Why James McAvoy's "Cyrano" Doesn't Have An Oversized Nose

In James McAvoy's version of the stage play, "Cyrano de Bergerac," playing now at Brooklyn Academy of Music, the title character doesn't have a huge nose, and the star explains how that allows Cyrano's inner sadness to come to the surface. #Colbert #Cyrano #JamesMcAvoy
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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.

[@susannjarvis5587]

Thank you, James McAvoy, for such a deep and moving insight into the character of Cyrano de Bergerac. And thank you, Stephen Colbert, for allowing him the space in which to make those observations.

[@lorettapoat747]

Appreciated hearing an insighful interpretation with such depth and weight. Wow!!!

[@ryanm4319]

I’m gonna need like a week to process all that lol

[@rstainsbury]

LOL! Stephen couldn’t get a word in edgewise!

[@julietchristen]

Stephen is really upping his game...loving that he usually only talks to one person a night, and asks the most insightful questions that provoke these kinds of answers....

[@kurtsudheim825]

The whole point is how troubles a character he is, regardless of his flaws, it's what makes great stories

[@julianlora_]

This is a proper talk show. Let the guest freaking talk. Great points on the play and the characters.

[@Sadielou001]

Colbert’s greatest strength as an interviewer is his sixth sense to meet the guest wherever they are. His intellect is a match for any guest and when he finds one like James McAvoy who is comfortable expounding on the meaning of Cyrano, Colbert easily goes right along with him. Let’s hear it for thought provoking interviews.

[@DizzyBusy]

Seth Meyers has the same ability. He can easily converse with Machine Gun Kelly as with Michelle Obama and with Hanya Yanagihara. Even with Kellyanne Conway. Colbert and Meyers are currently my favourite late night hosts

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

Absolutely. Well said!

[@DAS1962]

Grow up - Please .. Colbert like all US shows agrees with guests exactly what the questions are prior to the show. If you want spontaneity then go to Europe.

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

@@DAS1962 Yes, we're all well aware of that long known fact, thank you, David. The point being made here is that Colbert has a special touch in the way he lets a guest expand on a story, and can equally coax more out of someone who struggles with being able to do the same. Don't thing Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, and their I'll don't have pre-approved questions, btw. All celebrities require it before they will agree to go on their shows.

[@realrachelleakuffo]

That space to let an interviewee breathe life into their work/passion vs an interviewer trying to show off how prepared they are is a dying, masterful skill. Fantastic interview.

[@xochitl597]

Fantastic. So lovely to hear an uninterrupted, thoughtful analysis of a theatrical production on a late night show. Wish I could see it!

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

It’s what he does… and also potato.

[@psammiad]

He's a gifted actor, but also I think British actors are often more skilled because they almost always start in theatre, and routinely switch between theatre, films and tv. Hollywood stars really only do movie acting, which is quite limited and you actually don't get much acting time - perhaps a few hours of shooting a day if you're lucky, for half the year. Theatre actors do 8 live shows a week, it really hones your acting skills.

[@GlennDavey]

@@psammiad "do it a lot" is good advice for anyone wanting to get better at something

[@sallyatticum]

I saw it on National Theatre Live, so surely it is streaming somewhere. (I think it might have been the last thing I saw in the theater before the pandemic hit)

[@MOBayakissa]

@@sallyatticumyou have?? Can’t find it anywhere now.. would you have a link maybe ?

[@kasondaleigh]

McAvoy is very eloquent. I wish I had heard this interview as a teenager. My big nose tormented me and my anger crippled me for years. This interview really hit home. Thanks!

[@poppyseed890]

You just gotta love James McAvoy for presenting such a deep analysis in such a casual way. I guess he would be a great teacher.

[@assholable]

No need to guess. He was a guest lecturer at Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama....and his lectures never had empty seats and people had to reserve for months in advance. I remember a bunch of guys came all the way from Munich and camped outside the grounds the night before to get seats. And his lecture was damn worth it.

[@Alexis84DE]

I’m impressed with his eloquence and sharp analysis, I could listen to him all day ❤️

[@user-tt5xj5ib1e]

You can always tell a great interviewer by the way they actually let their guests speak and tell the story :)

[@daverabiteau6450]

That's why I can't stand Jimmy Fallon!!

