Nathan Lane Is Playing Roy Cohn, Donald Trump's Lawyer

Nathan Lane is starring in the seven-hour play 'Angels in America' as the attorney who helped shape Donald Trump into Donald Trump.
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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.

[@sogghartha]

This man is on fire! He shoots jokes like a machine gun. What an entertainer!

[@anacletwilliams8315]

I had the same impression. He must be on something.

[@linshanhsiang]

@@anacletwilliams8315 He's on this ancient drug called INTELLIGENCE!

[@anacletwilliams8315]

@@linshanhsiang Oh I see. That is a very rare drug. It must be very expensive. I'd say he's on something cheaper though with the same results.

[@jkn3712]

Kudos to Stephen for Active Listening and just letting Nathan Go!

[@Eleglas]

As if he could actually control Lane.

[@michaelmoore7975]

Sign of a veteran reporter/interviewer/interrogator: "Shut up. Let them riff."

[@louiseturner9811]

Here here

[@doubledragon9530]

Çomedy gold. Just imagine the set of "Bird Cage," with Nathan Lane and Robin Williams riffing off of each other. Ah, miss Robin, thank God Nathan is still here with us.

[@Kpink452]

Double Dragon yes was just thinking that

[@anacletwilliams8315]

Nathan Lane is pretty young. He's going to stay with us for a long time hopefully.

[@iChillypepper]

“You didn’t tell me Pumba was in the play ... I told ya he was Timon!” 🤣🤣🤣

[@Melik565]

"Apparently my driver was Dick Van Dyke..." That made me laugh so hard!

[@susancrawford5927]

Yeah, I got that too...most wouldn't.

[@rosamariamendoza1466]

Yeah, me too!!

[@Melik565]

That's the one!

[@christianfranz2686]

“Then you and up in Dublin because it took so long”

[@johnpelletier7641]

Nathan Lane is awesome. He is very similar to Martin Short - always is prepared. Always has great one-liners. Great charm.

[@jeffeastwood15]

After Marty, Nathan is my favorite talk show host.

[@johnpelletier7641]

I really miss Marty and Dave L.

[@bubujooestes1499]

John Pelletier Martin Short is no match for Nathan Lane.Short is more of an overkill , Lane is calm and collective and extremely easy humour.

[@scottsiegal6125]

Nathan lane is one of the most charismatic balls of energy I have ever seen

[@natalienovick1137]

this man, what a gem

[@k_a_y_l_e_e]

Protect Nathan Lane at all costs. What a treasure.

[@damiancameron5495]

Nathan Lane and Robin Williams in the same movie was one of the greatest parts of my childhood.

[@zoesmybaby]

thepsychologistvjdj You seem very young so I will not share the inappropriate phrase that perfectly highlights both your ignorance and unfortunate boldness which comes to mind when I read your comment. However, I will implore you to do at least a google search before you say something so asinine about such an acomplished and beloved living icon.

[@freshair3451]

kaylee hahahahahaha I love the way you phrased your comment. I totally agree.

[@BluesFanatic]

Mouse hunt is my favorite movie that stars Nathan lane.

[@freshair3451]

+Gamer I've never seen it. I should.

[@LPoper]

If I could start everyday with a little Nathan Lane how much more wonderful life would be! 💜

[@gabiluch87]

The Peacock/Elton John joke was hilarious hahahha I LOVE NATHAAAAAN

[@jasminee1357]

I absolutely adore Nathan Lane. I had the pleasure of meeting him(Matthew Broderick and Mel Brooks) briefly when they debuted The Producers here in Chicago and he couldn't have been nicer❤

[@mariagomezacebo]

You were lucky.

[@ycart3285]

What a beautiful person. We could all only hope to have so much grace and positivity as Nathan Lane

[@violetsnotviolence]

Nathan Lane is my emotional support peacock.

[@kamrongrant]

This comment and your youtube name make this entire clip! And I freakin love Nathan Lane so that is rather complimentary lol :P

[@NomNomNomi]

This.

