen him somewhere else! Thank u for the reminder! That film is a true hidden gem!!

[@acediscovery]

Absolutely! His solo scene in it is short, but so moving and impactful. He's a great actor.

[@Bagglady889]

I’ve watched it! It is a great movie. My son recommended it.

[@221BBakerStreet]

He IS the greatest actor of his generation. Don't believe me? He's doing Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" on stage in London. No big deal? He's playing every character that appears in the play. Male, female, young, old, brother, sister, husband, wife, daughter...he plays them all. At the same time. He literally switches over to the next character in the text and then back to the one he just was. Apparently he even has to enact a love scene between a husband and wife. Playing both husband and wife at the same time. Having sex. Marlon Brando...eat your heart out.

[@ixchelssong]

Wow!! I So wish I could see that! 😃 (Is there any chance of him making a video of it, for we who can't get over there to see it?) 😁

[@221BBakerStreet]

@@ixchelssong Well you're in luck! The play WAS filmed and it's going to be released in cinemas soon, so you'll be able to see the whole thing on the big screen. You can actually find the trailer for it if you google...Andrew Scott trailer "Vanya" The National Theatre. From just the little of it that I've seen, he once again knocks it out of the park. He's just a natural born actor and one of the best stage actors around.

[@BadMoonandStars]

​@@221BBakerStreetI read your comment and immediately went to watch the trailer. Wow! Just wow! Can't wait to see the whole play!

[@221BBakerStreet]

@@BadMoonandStars It's incredible isn't it? If you'd like to see another play that Andrew did back in 2011 (he looks sooo young lol), I highly recommend you look for one called "Sea Wall". It's a one man show with Andrew Scott playing a character named "Alex" who is a photographer. It's filmed using a single camera and it's him on stage in what looks like his photographic studio. The play was written especially for him by a friend of his named Simon Stephens who also directs. It's only a thirty minute play with Alex telling the audience about the ups and downs of his life. I wanted to see it ages ago but I had to pay for it and when I finally got the thing, there was no audio. 🤬 But it's apparently streaming somewhere now so it wouldn't take much to track it down, which I intend to do shortly. But be warned...if you want to read some of the critics and audience reviews first you'll know what to expect (a life changing experience) but since I already know what's happening, I'd recommend you go into it knowing as little as possible. Just have plenty of tissues handy.

[@BadMoonandStars]

@@221BBakerStreet thank you, I'll look that up!

[@dani.p]

He's sooo good. I still remember the first time I saw him on my tv screen. His version of Moriarty is so ICONIC 🙌🏻

[@timothyp.mottet8843]

Having recently lost both parents, this film was a hug for me and reminded me of how proud I am to be my parent’s son. Andrew Scott demonstrates a level of kindness that inspires me to do better. Also, the gay intimacy scenes reflect the power of connecting with another person. Thank you Andrew Scott.

[@dogakaya8401]

I have never seen a man this charming in my life

[@jamesmcinnis208]

Would that there were more.

[@jlee4039]

Oh my god, I just watched All Of Us Strangers, and there is no justice if he doesn’t get a Best Actor nomination. So heartbreaking and honest

[@Ford_prefect_42]

I love Andrew Scott but he's so terrifying in Sherlock i don't think i could ever meet him in real life haha. Great actor

[@nirvana7413]

He’s so kind

[@Ford_prefect_42]

@@nirvana7413 honestly I believe that. He seems so genuine and nice.

[@nirvana7413]

@@Ford_prefect_42 He really is ❤️

[@dejavu2752]

Yes, his eyes terrified me in Sherlock. And then as the priest in Fleabag, he was in total contrast to Moriarty. Love his work, and he's such fun in interviews

[@jayforjay699]

I felt that way until I developed different feelings after seeing him in Fleabag.

[@vyvienvp3413]

Yes, just watched it!! This film is so well crafted and sensitive - absolutely beautiful, with some exquisite love scenes.

[@chrissiem3958]

The accidental cruelty of families..... Andrew, you just put perfectly what my inner child has been trying to say for years ❤

[@frontdeskphoenix6192]

The real Oscar snub was not nominating this man and the movie he's in.

[@catoninetales]

I'm so happy when I see Andrew Scott in things. He wasn't quite catapulted by Sherlock with the same speed as Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, but he's absolutely in the same league as them.

[@221BBakerStreet]

Possibly even surpassing them in a lot of ways.

