How Emma Thompson Prepared For 'Late Night'

Dame Emma Thompson's preparation for 'Late Night' left her with a new appreciation for the late-night creative process and the power of laughter. #LSSC #Colbert #EmmaThompson
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@TheStf99]

its just not fair for one person to be this charming

[@suewilkinson910]

Ernest And witty. She’s incredibly witty and quick thinking. I think dinner, with her at the table, would actually hurt and might require ice packs on ribs the next day.

[@StrigidaeStrigiformes-sv6mj]

Indeed. Curse the fact that I am much younger and shorter than she. *smh* FML mayne... FML.

[@Rainy-In-The-Desert]

Both of them!! Colbert is quite wonderful!

[@joaoteixeira]

and smart and intelligent!

[@wickyhendy74]

i wish to see 5 movies of hers...I FEEL A BINGEWATCH COMING ON!

[@Anamer22]

"It's basically science fiction" What a legend!

[@LordAsturgis]

Anamer Not for long, Lilly Singh is getting her late show in September. Kelly Clarkson as well but I don’t know if it’s gonna be late or not.

[@mattgad5001]

Yes, Kelly is gonna replace Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show slot. Good for equality, but we’ll see how she does. Harry Connick Jr’s show wasn’t that memorable.

[@pabillonkurt7584]

And after that, the painist started playing the theme of the show😂😂😂

[@random-rr1kq]

I just watched old interview with Hugh Grant where he described her "mad as a chair". Accurate. I love her to bits!

[@markphc99]

Chairs- noted for their stability and ability to to support

[@JustinHenryfan]

Hugh and Emma are good friends. He was joking.

[@CoachingHigher]

Lol!! Love that and her!!❤️

[@alufmangoes6082]

I like my girlfriends new stepmom.

[@angemaidment5640]

Chairs are mad? I suppose they would be, if Hugh Grant sat on them.

[@vahidfarahani5142]

LEGEND. she's funny, she's classy, she's beautiful, she's talented.

[@sanieisleam3225]

Yes yes yes

[@johnpeel8005]

She's English! It just stands out amongst glib Americana.

[@sleepcrime]

@@johnpeel8005 there's always one. Why are you like this?

[@theta799]

She's a PoS globalist who has suggested we euthanize all our cats and dogs and EAT THEM for "climate change"

[@hannahtriz]

A very talented and hilarious woman. Absolutely someone to admire

[@frolickinglions]

I think she'd be so much fun to hang out with!

[@CoachingHigher]

hannahtriz Totally!

[@J.M.-nb4gw]

@@frolickinglions and definitely frolickin with!

[@vohinpdx564]

A very talented and hilarious PERSON. No qualifier needed, absolutely unnecessary.

[@hannahtriz]

@@vohinpdx564 You're right about that!

[@alyshababrah476]

She casually mentioned sheep so that Stephen could ask about her sheep and she could tell the sheep story. That is a skilled interviewee.

[@MM-dq2pi]

So who reported her to the police?

[@MM-dq2pi]

as if

[@JS-ri8qc]

no they have a pre interview before the actual interview. everything they discuss on screen is already discussed backstage but someone lmk if that's not how american late night works anymore... what a joke two people can't even have an unscripted conversation about whatever they want

[@maya2805]

@@JS-ri8qc I don’t think they do on this show but I could be wrong

[@anniejderose1234]

@@MM-dq2pi some lady walking a dog

[@DataDietz]

She's absolutely brilliant and has such a natural flow of language. Reads her crowd like an absolute pro, what a legend.

[@geofthompson3844]

Yes, there's not many guests who can work an audience like that, she brings them in let's them feel part of it, actually talks to them, and just takes over the show, and to not not be egotistical doing it either is classy. Imagine her interviewing someone like a Jeff Goldblum maybe , 🤔🤭😂 that would be a great talk show.