[@kevinmansell8746]

he is better looking with age and grey hair

[@Lumibear.]

You can’t bring him on the plane, go flush him down the toilet.

[@RedCloudBeechWaveAhh]

your name, love it.

[@gypsysnickerdoodle4354]

Nathan Lane showed up PREPARED

[@k_a_y_l_e_e]

Yes he did! Yes. He. Did.

[@Libaws]

haha yes a bit too much lol

[@ambriaashley3383]

Bringin it like he always does. An admitted showman :)

[@kn9ioutom]

ALT RIGHT DELETE

[@mrc6182]

Hope so because the first 1:30 was disastrous (the worn out, tasteless Stormi Daniels schtick!)

[@dianalynne7648]

I wish every Republican in Congress would watch this and listen carefully to Mr. Lane's words about Trump's tactics. They're fools to continue supporting him.

[@richardmayora6974]

His performance in Angels in America is so brilliant. Unlike his predecessors, he plays Cohn without screaming through the entire performance. He has real power in those more quiet moments.

[@DCPhoto]

What a fantastic interview! Nathan lane is just the best entertainer!

[@telemarkaeology]

I have NEVER before seen a talk show guest as utterly in command as Lane is here. I am AGOG.

[@nTrophy]

"Angels in America" is a phenomenal play. If you've never seen it - do yourselves a favor and watch a 2003 HBO miniseries with Meryl Streep and Al Pacino. It's absolutely brilliant and easily in my top 3 HBO shows.

[@georgialerangis2123]

A National treasure, now an INTERNATIONAL treasure! Go NATHAN!

[@margoelizabethmiller]

Nathan Lane looks and talks like Stephen's crazy uncle!

[@kerricksanker3051]

margoelizabethmiller, they both look like uncles to me!

[@TheFavoringWind]

Nostradamus might not have seen it coming, but the Simpsons did.

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

i've always suspected there is a clairvoyant amongst those weirdo nerds in the simpson cartoon's team.

[@delfinotorres8981]

Time will tell ......time will tell....

[@em.4774]

Hehehehe mousehunt reference

[@amyreynolds3619]

Did they also see number 45 losing bigly to Joe Biden? #keepingitpositive #JoeBiden #KamalaHarris #BuildBackBetter #BidenWonDonaldLost

[@PeanutsAssorted]

There is absolutely nothing like those special interviews where Stephen clearly goes "I don't even need to be here do I?" cos he knows that his guest is going to provide the best TV possible

[@brooksashmanskas4516]

The BEST. I love Nathan, great great actor. Love him.

[@Xhoose]

This is why Nathan Lane is amazing. He is nonstop comedy XD

[@nkyoung1265]

Birdcage birdcage birdcage! !

[@firesign4297]

N Young 👏👏👏👏👏

[@telectronix1368]

Try more gum!

[@lesleylofthouse276]

Wonderful film .

[@yomilalgro]

Say it louder!!!!

[@data261]

He will always be Timon to me....love this man

[@StevenTorrey]

Nathan Lane is always a treat!

[@adelinas.7335]

“Angels in America at its heart is about both [the] necessity and inevitability of change. It portrays change as both inevitable, the world only spins forward, and fundamental to being alive. It’s what living things do. And then it ends with a very specific demand for change. Basically I think what it’s saying about change is that in the face of that inevitability and necessity we have a choice. We can try to resist change with all our might, the way the angels do or Reagan did or Trump is doing right now. But the consequences of that will be catastrophic. Or we can engage in the difficult and painful work of trying to change for the better. And the play finds hope in the idea that the change for the better, is actually possible.” ~ Issac Butler

[@banafshesharifian1361]

Calm Dust thanks for transcribing this i was looking for it in writing! So beautifully said!

[@cameronsipka3352]

+

[@brendar9363]

THANK YOU!

[@tcwright7544]

Wow !!!

[@telectronix1368]

Angels in America should be mandatory for everyone to read or see at least once.