[@AA-qb7ni]

James is super talented. One of the best actors around right now.

[@klrklr116]

Agreed!

[@theart3813]

Ever! ❤️‍🔥

[@IndieRockerHippy]

One of the best around for yeeears ♡

[@FONASDeadlock]

Amazing the difference it makes to an interview when you have a clever, educated and engaging guest.

[@stellamantikou4978]

I am here to maturely confirm that James McAvoy is the king of everything.

[@AA-qt1hi]

I too am maturely confirming that!

[@kyliec6723]

Hmn...why does my mind instantly conjure images of McAvoy as Dr Garrigan in The Last King of Scotland? I must be about due to watch him..er..it..again.

[@sophiesoapbox]

Such a profoundly eloquent description of the story. Bravo James. 👏

[@aw4925]

James McAvoy is one of Scotland's/ Britain's greatest actors. Very intelligent and talented in bucket loads

[@jbtpa895]

All interviews should be like this. Wonderful to actually hear eloquence. Explains why he is such a wonderful actor.

[@simmsquee]

Wow that's incredibly insightful. The nose doesn't actually need to be literal at all! What actually gains Cyrano so many enemies and isolates him is his cutting wit and openness with his opinions. His differences are self evident with no need for a physical display of his other-ness.

[@firstbluethenred]

I call bs! It was never literal, but it's a story, so it being physical is kind of essential to the character's... character. They just did this because Hollywood can't handle ugly.

[@ameliecarre4783]

@@firstbluethenred what does Hollywood have to do with it ?

[@firstbluethenred]

@@ameliecarre4783 Using it as a term to depict the standards the Hollywood Film Industry promotes.

[@kefinkamed]

@@firstbluethenred Personally, I appreciated that they didn´t do the nose. It´s mentioned in the play and we all have sufficient imagination to picture it. As to the "ugly", I can assure you that with that buzzcut, McAvoy is as far from his more physically attractive self as possible. But he still manages to seduce the audience which is kind of the point of the whole thing.

[@firstbluethenred]

@@kefinkamed Being physically repulsive is at the core of who Cirano is, "just ugly enough" for the camera is undermining the challenges the character had to go through. I get he doesn't look like Brad Pitt in "Meet Joe Black", but it's still too far off from what cripples Cirano and makes him feel that way about himself, the cutting wit being something he has to develop due to his "disadvantage". It's tailored for the american viewer, too clean to feel real.

[@mithakarai]

I've been a fan of James McAvoy for about 15 years now, and he never ceases to amaze me. Such a great actor, such a humble man, and such an insightful human being. I wish I can see your play, James. But, I live in South East Asia, so... 😅

[@kyliec6723]

Sadly, most of us around the world need to settle for viewing the NT Live recording. If you hunt around on the internet, you can still find it - maybe start with this search: totally not cyrano de bergerac with james mcavoy with Английский - enjoy!

[@mithakarai]

@@kyliec6723 Wow, thanks for sharing that! :)

[@kyliec6723]

PS I should probably clarify that I would totally pay to buy the NT Live video, or to attend a theatre screening in Australia, if either opportunity arose.

[@octopu5ie]

I am in East Asia (very near southeast Asia), and thankfully, watched Cyrano in 2021 via this live screening of a recording of the play! Professionally produced by National Theatre :) it was really cosy and intimate, in a cinema house of maybe under 50 people. And I assure that the sound mixing really brought out the musicality and linguistic spark of this modern adaption. Hope you can try to find it...! :)

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

Wow - what a great analysis of Cyrano. I've read Cyrano several times and he brought new light into how I might think of the character.

[@katehall2027]

Wow, what an amazing interview. One of Stephen's skills as an interviewer is knowing when to be quiet and let the guest speak, and that really shines here. James's interpretation of the character is deep & poignant and I'm glad we all got to hear it.

[@herenowatthemoment]

Beautiful interview. Wellspoken and thoughtful. Saw a screening of the play at the cinema ans it really is astonishing. Great work from all the cast.

