Stephen Colbert remains one of the most celebrated and respected figures in American television, famously known for fronting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As the comedy icon prepares to conclude his impressive 11-year stint on the CBS chat show on May 21, 2026, he has been sharing a few behind-the-scenes secrets, including the identity of the celebrity guest he found most distractingly attractive, Parade reports.
During a recent instalment of the Strike Force Five podcast, co-host Jimmy Kimmel asked the 62-year-old presenter a rather probing question:
Ever the gentleman, Colbert confessed that one major actress caught him entirely off guard.
The Michelle Williams effect
He went on to describe the internal panic he felt when the former Dawson’s Creek star took the seat opposite his desk.
Colbert was thoroughly complimentary about the actress, praising her face and overall «vibe» whilst openly admitting just how beautiful he finds her.
Other starstruck confessions
Williams is not the only guest to leave the seasoned presenter tripping over his words. Stephen Colbert also revealed that he had similar struggles with another acclaimed British star.
«I used to have a Rachel Weisz problem,» he joked. «When Rachel Weisz would be on, I would leave the building for fear I would say something stupid.»
The conversation inevitably turned to other highly attractive guests, prompting Stephen Colbert to reminisce about a memorable moment from a January 2017 broadcast of The Late Show. Reflecting on his interview with British actor Andrew Garfield, Colbert laughed about how undeniably handsome the star is.
Kimmel immediately chimed in to remind him, «And you kissed him!»
A unique late-night legacy
As his departure date looms, these candid revelations offer fans a charming glimpse into the personal experiences of a man who has anchored one of America’s most successful late-night programmes.
Colbert’s reflections on the Strike Force Five podcast, a collaborative project with fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver, perfectly capture the warm and self-deprecating nature that has defined his career.
While many of his peers lean entirely into pure comedy, Stephen Colbert has spent over a decade masterfully blending sharp political satire, gentle humour and genuine curiosity. This approach allows his interviews to pivot seamlessly from lighthearted banter to incredibly sincere discussions.
Despite ongoing rumours regarding the exact reasons behind the conclusion of his chat show, it is clear that Colbert’s influence extends far beyond his nightly broadcast. His unique approach to pop culture, political satire and entertainment commentary will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the television landscape.
