"It Doesn't Have To Be Perfect" - Peter Dinklage On Finding The Confidence To Sing In "Cyrano"

The amazing Peter Dinklage kicks off this two-part interview with details about his singing parts in the new film, "Cyrano," and how he managed to approach the gig with confidence. Stick around for part two of this fascinating interview with Peter Dinklage, followed by a performance of a song from the film! #Colbert #Cyrano #PeterDinklage
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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 Paramount+, 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.

[@linlouwho123]

Love him. When you don’t fit that classic actor mold, you have to be beyond phenomenal.

[@l1t7l3ph0o7]

I Know... He's so CUTE, Like an adult baby.

[@DevakiKhanna]

He's just great.

[@kurtsudheim825]

How's he not classic, he's virtually a British thespian

[@reidaemily]

@@kurtsudheim825 except…he’s not British

[@kurtsudheim825]

@@l1t7l3ph0o7 that's a bit demeaning, just because of his size

[@polemius01]

Every Dinklage performance that I've seen has been filled with nuance and insight.

[@melissalugo7553]

He's an outstanding actor!!! I love to hear him speak!

[@waynej2608]

I thought he was outstanding in The Station Agent. Also, playing the actor who was 'tattoo' from Fantasy Island. A fine actor. Looking forward to Cyrano. 👍

[@kurtsudheim825]

Maybe bar death at a funeral, that was just so awkward

[@ThomasR415]

Even his performance in Ice Age: Continental Drift as Captain Gutt and his performance in the Angry Birds movies as the Mighty Eagle?

[@polemius01]

@@ThomasR415 Oh dear, yet another reading-impaired person on the internet. You "assume" that I've seen those movies. And, as they are animated films, even if I did watch them, I did not "see" Dinklage, as he did voice work and did not appear on screen. Kindly get a clue.

[@MsAfroStar]

That clip was beautiful... His expressions say so much

[@canadianhappyinitalytruest6556]

I agree… his expression at the end was so loving and proud and melting all at the same time.

[@marshmallowdiptaco]

"Don't judge me and my Moderna" -Peter Dinklage 2021 I need a sticker that says that

[@rosehill9537]

Same.

[@TheKermit2110]

When you are so damn good you shatter the glass ceiling on actor stereotypes

[@tcu1099]

He's so poetic. I love that.

[@kaila2932]

I’ve known for a decade that he isn’t British yet it startles me every time

[@fiddleandfart]

Yes, his British accent in GOT is particularly good!

[@fiddleandfart]

Dinklage is extraordinary. His facial acting alone, in that clip, is so expressive!

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

Talk about RANGE !

[@SeldimSeen1]

Peter and his gifted acting is the best PR for any movie.

[@NellieKAdaba]

👍🏾 yes

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

I saw Mr. Dinkledge in NY at the Public Theater almost 20 yrs ago . He portrayed Richard The 3rd & had loads of stage presence. So glad to see his career has flourished👍

[@UnopinionatedBystander2393]

OH...I would've LOVED to see that!

[@Afrimusican]

@@UnopinionatedBystander2393 Same😒

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

@@Afrimusican Well, it WAS Richard The 3rd & that sucker( w/apologizes to The Bard) goes on for nearly 2 1/2 hrs ( w/ intermission) Also, some the actors weren't nearly as adapt at performaning Shakespeare as Dinkledge. Finally, if u know the play, Dick The 3rd loses his head at the end & it had a funny AF expression on it( which Dinkledge later joked about) which made me giggle( w/my hand placed over my mouth of course)Anyway,it's cool that I saw him perform live & even saw him walking to the theater w/his backpack. I almost wanted to say Hi & compliment him on his performance but he seemed in a hurry.( Though I'm sure he would've appreciated that 👍)

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

@@randomcommunist6276 Jealous?

[@raqueldusu]

“Still going strong” has to be one of his number 1 hits, along with “Space pants”

[@cleverusername9369]

You got Space Pants stuck in my head and I'm not mad.

[@stephaniec9539]

love space pants!!

[@canadianhappyinitalytruest6556]

Space pants!!!! I totally forgot about that! I actually bought space shorts when I saw some in a store, never wore them but would sing the sing very time I saw them int closet… now my kids use them to play dress up and THEY sing the song 😂

[@ggjohnson5754]

Loved space pants!