[@martynnotman3467]

She was a stand up comedian for years. Helps her a lot being able to control a room

[@flythesky3000]

Can you imagine Jeff Goldblum and Emma Thompson having a conversation? I’d pay money to see that.

[@judioregan4210]

Or Emilia Clarke. That would be comedy gold.

[@j.b.9260]

They appeared in a romantic comedy together. It's called The Tall Guy.

[@michelle-vs9cf]

My life would be completed.

[@davehoward22]

Tall guys a good film

[@MrUndersolo]

It is playing in my head now. And I have seen “ The Tall Guy”!

[@antotheja251]

She is a treasure and my forever girl-crush. How can one not love this woman ❤

[@barbkeen1221]

Major girl crush! ❤🙂

[@IndoPersian1969]

What an absolutely brilliant woman. What a perfect interview.

[@emmathompson8672]

I want to specially thank you for all the love and support! ❤️❤️

[@lakritz8732]

Thank you, Mr Colbert, for just giving her the stage without interrupting. I did not know I needed a story that involved mimicry of appalled Scottish sheep, but I did.

[@29jgirl92]

Yes!! I love when the host actually lets them talk!

[@Laudon1228]

Exactly, so many interviewers keep rephrasing the question, either out of insecurity, or to try to steer the subject’s answer. Sometimes to the extent that there’s no time left for a substantive answer. I’ve gotten to the point that I end up shouting at the screen “Ask the fucking question and get out of the way!” Once on an American late night show, (I want to say Jimmy Fallon) a fed up guest called him on his rambling and opining, and said something like “Isn’t it customary to give the guest time to answer?” Anyone remember the details?

[@lakritz8732]

Of course it was Fallon. Dakota Johnson called him out and said “Aren’t you supposed to let people talk on this show?”. He has to be the Center of attention so much, guests can hardly ever tell a story by themselves. Colbert has created beautiful interview moments and surprisingly deep conversations by just giving his guests a little space and time.

[@TheRogueStatesman]

Lol, Colbert TOTALLY lost control of this interview, in the best way possible...

[@visualthinking]

He knew everyone was in great hands.

[@BHM198]

To be honest though, how many interviews does he really have control over?

[@rachealmills4879]

He’s crap thank god for Emma she owed this she’s a legend

[@miridove]

The best thing you can do when Dame Emma Thompson comes on your show is just sit back and let it happen.

[@johanneshalberstadt3663]

@A Cool Million His goal is always to let the guest shine. Which is how it should be. He has his monologue and segments, the interviews are, where he takes the backseat. Esp. when it's artists an entertainment. Also he is trained in acting. He knows how to improv. You have to roll the dice and then follow where they lead. The dynamic has to unfold on its own. If you are too controlling, you kill the moment. He can be more inquisitive, with political guests.

[@cloudwatcher608]

I’ve only seen the intro, but WHAT A LEGEND!

[@supermansuperman9066]

STEVEN COLBUTT, WHAT A NUT.

[@dominikelser7847]

"Plus, I wear the badge in bed... and it's sharp!" What a comedic genius, what timing.

[@Saba.2a]

I’m a bit slow when it comes to this kinda joke.. what did she mean?

[@Marlett4]

I've also missed this one. Anybody?

[@sashafainberg1825]

@@Marlett4 Just that the Order/knighthood official badge is a multi-pointed star - she was joking she wears it to bed.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

What brilliant, funny woman she is ! She did at least 3 accents in the interview and I love her !! She can do drama well and writes. She is so grounded and I love her appearances on talk shows.

[@tylerpurrden]

That entrance was EVERYTHING. She has such balls for a Dame! You gotta love Colbert knowing he was just basking in her glow

[@v.gorski3050]

She is a worldwide treasure! She is talented, witty, beautiful, intelligent and wonderful in every way. I think she would Rock as a host of a talk show. Watch out ladies ! ( Kelly R, and All the Others in NY. ). THIS woman would bring it !