[@Nick930]

All I hear is Timon

[@SelinaCat]

Then you really should watch more of his work. I recommend, The Birdcage

[@bearheart2009]

Who wouldnt want to be this guys friend? hes great!

[@umayanan]

Stephen is amazingly constrained, instead of taking obvious opportunities to extend the comedic elements from the guest.

[@Gorgula]

umayanan he is a skit and script writer not an interviewer.

[@voltcorp]

I feel Stephen doesn't really like the kinds of guests that interview themselves like that. It's a different vibe and he should learn to roll with it.

[@saitamatrash2527]

umayanan it’s more of a serious interview. He’s asking legit questions and letting them talk and answer.

[@djmotise]

If you saw the play you would understand why he would choose to remain more serious.

[@syphon_9892]

Stephen is funnier than Jon Stewart, Jon's humour is just lame

[@radhadevries2339]

Loved Nathan in "The Birdcage". So funny❗️

[@linengray]

Never a dull interview with Nathan Lane. If you ever get a chance to see him live on Broadway DO IT! He is on my list of "if you could have dinner with anyone".

[@indiablueravinemusicandbrm1348]

LOVE NATHAN A GREAT ACTOR

[@Katelyn3666]

Very entertaining interview. He's hilarious on-screen as well as off-screen.

[@johnbrocado1083]

the man's a genius

[@apophis7760]

A stable genius or just the regular kind?

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

+Apophis please. that donkey kind of genious only reserved for 45.

[@karengummer6657]

I love Nathan Lane. Need to see more of him!

[@awarje8035]

Love you, Nathan!!!!!

[@deborahlinton2714]

Love love LOVE Nathan.

[@Michaelartzer]

This is the most entertaining interview I've ever seen.

[@SeaTac411]

3:58 "Nostradamus didn't see that coming". Hey he said that in "Mouse Hunt", "He's Hitler with a tail. He's "The Omen" with whiskers. Even Nostradamus didn't see him coming!"

[@Bondek1996]

one line that I remember Lane for in that film is on the street: "The only way is down, baby, down!"

[@SeaTac411]

What the fucks your problem?

[@marylynngrant9895]

Sean McDougall it

[@cjdesantis2131]

Nathan just took the reigns of Colberts show like a boss.

[@sim33009]

I love Nathan J Lane. He is an unbelievable talent.

[@antlersgray]

"Change for the better is actually possible." -needed to hear this tonight. Thank you.

[@alienbacon656]

He came in he got out. He was laying down explosion after explosion in awesomeness in between

[@paulchurch2043]

Anyone else close their eyes and imagine Stephen is interviewing Timon?

[@Furiends]

yup. First thing I thought about.

[@jonathanlax734]

My bride & I saw Nathan’s performance in the Nat Theatre’s Angels in America via movie broadcast. He was brilliant at channeling that monster Roy C.

[@NotSoMax]

Nathan lane kills me... how did I not know about this comedy angel

[@crunchychips8123]

Nathan Lane does a perfect Joan Rivers impersonation.

[@Nxt6]

Crunchy Chips 😂😂😃

[@crunchychips8123]

Granted, I think they both took their share of cues from Jackie Gleason.

[@patriciahardin5482]

Nathan Lane is a wonderful actor in the "Birdcage".

[@DorothyPotterSnyder]

Wow. The writer he quotes is absolutely right. We can either change or die. That is where it's at.

[@mathieuleader8601]

I would watch a late night chatshow with Nathan Lane

[@vamanosninja4143]

I'm in love with Nathan Lane. I didn't think he could get funnier, then, "You didn't tell me Poomba was in the play!"

[@JJRush_]

*Armand Goldman: You do an eclectic celebration of the dance! You do Fosse, Fosse, Fosse! You do Martha Graham, Martha Graham, Martha Graham! Or Twyla, Twyla, Twyla! Or Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd! Or Madonna, Madonna, Madonna!... but you keep it all inside.*

[@murf0118]

Nathan Lane looks like he could portray Stephen Colbert in a play xD

[@SantaCruzJokerProductions]

Why does Nathan Lane look like he's cosplaying Stephen Colbert?