[@toomuchtimeonourhands2891]

My oldest has space pants. I play the clip every time they wear them

[@vabez00]

Lol, "Lady Moderna" was not kind is the most apt description ever! 😆

[@donsurlylyte]

Beatles?

[@alanpyne896]

@@donsurlylyte I'd say. Doesn't seem like Stephen caught it.

[@waynej2608]

@@alanpyne896 I think he did. Colbert is a huge Beatles' fan.

[@canadianhappyinitalytruest6556]

I know talking voices and singing voices can be very different but damn if he doesn’t have a super gorgeous talking voice. Can’t wait to hear him sing just to find out the rest!

[@candacen7779]

I had the pleasure of seeing him perform Cyrano in 2019 at a theater in NYC (a precursor to this film, I'm sure), and trust me, his singing voice does not disappoint.

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

he's a humble man, he can sing.

[@mrufino1]

His mom was a music teacher in the school system where I grew up, and his brother is an excellent violinist (I believe he is still playing in Hamilton on Broadway). Not surprising he can sing well.

[@love2learnmitchell329]

@@mrufino1 . Wow! That pretty great. Thanks for sharing that information with us😀👍🏽

[@kdub1242]

He can sing. He nailed it on SNL with "Space Pants."

[@m.maclellan7147]

Just not cracking up in that scene was amazing.

[@maggiesmith856]

Check out "Game of Thrones - The Musical" here on KZbin.

[@ellasmommy9278]

I love Dinklage. He manages to be the lead in every movie he's in. Tiny but fierce. Seriously, he has such a commanding presence in every movie I've seen him in. And he is hilarious in dry wit

[@garkr]

"He is such an angry little elf." hahahaha

[@natalyamartirosyan]

It’s called charisma :)

[@theduder2617]

This man is literally the only actor whose work I enjoy entirely. From seriously dramatic to outright hilarity, he can perform it all.

[@kurtsudheim825]

In "Death at a funeral" was just, so awkwardly perfect, both but particularly the British one

[@iadorenewyork1]

I like this actor a lot. I first took notice of him in LIVING IN OBLIVION.

[@silentjay01]

"The Station Agent" doesn't get enough love. I saw that movie on a whim when it came out and realized then that if he had been 6 feet tall, he'd have been a leading man in so many movies. I am glad that he is getting his due. He is one of the best actors of this generation.

[@Wizardofgosz]

First film I saw him in. Such a joy. I own it on DVD. Everyone needs to see it.

[@TheRomeerome]

Facts!

[@rachelpalm3688]

I remember actually saying out loud, "Now THIS is a FILM!" And he was so good in it!

[@windycityliz7711]

To this day one of my favorite top 5 films.

[@doloressaldana6834]

First movie I saw him in and fell for him hard both as an actor and a man.

[@brianmcmanus4690]

Love this guy...amazing actor. Props!

[@GlennTillema]

I've been following him as an actor since the station agent, absolutely brilliant!

[@m.maclellan7147]

Same. Saw that movie one afternoon off & was blown away.

[@natepoodle9132]

I think I saw at least part of that. He really blew up as an acting talent afterwards in later years.

[@noteanoshade7788]

You'd think my crush over him would be gone after GOT and yet here I am..

[@4knewt505]

Here we all are 💚

[@helenpatterson3858]

I also got my booster the day before Thanksgiving. Strangely I enjoyed my quiet solitude wrapped up in a warm blanket to keep the chills at bay. I found if you can keep still and warm you are less likely to suffer any muscle aches.

[@jessicalee3229]

and a lot of it has to do with your own immune system and tolerance. I tell ppl it literally felt like day 3 or 4 of my period... vertical, functional, but NOT HAPPY. All my sisters and female friends agreed, and all the men were horrified XD XD

[@TB-zc9jg]

He is smoldering! And I always ♥️ him in Elf. Will watch him in anything.

[@mullen25]

there are so many layers to this man and he conveys that so well as an actor. this is his gift and it's our joy to watch his nuance and process.