[@nobodyhereatthemoment]

I adore her. She has always been brilliant and an inspiration.

[@papibahal.]

Nobody Here at the moment SHE IS AN OVERACTING DRAMA QUEEN!!!!

[@johnd5574]

I love her so much! Not only is she an amazing, powerful, and deeply thoughtful actress, she nails comedy with every joke! Her range in talent is immense, I could and would watch anything she stars in, British or American or otherwise.

[@Woesteinvuir]

Fun fact: when Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry were young roommates, she would chase him around the place naked, absolutely terrifying the poor man.

[@juliaconnell]

LOL - that is exactly what I thought of when she showed that bit of leg - the two of them talking about it - I wasn't going to mention it - but then she bought up the whole naked story kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4fIaqOjZpeJgKM

[@AubreySciFi]

@@juliaconnell -Sadly this video clip you linked is blocked outside the U.K.. Sounds like it would have been hilarious, they're both so witty.

[@bishwatntl]

@@AubreySciFi seems to be blocked inside the UK

[@juliaconnell]

@@AubreySciFi oh no! try this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooS1qmaAZr6AiZI - more or less the same - (QI series F - 'Film & Fame') "outside" the UK? I'm in New Zealand

[@azih8626]

@@juliaconnell Yeah it doesn't work in the UK, how bizarre!

[@livb6945]

She's the female Colbert... She could easily fill his shoes. Without writers. She completely out-Colberted him here, it was pure delight for Stephen as well as the rest of us 😊

[@SnoozeAddict]

I agree! He was watching her in awe. Take notes Colbert! lol

[@davidelligott2883]

It almost seemed disconcerting to him how little he had to do.

[@ngc6603]

I wish Colbert would actually laugh though and not do his annoying "hide my face in my palm" thing. Conan would've died of laughter properly in this interview.

[@SnoozeAddict]

@@ngc6603 I agree! Let it out Colbert!

[@MM-dq2pi]

female Craig Ferguson

[@johanstrom3271]

She is a blessing for all humanity!

[@savethefunk]

She has a wonderful sense of humour - love her.

[@Luna5770]

Emma Thompson is my spirit animal ❤️❤️❤️

[@kshinokevin]

I think that it's wonderful !

[@ROYAL_REBEL]

Emma Thompson : She's a woman late-night talk show host, it's basically science-fiction " Stephen Colbert : Nervously :P Audience : LMAO

[@sajjandeshmukh6327]

Did she mentioned ellen?

[@johntheX]

@@sajjandeshmukh6327 late night.

[@NewMessage]

She's been the Dame of British Comedy for years, y'ask me. And we have her to thank for Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry getting together!

[@alexlandherr]

New Message If she only could have been on Blackadder...

[@largefries123]

Search for her first series Thompson on you tube... then tell me she's a Dame of British Comedy.

[@judioregan4210]

@@largefries123 - um...a little mean spirited. At least she had the guts to have a go at it.

[@tenofivelips]

@@largefries123 She's a Dame of British comedy.

[@piffpaff9674]

Imagine you would had had the chance to be with this hillarious crowd at the same time in Cambridge! How on earth could the lecturers get any chance to go on with their stuff?! What a generation of funny and bright people. Good old Britain, you are blessed with the best nuts on earth!

[@Ieticia848]

No one is going to mention the seamless transition to the Scottish accent? 🙋🏻‍♀️😂😂😂 Lol.....and the “it’s basically science fiction”. I could watch her for an entire show.

[@ronaldburns7877]

one of her parents is Scottish,that,s where she gets her sense of humour from

[@kristinesmart24]

Thank you for chiming in....yes, me notice. She's sharper than a tac.

[@artemis_lena]

It was flawless too.

[@kikivolauvent1]

Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand. M. Twain - so, so true!

[@Romcom356]

And then the perfect, perfect few seconds pause and...'but then you have Trump.'