[@kryss.4725]

It's not often that a guest is the intellectual equal of Stephen. Hats off to you, James, that was beautiful.

[@npeliroja89]

James is one of the best actors of our generation! I love hearing his analysis & explanation. I can’t wait to see the show at BAM!

[@kefinkamed]

To all of you, if you can, take yourself out and go see Cyrano. I’ve seen it 3 times (for two of those, I flew to London specifically for this show), it’s absolutely EPIC and McAvoy is a force not seen on stage for quite some time ❤️❤️❤️

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Yes! For years I have longed to see a handsome Cyrano so that his obsession with his nose could be seen as the defective thinking it is. At last an insightful production has arrived!

[@petiewolfe3]

Elegantly explained by James about the character he plays.

[@ktom5262]

Kudos to Stephen for not interrupting his guest.

[@fearlessmadamex5685]

So eloquently said. He's so awesome!

[@scpitts]

He's such a good actor and does so well honing his craft. 👌🏻

[@reamus9102]

Stephen: "So, about that nose..." James: Takes a deep dive character analysis about the nature of society and one's place within it, and the objectification of fellow human beings by those of us with our own self-worth issues. Stephen: Well...that was an easy interview, thanks for being with us today 🤝 !

[@theanormalsomeone5557]

OMG I THOUGHT IM THE ONLY ONE WHO REALİZED THAT. I mean, it's good Stephen let jamesy talk but come on, he brought a new light to this nose issue thing and I LITERALLY found out.. I wasspeechless.. and Stephen said that, seriously? Anyway I love ma jamesy boi a lot

[@brandymontgomery8315]

I absolutely love him! As an actor and a storyteller! ❤️ he’s a treasure ( and not bad on the eyes 😏)

[@scottlessieur9725]

One of the most brilliant explanations of Cyrano. Thanks James.

[@ericthompson3982]

What an absolutely brilliant read on the characters and story. Love it.

[@suninmoon4601]

I think he left Steve speechless 🤣🤣🤣

[@akanshapandey5938]

He absolutely did. He kinda looked like he'd forgotten for a moment what was he supposed to say to close the night :)

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Wow! What a beautiful critique of his work. So nice that Steven let him present it so eloquently. That makes him a great host. James is so remarkable, and so down to earth. Respect.

[@sydneycrutch]

I love how Stephen allows him to talk and doesnt press on with questions that may or may not add value to what hes already sharing. Beautiful interview.

[@Haleshere2123]

I was lucky enough to be able to see the show with James in it during its London run...it is an absolute masterpiece. His acting skills are incredible and the flow of the writing is just phenomenal. It's a beautiful production.

[@mmariedennis]

"That's someone's gem." So true.

[@digitalbanana1]

That was beautiful the way James described his character

[@lucillecui1363]

Great analysis of the moon distraction thing that Cyrano did in Act 3! Thanks, James!

[@marydonohoe8200]

Boy, would I love to see this version. After this interview, I’ll watch any version with new eyes. Thanks, James and Stephen!

[@robertofontiglia4148]

So so proud that for once, I get to enjoy this play in the original language, and the english-speaking audiences are the ones who get a translation. But I bet it's amazing, and I love James McAvoy's insight into the play. It's really great !

[@mjmt2010]

I love this McAvoy boy! I've lived 17 years in Scotland (mostly Glasgow) and I still hear the pure Glasgewian in him!

[@clothilde1623]

I’m from Edinburgh and he still sounds like a Weegie to me too!

[@rinaliu]

God I always love his mind and soul so much. What a passionate, devoted and clever actor. His insight about performance and about life is equally profound.

[@kamencrux5802]

Amazing. His interest in his work shows immensely in this interview. Also, anybody else see his cameo in The Bubble? I died, it was so funny.

[@KatieKruger8]

I’ve seen it twice now and every time it just flays me wide open. Nothing has ever broken my heart more than this play.