[@gabrielplattes6253]

Loved the Depardieu version, loved the Martin version... Let's go Dinklage! ✌️😄 Lookin' proper forward to this.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

I even liked the Wishbone version.

[@gasp1gasp1]

I watched the french Depardieu one and no english version can top that comedy

[@Babesinthewood97]

Yes, and Joe Wright directed it. Looking forward to it

[@waynej2608]

Why is no-one mentioning the Jose Ferrer version. He won the best actor oscar, for playing Cyrano. It's an older film, but my personal favorite. I'll have to catch this new one. Peter is a remarkable actor.

[@t.l.haworth5867]

@@waynej2608 Yep, pretty much came here to say that. Jose Ferrer was my introduction to Cyrano in all its iterations and I cry every time I watch it.

[@ebybeehoney]

Two minutes in and I'm laughing out loud at work! "Don't judge me, and my Moderna." And I LOVE that Nina Simone was the first singer that came to his mind...

[@skylerm9540]

I just saw Cyrano and have been a GOT fan. Peter Dinklage will be, if not already, an actor of this generation. Incredible actor.

[@b3z3jm3nny]

Glad the descriptions start saying which is part 1 vs part 2 of the interview!

[@michellegermaine2942]

He sings like a mixture of Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen 💕 Its glorious. Saw him do Cyrano in New York 2 years ago. It was the best thing I've seen.

[@meemeezong1827]

I really enjoy watching Peter Dinklage in movies. He’s a wonderful actor.

[@laurakali6522]

I saw him perform this play in a very small theatre in Connecticut a few years ago. He was about ten feet away from me……so awesome. Everyone forgets his movie The Station Agent….a must see.

[@m.maclellan7147]

First thing I saw him in. Was raving about the movie and him to anyone who would listen.

[@Justme-ok3bf]

Peter is amazing! Cannot wait to see Cyrano!

[@ligeiaztomb2755]

I saw him do Cyrano live when he did the show in NYC.... he was FANTASTIC.

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

Peter Dinklage is intelligent. Would like to see him in actor to actor discussion with Benedict Cumberbatch or Tom Hiddleston.

[@Babesinthewood97]

Yes! I’d watch that with a cup of tea

[@velardechelo]

People always confuse confdence with intelligence

[@TabethaAurochs]

If you haven't seen "The Station Agent" - just an absolutely phenomenal film in every way.

[@vmwindustries]

Peter is amazing!

[@bdp8102]

So happy to see that the debacle that was the last season of Game of Thrones has not stopped him. He gave so much to that show (expecially in his wonderful performance at the trial) and the writers turned it into a dumpster fire. But he's too good not to shine on his own.

[@jlbueno0611]

He was already a big superstar before game of thrones ... haven't you watch elf?

[@bdp8102]

@@jlbueno0611 no, but I did watch both Funeral party (or parties) and it's true, he was always great ^^

[@HeadCannonPrime]

I too had my booster the day before Thanksgiving. My wife's brilliant idea. We both went. Thanksgiving was...sleepy.

[@youtube_user]

What an amazing actor. What a nice person to talk to. It felt like everyone relaxed and listened carefully to what he had to say. Thank you for this great interview!

[@samionita2008]

Peter Dinklage is a golden man.

[@marysumthingabout]

I love him. He is an incredible actor and he's compassionate towards animals. He may be shorter than the average but he has a bigger heart than most.

[@sallyforth7232]

He's so cool. Love him. Brave man.

[@ezzellchic]

I would love to go to diner with Peter. He's handsome, smart and, a great conversationist.

[@maggiesmith856]

His wife wouldn't like it.

[@MadAboutBrows]

@@maggiesmith856 she doesn't like him having friends? How odd. Or you're projecting toxic aspects of your "ownership" style monogamy

[@Ktr-1142-ema]

Best peter dinklage quote” f you and the mustache you rode in on “

[@jennyjennjenn2392]

Dusty Dunes... Yes!

[@Ktr-1142-ema]

@@jennyjennjenn2392 knights of badassdom

[@domaniac9119]

Somehow, his greatest performance as Sir Hung the Magnificient in Knights of Badassdom is always swept under the table.