[@sn07]

She’s a one of a kind. You can listen to her talk all night long. You can tell Stephen was just enjoying himself through out the whole thing.

[@The2011Godfather]

A TREASURE. Emma must be protected at EVERY cost!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lushiousification]

Omg! She received her damehood in SNEAKERS!? Epic!!

[@jar3439]

Not just any sneakers - vegan sneakers designed by British female designer Stella McCartney - so multiple statements there

[@davidthomas6620]

Wow this lady is Art incarnate, she is such a treasure for our country , love her , her every character reflects her dedication and she is just awesome!

[@derry667dingo]

She is so FREAKING AWESOME! Dame Emma is a DEADSET LEGEND! Thanks for having her on your equally legendary show!

[@anjmonty]

derry667dingo i

[@nia.j.h]

the existence of Emma Thompson is one of the only things that makes me proud to be a Brit, what a fucking treasure

[@eduardoandres5989]

what a sharp, no BS, open to life and talented woman.....true legend! cheers!°

[@lorrie2878]

Omg, she's hysterical! I had no idea.

[@GerardFrankMcr]

God she's delightful! I have a huge crush on her.

[@GerardFrankMcr]

@@barrackhussein464 I'm pan but thank you for your reply anyway, I will keep dreaming!! Happy pride month!! ✌️🏳️‍🌈

[@cleodello]

Jesus Christ We all know what you and the disciples were up to. ;) “This is my body. Eat it.”

[@sleepingrosess]

@@GerardFrankMcr okey i love this response. Maybe it's because i am pan too and emma is one of the most wonderful women out there *crushing hard*

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

His woman is an absolute hoot. She needs to be a comedienne.

[@17garm]

Tsetsi I do hope that’s a joke. She is, of course, famously one.

[@221b-Maker-Street]

@@17garm - She’s famously an actress who *sometimes acts in comedies*. That’s not the same as a comedian… She’s a very funny woman who also moves people to tears on occasion.

[@charmander9149]

She is a comedienne

[@hsdsaunders]

@@221b-Maker-Street She's a screenwriter and actor who started out in the Cambridge Footlights(very famous comedy troupe)

[@jeansinger7245]

Very funny lady!!

[@angelabolton4478]

If Steph takes a break, can we have Emma fill in? I would watch every night.

[@mariammeliksetian7916]

The whole entrance and the dancing made me smile. How lovely are they.

[@BlakieTT]

Yes, Sir Greg MUH BLUH BLUH MUH! I'm familiar. Also I love that she had the balls to wear those (quite fashionable, to me) bright white sneakers. Rock on, Emma. ♥

[@martha5606]

Emma Thompson imitating talking sheep is just hilarious! 😂😂😂 I can‘t stop laughing omg

[@kikivolauvent1]

just watched the intro 3 times and I'm laughing, laughing..... Emma Thompson is the BEST! - always....

[@TIVOSTUDIOS]

She used to be my neighbor and we briefly spoke and i saw her many times around other people and she is just like that, a very friendly decent person

[@VincenteO2]

Back to back movies first two weeks of June featuring Dame Emma Thompson 👍 “We are not worthy!”

[@danitestalkr]

She is the epitome the total package Love this woman

[@edt8489]

One of the best combination of intelligence, humor, and freedom She is what most of us hope to be when we are optimistic Hilarious as always 👏👏👏

[@Mismatched_socks24]

Ed T what an absolutely lovely description of her!

[@anungtemjenlkr6305]

I didn't realise that i was smiling throughout the whole video, until the very end. Love Emma!

[@29jgirl92]

Same!! She just makes me so happy!

[@juliaconnell]

that Dame is such a dame!!! LOVE HER so much - so lovely, so talented, so fabulous!

[@emmathompson8672]

Thanks for your love and support. ❤️

[@RelianceSabol]

A dame who bathes in a river. Perfect.

[@lscn12]

Naked xD

[@RichardMcGrath]

With sheep as her ladies in waiting.