[@heartofartichoke4340]

Oh he definitely was catapulted! I saw him in a play in a warehouse and the queue for autographs was one thing...but then a bus stopped nearby and a group of tourists were yelling MORIARTY and trying to crash the queue....I'd argue he is way beyond their league, especially for theatre.

[@joeylaird77]

‘I don’t want to fall into cliche but we’ll have a couple of drinks’ - I’m stealing that one 😂

[@meganbreen1380]

what a soulful dude, so stoked to see this!

[@reenasophia8227]

he was absolutely brilliant in all of us strangers. saw it a week ago and have not stopped thinking about him and his soulful eyes 😭

[@mikechrisscorpio.2659]

This Film Made Me Cry 😢 It's So Moving It Tore Me Up ❤

[@robs.5967]

What a beautiful movie "All of us strangers" is. Saw it at the the "Viennale"-festival in Austria and i haven't been so emotionally touched and devastated by a movie for years. I wept like a little child... Both Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal are absolutely brillant in it. And what a nice and intelligent man he seems to be...

[@vitaflood6677]

I just know I will be Sobbing throughout the movie😭 it looks so heartbreaking and beautiful

[@kathrinegreen9906]

I did......almost every minute of it

[@vamosama]

Took a plane to see him perform on stage in London a few years ago and no regrets ❤

[@Jake-jr2zh]

So many great actors coming out of Ireland.

[@kathleenclark5877]

In every interview Andrew comes across as sincere and kind and humble while at the same time being a fantastic actor who deserves all of the praise he gets. You must see him in “This Beautiful Fantastic”. I do agree with the others who have remarked on how evil he was as Moriarty in “Sherlock”, an absolutely chilling performance. He also does this half hour monologue the name of which escapes me but I am sure if you “Google” his name on KZbin it will come up. It is amazing. Just him for a full half hour doing this emotional moment in the character’s life with no cuts! I just looooove him!

[@m.maclellan7147]

That might be "Seawall" you are thinking about. Amazing performance. Just him in front of one camera. A favorite !

[@kathleenclark5877]

@@m.maclellan7147 Thanks so much! That would have annoyed me until I bothered to look it up. You saved me the effort! Merry Christmas!

[@amandasaunders2503]

Sea Wall is the monologue. Is heartbreaking. I’ve watched it about 6 times 😂. His Hamlet is on KZbin in full as well, it is the best I’ve ever seen. He is incredibly talented.

[@kathleenclark5877]

@@amandasaunders2503 His Hamlet? Thanks so much for letting me know! I have heard about how great it is but didn’t think there was a hope in Hades to see it! A Christmas treat! I really do recommend “This Beautiful Fantastic”. It is a truly charming in the real sense of the word film. It is on either Netflix or Prime Video. I get the feeling that this role is close to the person he really is.

[@plaster.art.ho3]

It's seawall & it's available on youtube!

[@lucindaarmour4685]

Beautifully said. We spend so much time speaking in memory - reliving old conversations or reinterpretting them. He and Colbert are very articulate in their use of language and understanding. Great to see.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

He’s just an adorable bean ❤

[@joanneweiss3864]

He is absolutely mesmerizing, fell in love with him during Fleabag & have watched his previous things, just WOW.... everything he does is emotional & incredible, i almost cried thinking about having the opportunity he does in this movie...what my son calls "a box of tissues movie" for me, cant wait❤❤❤

[@larissaroberts2376]

He’s such a charismatic man.

[@jasonstamp10]

I got to see the film a few days ago and it was incredible. There are some aspects of it that I would have maybe changed but there are parts of it that had me crying in the theatre several times, especially the conversations he has with his parents. It's so cathartic and moving and healing, especially for any LGBTQ+ people who may have had a difficult childhood and a difficult time finding their way. Andrew Scott was so good in it and I also really liked Jamie Bell in it. It really makes you think about loneliness, the things you wish you could have said, the things you needed to hear but didn't get, your own mortality, so many different things. It's about facing the wounds that we bring with us into adulthood and how those affect our lives. The cinematography is beautiful as well and I really liked the soundtrack. Great film, one of my favorites of 2023 for sure.

[@delretadonaldson]

Nothing to change....this is exactly the directors interpretation of what he wanted to present on screen...and if you felt all those different feelings, thats exactly how you are supposed to feel...

[@necrophobya]

Not only he is a phenomenal actor, he's one of the most charmin people alive

[@BlakieTT]

Very strong performance in Sherlock. Kinda the picture opposite of his look/way here.