[@-oiiio-3993]

Space Pants! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6jTnqSDo9OaiM0

[@NorthwestAeronaut]

Stephen has always been a great singer… ever since his college a cappella days with the group “here comes treble” 😁 broccoli Rob!

[@toniecat1028]

Is it wrong that I'm TOTALLY turned on my Peter Dinklage? Nope? GOOD!!

[@MrJimheeren]

Please lady. Have you heard that voice

[@alevehrz4314]

That voice... Oh my! ☺️☺️

[@joonjiguk]

He is such a terrific actor! Absolutely enjoy seeing his work

[@kassistwisted]

So happy he called out Cyrano de Bergerac for being catfishing. If you put it in a modern context, it's not romantic at all.

[@BeeWhistler]

True... the way she initially reacted when she found out the truth in Roxanne was a lot more appropriate. Still love Cyrano though.

[@paulbismuth10]

It's a tragedy. Beautiful but not really romantic.

[@lacountess]

Omg, I just realized that and it’s no longer romantic. The poor woman was lied to by both of them and in the end loses a lover twice.

[@kurtsudheim825]

As usual that's an if... bit it's not a modern tale, there wasn't a thing as catfish back then. It's also more often the how than the what in which way you might see something

[@amypoole2464]

I don't see it as catfishing though because he wasn't doing it out of malicious intent. He's in love with his friend and when he finds out that she is in love with another he wants her to be happy so he's going to do what he can to make that happen because he loves her. If that means living vicariously through the dimwit she's chosen then so be it. It's more of a tragic tale of caution then romance.

[@misskasi8406]

Love you Peter ❤

[@THMILLER]

Great actor

[@bonnierobinson8684]

Can't wait for this film!

[@elisam.o9391]

Saw the trailer a couple months ago and I’ve been soooo excited ever since!

[@ingridschmid1709]

Peter is at least an on par creative actor "monster" with Depardieu, I recall some underestimated European productions he took part in back in the days . I'm not sure Depardieu still is up to the game but if he were I'd love to see the two of them share the stage.

[@joostvanputte]

He was amazing in the original (UK version) of Death at a funeral!

[@agyos]

Stephen! Many of us remember that Christmas special on the Colbert Report…in which your singing was really wonderful! I am now looking forward to seeing Peter in Cyrano, as I am sure he is also wonderful!

[@parnelpospahala6087]

Such a big soul on a small form. Love this man!

[@jobethk588]

I've loved him since I saw The Station Agent.

[@deedeeannash]

Cyrano has been one of my favourite things since childhood. I'm so glad to see it made again!

[@christopherfiore960]

My first introduction to Peter Dinklage was with Living in Oblivion which was just, such a treat! Awesome seeing an actor with such intelligence and (seemingly) integrity succeed!

[@marisolgarcia3123]

Peter such a class actor and person ❤️

[@badbiker666]

I will DEFINITELY see Dinklage's Cyrano. I am more impressed every time I see a performance of his. Plus I love the story.

[@analorente9781]

Peter is very very good.... In every work he do... For me is wonderful 🌹🌹😊😘

[@teenygozer]

Classic Comic books was how I was introduced to Cyrano.😁

[@donaldstarkey1032]

Love this guy! Such a great actor

[@MichaelLasotaWheresWaldo]

Station Agent was brilliant.

[@chantellerosebud1780]

Peter comes across very likeable, charismatic and funny. I have only seen him in GOT and was very impressed with his flawless English accent (I’m English and had no idea he wasn’t native!) I will be watching some of his other work. Great actor.

[@roxanne1231]

Peter Dinklage is awesome! Loved him in GOT - and in person he is hilarious and clever!

[@t.p.w.6343]

Nina Simone has a fantastic out-of-this-world voice.

[@FastNBulbous]

Peter Dinklage is one of those actors where his interviews only reinforce what a great actor he is. In real life his speaking cadence, mannerisms, and general mood are the polar opposite of the people he plays. Jack. Nicholson and Harrison Ford are two other actors that come to mind that are like that. Then you think of Ryan Reynolds or something and they essentially play a version of themselves most of the time.

[@wideawake5630]

Two fineass men on that screen and a boatload of talent.

[@Stacy55ish]

A brilliant actor.

