"Who Will Make Me Better?" - Patti LuPone On Stephen Sondheim's Passing

Patti LuPone returns to The Late Show for a fascinating conversation that centers around her friend and mentor, the late Stephen Sondheim, who she lovingly describes as a "taskmaster" in rehearsals. Stick around to watch Patti perform a number from Sondheim's musical, "Company." #Colbert #CompanyBroadway #PattiLuPone
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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.

[@suchitramaagala3115]

Grief is so strange, when somebody talks about their loss, you end up feeling for them, with them.

[@janwag6856]

Empathy, it’s called empathy.

[@peerah]

It’s being empathetic, and as rare as it seems nowadays, being empathetic is to be human. It’s beautiful and it makes the world a better place to live for those whose feeling, for a moment, you bring inside your heart.

[@NewMessage]

She went off BECAUSE she's a lovely person... And she cares about her audience!

[@guozhirong_97]

The audacity to take off your mask, wave it in the air, and then cover your eyes with it. I hope that lady and her sleeping husband gets their asses kicked.

[@martytrueblood5902]

meh...she is a flake

[@JillKnapp]

Yes! And she also cares about her castmates. People just paid at least $100 to see the show, plus extra to attend the talk-back. Do these audience members realize that the performers rely on their bodies to earn a living? If a performer is sick, they cannot work. Could you imagine being the piece of shit who gave Patti LuPone covid and destroyed her lungs or throat because “mah freedum”? Why buy Broadway tickets just to be a shitbag? I’ll never understand it.

[@Insomniac_tv]

Entitled enough not to wear one herself she a hypocrite living in 2020 still

[@JillKnapp]

​@@Insomniac_tv News flash: Being an "internet shit-talker" is your way of convincing yourself that you're intentionally keeping people away by choice with your toxic sick burns and trolling. But unfortunately, your trolling isn't what's keeping people away; it's just that nobody wants to be around such negativity. It's not attractive. It's time to re-evaluate your life choices, my friend. Get offline and go volunteer for a cause you care about, or grow a garden, or adopt a dog, or create art, or take up running... something,... anything! You need a purpose in your life... because what you're currently doing ain't workin', son. Love, an internet stranger who knows you can do better.

[@rickym242]

i usually see patti as a diva or as too much but after seeing this, it made me realize how kind she actually is!! she yelled at the women for not keeping others safe!! and seeing her choke up while talking about sondheim was really sweet and heartwarming!!

[@erinenright598]

I can't even begin to express how deeply her question "Who will make me better?" hit me. I have met one person in my life who I have truly felt that way about and I can't imagine what it would be like to lose that person forever.

[@gogrannygo4431]

Her question hit me right in the heart. I had my friend for over 50 years. She got cancer and died. There has been no one to help me recover from losing her. Cherish your friend. ❤

[@handsomeguy2993]

Patti is the mouthpiece for all of us to the jerks who think they have the right to endanger everyone else. Love her!

[@Insomniac_tv]

So she’s entitled to not wear one? Lol the hypocrisy

[@rickrolled2765]

The problem is once the mask comes off, the whole thing is fucked. Trying to get everyone 100% on this task is futile. I just go to parks now. Fuck going out.

[@scottishphotographer]

@@Insomniac_tv She's entitled not to wear one in a work situation where the vaccine compliance and testing regime is as strict as it is for Broadway performers, musicians and crew; i.e. individuals must be fully vaccinated and tests must be carried out at least twice per week.

[@luxy8703]

Totally right, and full respect to her, for calling people out. What some people don’t get, covid isn’t over for people who have certain conditions and the world has moved on but some people are still at risk of dying if they catch it from people. Governments advice is just try and keep your distance from people if your at risk! Not very helpful, as they have told everyone else it’s business as usual!

[@vcrcnk666]

She’s the Queen Karen

[@Boobalopbop]

How is she 73??? Not that she looks so strong, healthy and beautiful… But her voice and energy! She is still on Broadway. Dang!!!!

[@cherylannebarillartist7453]

When grief enters the space…. our human collective responds ❤️🙏

[@jojoh8067]

I ❤️ Patti LuPone so much. Such talent with a willingness/need to stand up for social responsibility/her beliefs and ethics. Her piece with Randy Rainbow was just beautiful. Love her ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jojoh8067]

Fabulous, and beautiful. She’s a treasure.

[@aveinsaaty7318]

Looove her!!! She’s a QUEEN and killed it in Company 🥰🥂🍾✨

[@laalaa99stl]

Every now and then, a guest gives an answer that's so poignant and perfect that all Stephen can do is sit silently and nod. 😔

[@beaellie9766]

Imagine what Fallon would have done...