[@gp1102]

😂😂 what an entrance!!! She is so lovely..

[@m.c.5795]

Dame Emma, please never change. We love your sass and your theatrics. 😂 Since Ang Lee's 'Sense and Sensibility', I've been a fan of her work and humor. Top notch!

[@jjj1951]

Loved Emma's dig. A woman hosting a late night talk show. "...basically science fiction."

[@myrthemarie1049]

I love how Emma just casually throws out there that She “knew his dad quite well” about William 😂

[@elsamatos2581]

God, I love her! So delightful and full of life! What an inspiration!

[@marmeecruz6191]

Didn't know Dame Emma Thompson can be so funny! Love her to bits…and Stephen, too!

[@ettenbooks1428]

Omg Emma is hilarious 😂 that sheep story LOL 😆

[@janetseidlitz5976]

Stephen, you need to have her on more often. She is so funny. I've never seen her give a bad interview.

[@emmathompson8672]

Thank you so much dear fan!❤️Thank you so much for your love and support!🤗❤️

[@221b-Maker-Street]

@@emmathompson8672 Oh for goodness sake, you again? Go and get a life instead of piggy-backing on someone else's.

[@A_A_K_123]

She reminds me of Tracy Ullman. Frenetic energy, lightening fast wit, flawless execution.

[@dsenunez]

She is the definition of a gorgeous woman: smart, funny, playful, beautiful, easygoing, humble.

[@topgurl9313]

She is one of the most charismatic people on earth and I love her.

[@biondna7984]

"Late night show woman host - science fiction." I LOVE her!

[@ZaaraNausheen]

We have Lilly Singh coming in though!! And I couldn't be more excited!

[@treehouse318]

that interview was FLAWLESS. i'll be chuckling about it for the rest of the night!🤣

[@Muhdah1972]

Dame Emma is always fun, brilliant and beautiful. The sheep story had me in tears 😂

[@BlakieTT]

Emma Thompson should LITERALLY be the Queen of England. My word... *A M A G I N G !*

[@Antebios]

I'm not into celebrities, but Emma Thompson is an exception that I just adore with all my heart.

[@jesperjee]

Don´t feel bad. We all age in time.

[@kareninacarado]

She should be the next Queen in The Crown for seasons 5 and 6!

[@azshadow32]

What a beautiful, hilarious and intelligently talented actress. I first saw her in Much Ado About Nothing and have loved her in every movie I have watched with her in the cast or directing. 😊

[@BloodoperaBlackvomit]

Emma has been everything since the first moment.

[@kaipeterson]

She is aging very, very , very well. She is GORGEOUS as she always was! And funny. AND good at accents. And gorgeous.

[@emmathompson8672]

Thank you so much for your love and support!🤗❤️

[@lagrouabdelghani9801]

She is aging like fine wine

[@jodeanesullens6588]

I absobloominlutely love Dame Emma Thompson. She Rocks!

[@beentheredonethatgotatshir9503]

Best entrance in show history. And no I don't need to watch all the other entrances to know that. Everything Emma does is gold.

[@sarahrose4126]

She's absolutely brilliant.

[@mathiasthelander7834]

The way she just switches to scottish and then back again is just amazing.

[@mclmg]

Always fabulous and they do the most amazing entrance/dance number 😍🤩😍

[@carlrosenzweig1867]

She's amazing, I've always loved her. Kenneth Branagh must still be kicking himself all these years later for messing that up.

[@da96103]

Well, Branagh was having an affair with Queen Mother.

[@philwill0123]

Don't think he is... Both married to other people for last 15 years....

[@carlrosenzweig1867]

I wasn't suggesting he would leave his current wife given the chance. I still rather think he must deeply regret his actions back then, even if he thinks things worked out the way they were meant to. Based on past interviews the dissolution of that first marriage seemed to help him grow up which I guess is part of why he was later able to have a successful marriage to his current wife.