[@varp.]

What a wholesome person to listen to. I would love to hear him banter all day.

[@kennethhwang3425]

God, I might never be able to see Mr. Lane's interpretation of Roy Cohn but it must be hard for him, as a gay man, playing the most self-loathing homophobic gay man and overall miserable evil bastard in the history.

[@metalinl-a1128]

All Pacino is a tuff act to follow. They have Nathan clips from Angels. He did a good job

[@KittySYT]

"Celsius: Chewing gum helps me think. Albert: Sweetie, you're wasting your gum!" - Birdcage. 😂

[@1010120]

There is a video of a great argument between Roy Cohn and Gore Vidal on a talk show. Roy had just released a book defending McCarthy and Vidal was brought in to dispute him. It gives you a great example of what he was like.

[@bethstein3100]

I love you Nathan Lane. You are an amazing actor.

[@ChrisWolff2013]

No words to describe how awesome Nathan lane is.

[@sluttymctits4496]

Has a human ever existed that didn't like Nathan Lane? He may be the most joyous man to ever walk the Earth. 😊

[@mrrodgers0]

Even when he was playing Jack's deadbeat scammer "brother" on 30 Rock, he was insanely charming.

[@AceBobcat]

His mother...

[@zogyechi]

THAN WHY IS HIS FACE SO SAD?

[@reelreeler8778]

I'd be unsurprised if Fox News didn't like Nathan Lane. I can't say that for sure though, because I don't watch Fox News (for the same reason I don't eat from the toilet)

[@sluttymctits4496]

reelreeler - You don't know what you're missing until you try. 😉 Except for watching FOX News. That's a scientifically proven way to get Logic Cancer, among others.

[@LisaLGruman]

"Change for the better is actually possible." Thanks, Nathan Lane, for always being the light and spark that you are and for sharing these hope-filled words by the co-author of this play's oral history.

[@Theendofeverything7036]

I love 💕 him so much!!!!

[@synth_dahl4438]

I wish I could see Nathan Lane in Angels in America. I'm so glad they're reviving it, and Nathan Lane is such a sweetheart

[@simonvikhammer3777]

8:47 - imagine if Trump could tweet like this, yet alone speak like it, if only for 42 sec. i would not expect it every day, but just ONCE during his short tenure would be at least something.. "i know the best words" - then fucking use them!

[@YouFightLikeACow]

Timon!

[@moonchild.2209]

Nathan Lane is my favorite human

[@rogerthat5459]

Loved him in "The Birdcage"

[@jamesburns7863]

Just back for seeing Angles in N.Y........Absolutely AMAZING!

[@RedPandaStan]

I think I figured out why I like quarantine Colbert better. He phrases his interactions with guests as conversations, not interviews. Don't get me wrong, Nathan is amazing here, but it feels like it's not Colbert's show.

[@memoryhero]

This dude spits endless gold fire.

[@lucyk2371]

Omg! That is the best description a very long black mirror episode!! Yes! Im screaming in the streets and everyone keeps saying "fake news." Wow! Nathan Lane is a genious!

[@jakemarsing2615]

Lane is just so great. The definition of a showman. There’s a reason he’s easily the biggest draw on Broadway.

[@sparklemotion1018]

He's far from the biggest draw on Broadway. Nathan Lane was heavily advertised as appearing in this production. If he were the biggest draw on Broadway, I wouldn't have been able to get tickets for two people for both parts of this play for $86 each ($172 inclusive for 4 seats, 2 each for Part 1 and Part 2) for Saturday nights last Spring. The biggest draws don't discount because they don't have to reduce prices to fill seats.

[@MidnightSonnet]

I have the original Angels in America TV series on dvd. It was quite riveting.