[@giselaw3518]

It is so important that we surround ourselves with people who will make us better. It is also important that we be open to the process of becoming better. Leaders of industry always espouse how surrounding themselves in such a fashion has propelled them through their careers. Patti thank you for sharing this part of your grief in the loss of your dear friend. Also, thank you for sharing your strength of character and your gift with the world.

[@michaelvilain8457]

I love her cackle. AND the Jungle Red Nail polish. So classic.

[@StorytellingHeadshots]

The version with Stephen and the others of that production was incredible, moving, and transcendent. Find it. Watch it. It's honestly the best version of Company I've seen.

[@lazynomad42]

I love how she calls out rude audience members.

[@Insomniac_tv]

Even tho she was the one being rude? Let alone a being a hypocrite

[@mr.monopoly0072]

@@Insomniac_tv ^^

[@scbtripwire]

1:32 Fuck yeah Patti! Love that she went off on the person like this.

[@MikesTropicalTech]

I saw "Company" here in Barcelona last week, directed by Antonio Banderas. I discovered that the dialog and songs are all in Spanish... My Spanish es muy mal so I just sat back and enjoyed the acting and dancing.

[@womenfrom0202]

That’s what normally happens in countries were English is not the mother tongue, but you now this being a Spanish speaker

[@ericminch]

There's also some music and singing in there if I recall. Surely that would have come through even in Spanish, wouldn't it?

[@matthewsheehan5950]

What a lovely amazing heart felt sentiment. Sondheim certainly made me better.

[@nlipschu]

A truly beautiful moment in time. It’s the remembrance that is gorgeous! 💜💜💜💜 a blessing to hear. Thank you Patti Lupone. May his memory be eternal ❤#Sondheim

[@leahmoore6820]

I love that Stephen listens to his guest. Such a simple thing.

[@scottnelson9781]

If you’ve not seen the New York Philharmonic with Mr. Colbert as Harry & Martha Plimpton as Sara you are missing out! They are comedy gold together!

[@LG-dj9qr]

Dame Patti. You have me crying. I am so lucky to have seen you many times on Broadway.

[@ianpatrick3589]

She called an idiot out! At last! No more giving mockers a pass.

[@Insomniac_tv]

The great social divide

[@jessicazaytsoff1494]

An amazing actor and person! Love her

[@Insomniac_tv]

Pure hypocrite!!!!

[@mmellon7921]

@@Insomniac_tv You can agree with the rules or not, but she's following them. Broadway tests all the actors every day, and requires that the audience wears masks, specifically so that the actors can perform without masks. Audiences make the small sacrifice of masking up for a couple of hours so they can watch the actors' full faces as they perform. Is it perfect? No. But reduces the risk to the actors in comparison to if neither audience nor actors were wearing masks. If you don't like the rules, don't go to the theatre for now, but following the clearly stated rules is not hypocrisy.

[@spawnofmelkor]

Patti LuPwned!

[@robinhahnsopran]

Such a genuine, wonderful, generous person and consummate artist! 💖

[@corpojp6624]

I just love Patti she is a legend .

[@merlapittman5034]

The Queen of Broadway - wonderful!

[@molleh3180]

Love Patti. Love the 2011 version of Company. Absolutely delighted when I got to see it in 2022.

[@adriennepender673]

I saw Company just a few weeks ago. Miss Patti was and IS brilliant.

[@momcatwoo]

I love her. God bless.

[@PatriceFitzgerald]

Saw her on Broadway in Company while it was in previews. Phenomenal.

[@asecondchancemusical5907]

How touching a response xx

[@wewper]

TBH, the anti-masker got away easy. It's not like Patti stopped the show cold in the middle of Rose's Turn to chew her out (Gypsy, 2009), and it's not like she had to beg for her phone back because Patti took it away (Shows for Days, 2015)!

[@Insomniac_tv]

She wasn’t wearing one either lmao

[@natureallmighty]

I love this woman! ❤️

[@bensmith9013]

Good for you Pattie

[@sugarcookiecube]

Love her!!! Patti doesn't suffer fools. 😘

[@suekelsey1329]

Thank you!

[@ultenhiemer]

I LOVED Patti LuPone as Yellow Diamond (Steven Universe)!

[@caldunn6272]

She will always be my Diamond 💛

[@g.e.v9836]

Will always love her as corky’s mom

[@collinkilloran5721]

I LOVE HER SO MUCH

[@professorfarmgirl9662]

LOVED her in Randy Rainbow's video!