[@AntiqueLanternPro]

VERY pumped to see this interpretation. Been the biggest Cyrano fan since I first saw José Ferrer and I've yet to watch something where I've been bummed with McAvoy. Let's make some dreams come true and get this show on the road! I hope this doesn't turn into a thing I don't get to see because I'm not in the right city at the right time.

[@Klaymour28]

Hes one of my most favorite actors~

[@catherineheaney1470]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Amazing. Love both these men What character analysis by James!!

[@Drum4Sanity]

what a beautiful description of his character. wow

[@pabloalvez915]

James is the real king of Scotland. I wish his Cyrano will be as good as Depardieus, which is a tough one to beat. One of todays most versatile actors.

[@kyliec6723]

I've not seen Depardieu's Cyrano but McAvoy's is spellbinding. Even in the NT Live recorded version - which is the only option available to most citizens outside the UK and USA.

[@fionabrown1739]

It is, just different.

[@stephanieb8756]

The play was amazing.

[@tasintamron]

Beautifully said! I’ll be coming from Chicago to see this play at BAM and I can’t waiiiit.

[@realrachelleakuffo]

Saw James in the London run of it. It's exquisite!!! At one point in Cyrano's monologue I literally stopped breathing, clutched my invisible pearls and gasped afterwards. Mesmerizing.

[@aishamuze]

Love the way he articulated this xo

[@GlennDavey]

You don't need the nose, it was always just a physical manifestation of "whatever holds you back in life". Most times it's just our emotional dispositions and our minds that holds us back from being fully connected with others, nothing odd about our appearance.

[@elizabethogle4568]

I am going to NYC this weekend to see Cyrano. I am beyond excited! I saw this show in the theater January 2020, the last movie I saw for that year. I told myself if I ever get the chance to see it live, I will and here I go!! :D

[@rehtaeh77]

My friend and I still talk about seeing his version in theaters right as Covid was about to hit hard and it was just absolutely amazing! It was very evident that he didn’t have the big nose because it was a lacking in his own self worth instead of some obvious thing that didn’t go with societal norms. Great play and great performances all around!

[@carolf72]

This interview was not long enough! I wish the podcast had longer versions of the interviews. Still ❤️🥰

[@busy_raccooon]

love to see this play finally getting the attention it deserves

[@carlychamberlain4237]

Now that's an insightful actor ❤✌️

[@jeromejr1977]

He is soooooo phyne!!!!!

[@whataboutbrittany]

Just got back from seeing this play. Brilliant performances all around- a fantastic experience.

[@catw6274]

So eloquent! Didn't think I could admire him more.

[@rienjen]

"Someone will love you BECAUSE of that nose." Well put, James, and he's 100% right. Just because you aren't for everybody, doesn't mean you're not for somebody.

[@ignaciaforteza7731]

Like Cyrano, without the big nose, being confined in a moonlight dream where the poetic side can expand and protect your creativity… Then being a dreamer is a blessing. Good luck with Cyrano. May the poet in you succeed.

[@Yasumi_Hoshikawa]

Great takes from McAvoy, much respect

[@shaniquawhitfield94]

He's got that Daddy Day eloquence, its so amazing

[@fracturedopal]

OMG did anyone else clock this man arriving in the car in the show Shameless and go "OMG this man is a star"? Because I did. Not that I think I'm the only one who can see star power, because of course the nature of that kind of charisma means everyone can see it. But the journey is still amazing.

[@daniellemurphy3910]

Please make this a movie for those of us who can't come to see you.

[@kyliec6723]

If you hunt around on the internet, you can still find the NT Live recording - maybe start with this search: totally not cyrano de bergerac with james mcavoy with Английский subtitles

[@melissaburke5682]

I have always said beware the man who can make you laugh because they have one foot in your bed but … it’s really beware the man who can speak with passion about what he does who really deserves a place in your bed. Holy cow, James McAvoy! ❤️

[@LadyJoolree]

I saw this production 3 times and would see it a 4th if i could. It was hands down one of the best plays I've ever seen. I'm so glad they kept the UK cast, and i do hope it was received well in the US.

[@joanneweiss3864]

Just watched Dinklage's brilliant Cyrano❤️👍 This really explains the person & the play even better! Sure I wish I could see it!