[@lally754]

Andrew Scott is living the moment and it's all so very well deserved ❤ Love him!

[@dennisd9554]

I am a Hamlet nerd. I've read it many times and see virtually any adaptation of it that I can, on the screen or on stage. I saw Andrew Scott play Hamlet in London several years back, and it absolutely was my favorite performance. He was just brilliant! I keep the framed cover of the playbill on my wall. And, of course, we all loved him as Moriarty.

[@anmnou]

He really made the writing come alive. It was as if I understood it for the first time.

[@treesny]

All of Us Strangers was written and directed by Andrew Haigh (based on the 1987 novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada). Every single previous film and television project by Haigh that I've seen has been exceptional: Weekend, 45 Years, Looking, Lean on Pete and The North Water. Weekend and Looking both focus on the lives of gay men, as does All of Us Strangers (a change from the source novel, where I believe the central relationship is between a man and a woman). I am so glad that All of Us Strangers is bringing Andrew Haigh the recognition his wonderful work deserves.

[@powerofalto]

I couldn’t agree more. Andrew Haigh is a master story teller who deserves greater recognition. I really loved Weekend and Looking.

[@Ray03595]

Andrew Haighs works are dear to my heart. His stories were essential in me accepting my sexuality. Can’t wait to see this film

[@alicedougie]

Love him so much! Can’t wait to watch the movie

[@brendaoneill1581]

What a brilliant and intelligent man that shares his genius way to approach reality over decades of life

[@aquablushgirl]

He is so charming. He shines and sparkles. Sigh.

[@deeobrien5417]

I would LOVE to see him and Cillian both be nominated for the Oscar this year. They’re both marvellous. Man he has some black eyes, I remember they really worked in Sherlock, it’s like Evan peters, just pitch black eyes and kind of baby faces so they could go either way

[@chronicallychic]

I've been a fan since Sherlock and I'm so happy to see him getting heaped with the accolades he so rightly deserves. Such a talented man.

[@edrianbobbycalabio1]

It's probably the best movie I've seen. It is amazing! I love everything, but most especially how it's written. Such a brilliant mind to create this movie. Brought me into a world of different emotions.

[@BobaTeaBeech]

I love him so much, he is such a talented actor! He was incredible in fleabag I’m so excited he is getting more recognition!

[@siwi666]

he is amazing, this interview was simply gorgeous.

[@deborahducharmporter6131]

I love Andrew Scott. This movie looks so wonderful. He is indeed an amazing actor. I love everything I have seen him in. I fell in love with the Sexy Priest, in Fleabag. Absolutely perfect writing, there. He does take on some epic characters. ❤

[@TheHSoko]

When art imitates reality 🌈🍃💛✨🙏🏻

[@devikadevaiah6966]

A brilliant actor and a charming conversationalist.

[@Aindrea66]

Why are my eyes filling up when watching the trailer, because this is truly a beautiful well acted film by brilliant actors and actresses 🇬🇧🇮🇪❤️

[@quinnparker6111]

Andrew Scott blew me away in Black Mirror. Can't wait to see this movie!

[@KniggeWerke]

I have seen that film. Its beautiful but heartbreaking 🙂

[@robertlondon]

Very moving scenes Between Andrew and Paul..

[@katiehi4640]

Nice to see Colbert kept his Irish shenanigans to a minimum.... 'ish. Andrew well able for him!

[@njaya2411]

👏👏👏Andrew Scott is such a force. Everytime I watch him, i'm completly captured - heart and soul. True Gift x

[@JeM130177]

Absolutely lovely human♡

[@dzhurkim]

God bless Ireland

[@Rheinmeister09]

Paul and his ad for Denny sausages. And Andrew and his ad for Flavhans porridge. Who would have thunk it that those ads led to their movie star careers.

[@hannahmariamoore7006]

He's such a brilliant actor I just adore him!

[@stabcitySB]

Just watched this movie yesterday here in Dublin. It blew my mind. One of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever seen.

[@alisa-bg1wr]

Andrew Scott is the best!! Charming and so talented!!

[@DominikLeitner]

I saw it at Viennale and cried so much. Such an amazing movie.

[@Singsonggirl]

Lol, saw it there too, I didn't cry but I woke up the next day still thinking about it!

[@yvonnem9045]

This is a deeper conversation when you remember Stephen lost his dad when he was only 11 I believe.

[@missomurphy]

Lovely to see Stephen back, and being so thoughtful and interested

[@EMMYK1916]

Notice how the host couldn't say "Sláinte" back, probably couldn't pronounce it!