[@ycart3285]

After watching this interview, I wanna watch it so bad. We watched like half an hour of it in a Theatre Appreciation class I took and I remember wanting to see the rest of it. I believe it is all up on HBOGo now, too

[@telectronix1368]

If you have the chance go to see the plays. The HBO miniseries is fantastic but there are elements that had to be cut out in the adaption.

[@geekgirrrl]

Mr. Lane what a GEM!!!!

[@elizabetha3936]

Someone take me to see that play. I will cherish those seven hours.

[@monicawylld259]

This is so good!! Thank you! '“Angels in America” at its heart is about both the the necessity and inevitability of change. It portrays change as both inevitable - the world always spins forward - and fundamental to being alive. It’s what living things do. And then it ends with a very specific demand for change. Basically, I think what’s it’s saying about change is that in the face of that inevitability and necessity, we have a choice. We can try to resist change with all our might - the way the angels do, or Reagan did, or Trump is doing right now - but the consequences of that will be catastrophic. Or we can engage in the difficult and painful work of trying to change for the better. And the play finds hope that change for the better is actually possible.” ~ Isaac Butler, quoted by Nathan Lane

[@gamepapa1211]

I miss Nathan Lane's backhanded compliments. Always loved seeing him do that in the movies. XD

[@caraward5493]

Nathan Lane will always be Timon no matter what!! ..Absolute legend!!!X

[@SAMZIRRA]

Nathan could and should play Don Rickles in a Bio-Pic.

[@Thigrandil]

SAMZIRRA who is Don rickles?

[@jeffeastwood15]

Google is your friend.

[@Tmanaz480]

Great idea!

[@demon515]

Yes!!!!!

[@robin2012ism]

Lane is a treasure.

[@leahcollins7598]

Genius!

[@erickoontz6835]

What a marvelous human being!

[@senoj.rednaxela]

Seven and a half hours of angst and emotion, "ya didn't tell me that PUMBAA was in the play!"

[@rilleyroggers3843]

Hopefully, the poors (such as myself) will be able to get to view this masterpiece.

[@LeeExe]

HBO did a miniseries back in 2003 with Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson. This version with Natha Lane and Andrew Garfield was filmed live also, when it was in london.

[@ChristheMad]

Vitor Lee You forgot Al Pacino. He's the one playing Roy Cohn in the HBO mini-series!

[@kpaterson9717]

Me too 😁

[@sparklemotion1018]

+Aly H If you have HBO it's online, free.

[@telectronix1368]

Vitor Lee - 2003? The world has gotten so terribly old.

[@jayviescas7703]

The HBO adaptation from 2003 isn't too bad either but I'm sure seeing it live with NATHAN FREAKING LANE would be a "bit" better. Will always love this show and Nathan Lane is always a win!

[@antmagor]

If only this was out on DVD, I loved Al Pacino’s portrayal of Roy. I would love to see Nathan’s.

[@chinookvalley]

Great words @ 8:45. Change for the better is actually possible.

[@liesljones5987]

The only current actor who I always look forward to seeing. ALWAYS a riot!

[@dailyelevation2813]

I'll never forget when Nathan Lane made me cry laughing with his crossdressing performance in Austin Powers. What a legend.

[@amandamyers186]

I love the look on Stephen’s face. “I have totally lost control of my own show.”

[@elizabethhinkle6517]

I love Nathan Lane

[@anovosedlik]

I love that the dad watch like 7 hours of Roy Cohn and all that was going through his mind was 'is it Timone or Pumba?'

[@ymichelledent7929]

Nathan Lane is so comically brilliant! He is so enjoyable to watch anything he does.

[@vitsavicky]

I am not one who enjoys theatre or plays, but that description around 8:45 makes me think I would enjoy this one. Because that is basically my philosophy: Change is inevitable, unavoidable. You might as well be the agent of your change rather than letting other people and events change you.

[@yomilalgro]

I wonder if Nathan ever knew how much he was loved... He is everyness💙👏♨️✔️🤩😍🥰😘