[@reginaromsey]

Wonderful Actor and wise!

[@Roneish1996]

Such an amazing actor and wildly underrated. He is fantastic in the audible version of Neil gaimans the sandman.

[@joannejohnson7006]

This sounds good! He's adorable!

[@kentgasaway47]

Great interview.

[@JonnyDIY]

He's so dreamy 😍👍

[@jeehyeon]

What a great answer 👏

[@Dancewithdre]

Best actor of our generation. Can’t wait to see it!

[@andreac3362]

Wow. I don't think this would have been the same interview on the Tonight Show. Very good.

[@jackdziatkowiec]

I'm literally reading the play right now, so I clicked on this video, and damn I spoiled it for myself.

[@jazzysophie9943]

Love James McAvoy. I think he's real and very attractive. Talking about the nose, he's right. One can surely get their kink on with a real nose like Cyrano. Although, I'd like to get my kink on with James. Just kidding......oh, wait a minute, am I kidding?

[@KyCandicee]

Saw him last month as Cyrano, I was completely mesmerised

[@cookiecrumbler8892]

We've gotten a Cyrano film released in 2022 and a theater production in the same year? I love that the story is being told in different mediums!

[@seanrosedotcom]

He's such a badass.

[@TheLettybird]

When I saw this play in 2020, James took his top off & a girl near the front just put up her phone & started taking photos 😆😆😆😆

[@DerekHoscorner]

Stephen Colbert james McAvoy cyrano doesn't oversized awesomeness job interview

[@IslesYankeeLady]

I saw this production 6 times for good reason. I miss it. It’s fascinating to me how these (Peter Dinklage too) modern interpretations of Cyrano are finally dealing with the inherent misogyny in the world. The first production of Cyrano I saw before very much blamed Roxanne for not recognizing Cyrano loves her.

[@Miss11779]

I just want hours and hours of that perfect man speaking.. about anything! 🥰

[@noahjohnson8975]

This episode of Inside the Actors Studio was off the hook!

[@nicotuxedo]

Wow I love James so much more now. Really wanna see this play...

[@domhaller]

Now I know why I've always had a crush on James McAvoy.

[@theanormalsomeone5557]

SAME HERE. SAME. ♥️👄♥️✨✨✨

[@JessicaDwyer]

I could listen to Jimmy Mac dissect classic lit for hours.

[@Chris.starfleet]

The best screen actors can also do stage acting. It's stage acting that can finely hone a number of acting skills.

[@eltravos99]

Damn that was great.

[@donblosser8720]

Deconstruction is so useful. As soon as I read the title, I just made up my own interview in which McAvoy talked about his new movie in which Idi Amin joins the X-Men, at the end of which McAvoy slaps Cobert in the face for yawning. It was quite entertaining. I'm going to save a lot of money on movie and play tickets this way.

[@suninmoon4601]

James McAvoy is a phenomenal actor as well as a fascinating person. His exposition on his character is profound and thought provoking. However, his perspective is not yet perfected: he still dares not take the necessary leap of imagination to see that the world--including its horrors--is a sublime harmony. Take them away and all the world's beauty dissolves as well.

[@theanormalsomeone5557]

what do you mean

[@suninmoon4601]

​@@theanormalsomeone5557 We can't have good without evil. We can't have beauty without horrors. We can't have life without death. Trying to accentuate the positive only energizes the negative. Tying to avoid the negative undermines the joy of living.

[@theanormalsomeone5557]

@@suninmoon4601 yes, you're right but in the video, he is aware of negativesness about nose, he tried to explain how can we turn negativesness into positiveness and he did it well.

[@suninmoon4601]

@@theanormalsomeone5557 I have already acknowledged the excellence of J.M.'s answer. My point is as follows: There is no need to turn positive into negative and that every attempt to do so generates unforeseeable consequences.

[@aiai-j7i]

OK, I just fell in love...

[@P5clach]

Work . Work . Love . Peace . Joy

[@arlequineve636]

Brilliant actor

[@felicitysun]

Is there any way I can watch this online? I've tried everything I can think of, the search someone suggested in the comments, and nothing😭