[@kimakotrotman6860]

It's great to see her humbled.

[@JF-wn2yb]

I am on her side. Good for her for speaking up.

[@AlastorLover1205]

YELLOW DIAMOND!!!!!!!!! I’m looking up all SU characters and watching vid to hear their voices and how well they match up to hear characters in Steven Universe

[@milodelarue1895]

Ugh I love this woman.

[@ericbrammer2245]

Those 4 'Playbill' variants are awesome!! As someone who married (somewhat tragically?) a Thespian, I'm appreciative of those. I'm also in Awe of your Guest, Ms. Lu Pone!! Great 'lil insight of Her world! And, yeah, 'why would YOU wear your Mask Incorrectly, as 75% of N.H. Walmart Shoppers do? Did Ya Know, your NOSE also feeds your Lungs with Air?! Oh, they don't; Biology was Boring until they got to the 'sperm/ova' bit, I guess.

[@cynthiapena8126]

Yeah...Wal-Marts everywhere must be breeding these guys all overthe USA...lol

[@DneilB007]

You might be assuming a bit about people paying attention during the ‘sperm/ova’ bit...

[@chiefengineer488]

mouth breathers

[@msays1275]

Yes Absolutely 😃

[@douglassalexander6008]

Wow he got yellow diamond!

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

When Patti channels the no-nonsense lady, watch out. I so fondly remember her guest appearance on Frasier for that reason.

[@BeeApple-sr3db]

I'm from Huntington NY and Patti is well known there.

[@leoperegrino]

Stephen genius live with us

[@BeeApple-sr3db]

She is from Northport NY. A part of Huntington NY Township. 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@JM-zo5me]

Yellow Diamond!!

[@thebasementband8366]

Life is art art is life

[@antonomaseapophasis5142]

Reminds me of the famous line read: "Who do you think you are? Anyway?"

[@nickseebs5563]

She reminds me of Zarok from the 1998 video game, MediEvil

[@Jiddy12345]

My Diamond

[@Jiddy12345]

@Jon To what a remarkably irrelevant comment...

[@TheLemon333]

The best Evita by far.

[@barbarabain4303]

ICON

[@Mikeeinton013]

Where can we get those t-shirts? :D

[@gottasing7]

Today Tix.

[@lindaodd5667]

Where can I find this merchandise 👀

[@gottasing7]

Today Tix.

[@thebasementband8366]

Damn. Good looking

[@jeanwilson3752]

nice sax player

[@loranelson103]

What an intelligent, lovely and strong person. If women ruled the world. Sigh...

[@valsainking]

I loved this woman before, but now I love her even more if that's even possible. You go, Patti! Show those disgraceful mask shirkers where they can shove their entitled attitude!

[@RedBear535]

Was that Christina Hendricks in that photo?

[@elmerfudd5193]

There should be “Like” stickers given out in theater’s

[@Rain9Quinn]

How about, “you think the rules dont apply to just you?”

[@taylormhilliard]

What are you referring to?

[@Rain9Quinn]

@@taylormhilliard something Patti could have also yelled to the rebellious members of the audience not wearing masks 😷

[@thebasementband8366]

I’ve had to wear a mask still to this day.

[@dallasoleary187]

You can see what Sondheim's death meant to her performance. Without him, she forgot she's supposed to act in addition to sing (at least, based off of her performance at the Tony Awards). There was no longer any one to make her better and remind her to do both. Yet she still won the Tony. I think she did a better job acting during Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration.

[@patrickstevenson9775]

I thought at the time that she was a little extreme when she told these people off, but we know now that it was in fact half the story. The woman mocked the staff and deserved to be told off!

[@jonathanrio6587]

I would LOVE for her to yell, "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?" at me, but I would NEVER do anything to cause it...

[@dennisnolan5095]

Note to self.....or to anyone who ever has the opportunity to see Patti LuPone perform live. Do not piss her off. She will verbally fuck you up!

[@thebasementband8366]

It’s ok if I get Covid been in the hospital environment this whole time. Thanks b

[@808bigisland]

Good gracious 😱. This one needs a mandatory mask for life!

[@michaeldahmenART]

or.. just stay the hell home! ..people like this don't need to be out in public if they're so.. privileged.

[@rossbmartin7655]

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[@melissagroves2973]

Him availability is sure on Telegram username 👆

[@EzEzEz369]

Was she the alcoholic character at the airport in the Gene Hackman remake film Heist ?