[@Yasumi_Hoshikawa]

Bless his moderna-infused soul and his can't-be-assed singing voice. the movie was classic, charming with a lot of cheese and I cry just remembering the soldiers' song and raw emotion of the whole thing.

[@matthewcowles6031]

Peter Dinklage is legendary

[@nicomoreno5028]

This guy is one of my favorite actors. R.I.P. Dinklebot!

[@Katseye102]

I love Peter Dinklage! He’s a great actor!! He’s amazing!

[@sharonlefkowitz22]

Saw James McAvoy play this role and he was fantastic. The little clip I saw here with Peter Dinklage really seems very good and interesting. I hope to see it.

[@KMarik]

Tyrion Lannister was my favorite character on GOT. He is a great actor.

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Love Peter. Fine actor. Need to rewatch The Station Agent. Totally go for smart sensitive men.

[@michaelvilain8457]

Really looking forward to seeing Cyrano. I think this is the first film I've seen him in where he SMILES.

[@nancydrew1882]

I love Peter Dinklage! He’s a phenomenal actor!😀

[@warfighterarmy]

One of my favorite Actors.

[@krisfrederick5001]

No one really talks about it but The Station Agent is one of my favorites of his. Edit: AND Stephen literally names it first, I have to leave this now...lmao

[@daniellamcgee4251]

It's also a good idea to read comments before commenting. :)

[@krisfrederick5001]

@@daniellamcgee4251 I shoot from the hip, sometimes into your own foot. It was too funny to pretend I didn't

[@lexslate2476]

Not everyone knows this, but in most of Peter Dinklage's appearances on film some advanced camera tricks have to be used to make him fit on the screen. He's only appeared at his normal size once, in Avengers: Infinity War.

[@cynthiahernandez3598]

who freakin cares!!!!!

[@JeanPierre7788]

@@cynthiahernandez3598 Lol. You didn't get it.

[@bjoardar]

@@cynthiahernandez3598 You totally misunderstood that xD

[@x21blaze21x]

@@cynthiahernandez3598 hahaha she doesn’t get it!

[@jessecarliner7733]

@@bjoardar Doesn't just not understand but tries to seem aloof. Total fail.

[@maroosk]

He's awesome, can do it all.

[@realchudi]

Honestly, that Moderna booster is rough. I thought I was the only one

[@ShawnsterVideos]

The Station Agent is still one of my fav films, ever.

[@specialpatrolgroup92]

He is a very good actor, he managed to make his last speech in GOT actually sound meaningful and impressive... until you actually digested the words.

[@alexdasliebe5391]

Talented actors can go beyond their writing

[@robpol4674]

@@alexdasliebe5391 there are no small roles, just small actors. Peter is both a great and a small actor at the same time

[@zoulikam.9379]

Depardieu version. Only and forever. Will be really hard to beat it. Perfectly played and filmed.

[@endgamefond]

OMG he's legend!

[@chanandlerbong2477]

Peter Dinklage and David Hyde Pierce could play bothers in something they look that similar

[@MB5rider81]

Willow 2...?

[@fiddleandfart]

Now that's funny!

[@lashropa]

My Hero. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

[@sanstar2007]

I adore Peter Dinklage!

[@cjs5740]

He is one of the greatest actors on screen.

[@PainCausingSamurai]

I'm glad Peter Dinklidge is getting roles that show off his talent.

[@brettmeikle]

He likes his Blunnies - cool! Cheers from Tasmania!

[@akadayana]

He’s one of those people that you just want to be friends with and hang out. 😊

[@darthvirgin7157]

The Station Agent is still my favorite performance of his. but his versatility was clearly demonstrated in both versions of Death at a Funeral. he plays the same character with just a hint of difference between movies. and both funny.

[@susanr5546]

Peter Dinklage is one of my favorite actors. I look forward to seeing his Cyrano, a favorite of mine. Ah, then he mentions singing and soul and mentions the superb Nina Simone!

[@oobrocks]

Terrific actor!

[@jmhjelm]

Agree that the Depardieu variant of Cyrano is worth watching. The last scene is heartwrecking.

[@dyskelia]

I missed this dude so much 🥺

[@delrey874]

I love him 👍