[@suzyking7713]

he’s just so gorgeous, genuine and talented ❤ love his funky outfits too 🎉

[@simonamckenzie4867]

I saw Andrew Scott in Vanya recently…. look out for that play if you can!

[@shellym79]

I love them both so much ugh. 🥰

[@themripley]

I stumbled across Andrew's performance of Hamlet when I couldn't sleep in the middle of night and was utterly hooked. He said the lines so naturally it was as if he was thinking of them on the spot. Never seen anything quite like it.

[@ryanhannig3075]

great actor. Looking forward to seeing it

[@pamday5951]

Love him so much!❤

[@Punchgirl4]

I first came across Andrew as Moriarty in the Sherlock series. He brought such nuance to the character. I’ve seen him in numerous things since, and he’s just wonderful all the time. I loved him as the “hot priest” in Fleabag, the chemistry he had with Phoebe Waller Bridge was insane. He was great in Black Mirror and can’t wait to see this film, it sounds so intriguing.

[@ninabumanglag7917]

My priest ❤

[@lauracattron5246]

He did an episode in Foyle’s War. One of my favorite episodes!

[@rodrocha8063]

Omg I just love him, he’s soooo good!!!

[@capri-show-sa588]

I love this man❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@soireise]

I juuuuust ❤️❤️❤️ him so much ❣️

[@nikolelynch6831]

Amazing actor

[@drbobdrake]

Check out Andrew in the film Handsome Devil with a young Nicholas Galitzine.

[@cindyj5522]

Word is that he should win the GG and the Oscar, not Cillian Murphy. Ironic that two Irishmen have given the year's best performances. Three if you count Paul Mescal. It's a well-known fact, after all, that the Irish saved civilization.

[@Bensvids7]

The film is fantastic--and devastating, y'all.

[@cidermanone]

He was brilliant in 1918, a small part but big impact

[@Maracujakeks]

This movie shook me to my core, can not stretch enough how much I can recommend watching it!

[@kimyaglasgow]

He was so menacingly amazing in Sherlock!

[@majestyk8654]

I saw this movie with my date. Probably not a good date movie because it was so sad and depressing. Amazing acting and storyline

[@davidbosquette4798]

🇮🇪 is GIVING it to you right now people.

[@ElikssV]

I LOVE HIM i'll forever love him!!!!!!!! what a gem of a human being and actor

[@mairinkelly-may8998]

I just love him mesmerising actor. Loved him in Pride❤

[@leanneclements143]

Love this. Just when im ready to give up on stephen because alot of times hes a bad interviewer w no active listening happening at all....in comes the wonderfully charming andrew scott to bring down Stephens tv persona style to reveal the real stephen..the one who has suffered tremendous loss himself at an early age and connects to the films ideas and of course Andrew himself. A real conversation btwn 2 intelligent men. Lovely

[@LC-le9ew]

Looks amazing!

[@leona6455]

Andrew's Hamlet a few years back was the best I've ever seen.

[@joyhuebert1219]

I love this movie with all my heart

[@jennydavis3216]

See Andrew Scott in RIPLEY - sensational !

[@edw8889]

He is so talented

[@estebancomulet]

Such a beautiful film. Was almost as moved as I was by Aftersun. Definitely film of the year so far

[@eva2s]

I can't wait to cry at this movie

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

If you have lost your parents, it's not uncommon to often dream about being back with them having conversations about what happened at the time of their deaths and since then up to present day, then the dream becomes a nightmare as you know you are losing them again and you may never get to talk to them or hug them again. Maybe its how your subconscious processes grief - but I'm glad somebody has addressed this in film, hope I can make myself go to see it.

[@user-qy2kw9kx3o]

If you haven’t seen it the little sketch for comic relief is well worth a watch. Especially if you have seen Fleabag and Normal People.

[@jillfromatlanta427]

First saw him in an episode of the British series Garrow's Law... brilliant there. And then Sherlock

[@nicksintora518]

Just watched it! Lets just say I was sobbing 😭

[@MsMcKat-ub4sm]

Can't believe you only had one segment with Scott!

[@TheREDJAZZ]

Loved Andrew Scott in Pursuit of Happiness. Great actor.

[@tigerthrifts6806]

Do you mean the Pursuit of Love? Pursuit of Happiness is the one with Will Smith

[@annawickberg535]

Great movie and acting! The same with Ripley Just WOW ❤