[@jacovawernett3077]

I am a kind person most of the time until I'm not. 14 dead elementary schools children in Texas and one Teacher. I'm bothered.

[@jennytheredsquirrel9818]

all i hear is yellow diamond 😂

[@joycefuller8932]

Where is john

[@humblecharlie4383]

sondheim is a great songwriter and dramatic miniaturist. but his (overbearing?) influence damaged the growth of other younger songwriters of musicals due to their inability, for the most part, to shake his style (similar to sinatra's influence on male singers of the 50's). some of his musicals (like "assassins") were both boring and musically sterile. his desire to do something different with each new musical limited his writing powers (he could have written so much more wonderful music if only he had let go of his wanting to prove his "genius"by doing something different with each new musical that followed). doing something new is a good thing but continually doing something new is a creative strain. i think one of his greatest songs, "goodbye for now" was from "reds". and i think this constant/continual newness for each succeeding musical is what caused his eventually seeming sterility in his last years (akin to truman capote's "answered prayers" which proved capote's downfall).

[@treesny]

I don't agree that his desire "to do something different with each musical" was in any way connected with the limitations of his work. My problem has always been that I've found his work so fundamentally anger-driven: great for a subject like Sweeney Todd (probably his most satisfying musical), and for any number of individual songs throughout his career, but (for me, I must stress) a barrier to finding most of the shows satisfying. Certainly he brought incredible skill and talent to exploring territory - of neurosis, conflict, pain - that had barely if ever been touched in the American musical theater, but ultimately I'm not convinced by the shows, whatever incidental pleasures they bring. But I respect the fact that he followed Oscar Hammerstein's advice and wrote about what HE felt about most deeply, and to the extent that people find his work authentic, it's due to that commitment to finding his own path.

[@humblecharlie4383]

@@treesny there may be something to what you say, but i think that is part of theater which involves conflict and in conflict anger is involved in some permutation.

[@thebasementband8366]

Damn

[@thebasementband8366]

Just feels like these guys don’t get what I’ve been up to

[@notmarleysabio]

patti’s voice cracking and her having to hold herself together is so sad

[@nicholasschoonbeck6866]

What do you mean how did she get there? I think most of us are fed up with this.

[@thebasementband8366]

Ok

[@wexwuthor1776]

The mandate mocks us all.

[@rand0mdude779]

Karen

[@thebasementband8366]

That’s hollynwood

[@thebasementband8366]

Front line baby.

[@thebasementband8366]

No hunter s Thompson

[@ray24051]

You are really trying hard to get attention you must leave a very sad life.

[@thebasementband8366]

What would hunter say

[@waynespeers]

How selfish - "Who will make me better" - honestly - you are an artist - INTERPET!

[@thebasementband8366]

Us pedants

[@thebasementband8366]

F

[@Grippybananas]

We're way past masks at this point

[@nicoletrudell2065]

Broadway still requires masks, if you don't want to wear one, stay home.

[@thebasementband8366]

Not even a heath care worker.

[@GiarkReleos]

that makes no sense, there are people in the same room with mask and others without, hmm must be a two tier society in that room... Shame !!

[@taylormhilliard]

A two-tier society? You mean theatre policy that patrons agree to when they buy tickets? Lol

[@thebasementband8366]

What you got. Cooking

[@MM-cy1tc]

THAT WAS OVER THE TOP AND OUTRAGEOUS. SHE IS PRETTY TERRIBLE IN THIS CLIP. THIS WAS VERY VERY NASTY!

[@iTzYoMasterXX]

"Where's your mask?" Where's your mask hypocrite?

[@johndalton3180]

The actors are tested several times per day, including right before they go on. They don't have to wear masks. Many of the actors, including Ms. LuPone herself, have had to leave the show for extended periods due to testing positive.

[@iTzYoMasterXX]

@@johndalton3180 Fuck that! I see celebs and politicians partying with no masks on all the time! Rules for we but not for thee! Fuck that!

[@whittierdaddy]

@@johndalton3180 lmfao...hypocrites!!!

[@nicoletrudell2065]

The actors don't have to wear them, the audience does. Those are the rules, your opinion about the rules is irrelevant.

[@johndalton3180]

@@whittierdaddy No. When the person buys a ticket, they are told that if they want to attend the show, they must mask up. If they do not want to wear a mask, they don't have to go to the show. Because the actors are there to perform, they are tested many times a day, including right before they go on. There would be no way to do this with the audience, so that is why it's different for the actors and the audience. I know anti-masker people are stupid, but I'm surprised I had to explain that to you.