[@juliewake4585]

Carl Rosenzweig I think they’ve both moved on.

[@ronage6514]

I was heartbroken when Branagh and Thompson announced their divorce. But everything worked out now....but we have to admit...Emma's glowing!

[@crstfrdrnt]

I didn't know she could be so much fun! loved the whole interview!

[@hilariousness6644]

This is her 2nd interview on Colbert. Watch the first one, she's just as amazing!

[@jayweh]

fun fact: emma thompson is married to willoughby from sense & sensibility.

[@HelgaCavoli]

Really??? Can't believe it. 😂😂😂 Man... That was unexpected.

[@cgill914]

ja weh Are you fucking kidding me?! That is incredible

[@tiermacgirl]

Just helping you out here: the internet is ugly so when you post “facts”, fun or otherwise, make sure you are not mixing it up with actual fiction.

[@cgill914]

ja weh not sure if you took my post as a negative? But I meant it to be positive... really didn’t know they were married, that’s so awesome

[@jayweh]

@@tiermacgirl are you talking to me? what's the problem? I think everyone here is capable of understanding that she's married to the actor who played willoughby. way to take the piss out of an innocent comment. 🙄

[@ASocialMediaConsumer]

There's something about the band, Stephen, and the set that brings out the most delightful interactions with guests.

[@2RiverPower]

Intelligent, funny, gifted performer. Loved her since introduction in Thompson her 1990s comedy show.

[@shetania]

Love Emma. She is amazing. And the fact that she can quote Twain's Mysterious Stranger! Whoo! Go Emma!

[@sarahp1954]

I see Emma and I click. I wish this interview was longer. She's so delightful!

[@jeanmyers1787]

She’s wonderful. Congratulations on your Dameship 💝

[@emmathompson8672]

Thanks for your love and support. ❤️

[@carolinaflor]

Emma Thompson is always brilliant! 😍👏🏼⭐️

[@Alia-bc3rc]

The almost-First-Lady-of-U.S.A herself!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@kingtchenka628]

Lol

[@joshuarodriguez1262]

Netflix we want a comedy special from Emma Thompson pls and ty

[@daviddavies3637]

"He's a lovely boy. I know his dad quite well." As if she's talking about someone who she sees in a pub once in a while.

[@cmarq817]

So smart, so funny, so talented, so elegant! The whole package!

[@thiagomaia2165]

WHAT A LEGEND!!! I love this woman, she is truly outstanding! Funny and brilliant at the same time!

[@davidcwitkin6729]

She's so funny and so amazing! LOVE HER

[@michaelheliotis5279]

Hearing Emma do that masterful accent, did anyone else have images of PS Budd as the _gorgeous_ police officer in her story?

[@geniemememe5936]

She made me cry in "Love Actually". Wow she is so awesome really.

[@linettelow]

Love Emma :D She's incredibly funny and entertaining. ♡♡♡♡ She once described herself as 'a cantankerous old bat', far from that, I gather - but a down to earth cheery spirit. Thank you for sharing this.

[@krisg6480]

If you’re not yet in love with this lovely creature go watch Sense and Sensibility. I guarantee you you will fall head over heels.

[@Satopi3104]

I’ve watched this every day since it came out. She makes me so happy.

[@seriliaykilel]

Two of my favorite people on the same stage - wonderful watch.

[@SnoozeAddict]

Amazing woman! Talented and genuinely a beautiful person inside and out!! Love her!

[@cleodello]

“It’s basically science fiction.” So good, so good.

[@GlennDavey]

Okay this is officially the best (prop-free) guest entrance on any late night show ever

[@NahlaAnwer]

She's so funny, eloquent, and just perfect.

[@doublefeature]

i love how they have made dancing together in her intros into a thing.

[@RuthShultz47]

Dame Emma is fantastically charming and oh what a naughty sense of humour! Absolutely love her!