Colman Domingo | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone and welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. We have an awesome. guest today, the great Coleman Domingo. And Coleman and I have so much fun. We. we talk about his beautiful mother Edith. and how she shaped his life. We talk. about our shared love of dancing and why. it means so much to us. We talk about. peptides, what are they and who's taking. them. And we also celebrate the fact. that he is working with Steven Spielberg. in his new movie Disclosure Day, which.

is coming out this week. Big summer hit, Blockbuster Baby. Speaking of Steven. Spielberg, Stephen joins us as our uh as. our guest today who's going to talk to. us about Coleman. He's going to talk. well behind Coleman's back. And um if. you don't know who Stephen Spielberg is, I don't know what to tell you. You know, 50 years ago, he made Jaws. last year he. was, you know, producing Hamnet and he's. made every single movie in between. So,

uh, Steven Spielberg, Mr. Spielberg, uh, are you there? [music]. This episode of Good Hang is presented. by Paul Molive. Family time isn't just. the big moments. It's weekn night. dinners, sitting around the table, everyone talking at once. So, when the. plates are empty and the sink is full, use Palm Olive Ultra. Palm Olive's most. powerful formula removes up to 99.9%.

of grease, leaving your dishes sparkling. clean. And the new convenient pump makes. cleaning even easier. So, you can spend. less time tackling dirty dishes and more. time together. Shop now at. palmolive.com. [music]. All I ever wanted. >> Hi Amy. >> Hi Stephen. >> Oh my god. I'm on good hang. [laughter].

Good lord. >> We got to get you into the stew. >> We tried you. You We weren't We couldn't. schedule it. >> Dang. Yeah, we were like, "We don't have. time.". >> Yeah, I tried. I tried. I got to make a. few more hits before [laughter] I quit. getting on your show. We were like we we. were like we just want to see one or two. more things from Stephen before we say. this. >> Yeah, I know. I know. I love [laughter]. the audition process. >> Stephen, you are my subconscious. Like. this the work that you have made is in. my brain. You have you shaped my entire.

life. You are a Gen X director through. and through. [laughter]. >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. I I love I. love that I'm in your subconscious. [laughter] and yet you can STILL BE. FUNNY. >> [laughter]. >> WITH MY plethora of comedies, you know. >> Well, I mean, I feel like I've gotten a. chance to um been lucky enough to see. you at um you know, places and events. and shows and stuff and I got to see you.

recently at the SNL 50th. >> That was great. That was just great. It. was hard to believe. I mean, I you know, I was there the first show in 1975. I. was in the audience. >> Get out of here. Really? >> Yeah. It was in the very first show. Yeah. I flew all the way to New York as. it was in the air. It was it was one of. those things, you know, where my. generation suddenly was being included. in something that was going to define. define us. And um it was just an I just.

somehow knew I had to be there for it. and I just, you know, got a ticket and. went in the audience and watched. >> Where did you sit and watch? Were you on. the floor or were you up in the. bathroom? >> No, no, I didn't know anybody. I just uh. I was I was in the stands. Jaws had come. out in June. I I think the first SNL. show was in October or September. >> October 11th. >> October. Yeah. And uh and I was there. and it was incredibly it spoke to me and. uh I after it was over I left with the. audience and somebody came running up.

and grabbed me and dragged me kind of. backstage to Belushi. And so John said, "You're the guy that. made the shark movie?" And I said, "Yeah." He says, "You got to meet J. Danny." And he dragged me over to Danny. And that was the beginning of my first. the first event that I really became a. formal groupy [laughter]. because I I've always I've always I've. always gravitated toward comedy and. standup and comedians and and and I go,

you know, Robin Williams was one of my. dearest closest friends of my whole. life. and Albert Brooks and I sort of. started out together and so that sort of. but I'm not the funny guy. I I'm a good. audience for all of you. I'm I'm I'm. your best audience. >> Well, you're here today to talk about. Coleman Domingo and um he's a new friend. of mine. I I actually met him on on a. dance floor, which I want to talk about. because we were kind of [laughter]. we met just like at a party. >> Makes sense. It so makes sense.

[laughter]. >> But when did you first meet Coleman? Where did you guys first meet? I was. going to make a movie about Ira and. George Gershwin and I was going to make. a movie about the process of writing and. staging. uh Porgi and Bess. >> and um I I had a script and I was. excited and I was casting it and I was. looking for um Todd Duncan who played. [clears throat] Porgi.

and I met a lot of actors and when. Coleman came in to the meeting. That was. the first time I I I became certain. first time I met Coleman, but um I. intended after that meeting to cast him. as Todd Duncan. >> Oh wow. I mean, Stephen, people must. come in to meet with you and you must. feel their nerves. So, how do you get. people to relax when they're having a. meeting with you? Well, well, you know,

it's it it you know, a disadvantage is. me if somebody comes in and I can't find. them in a 15, 20 or 30 minute meeting. because of of of of whatever. expectations they bring to the meeting. How how nervous some of them are. Some. of them aren't nervous at all, but a lot. of them are. And I had this problem only. because of success because success. creates a a kind of false front. It's. kind of like, you know, I've always seen myself early. in my career being successful but also.

feeling a little bit like a a fake. western street on a Hollywood backlot. [laughter] where you walk around behind. the facade and there's just a bunch of. 2x4s holding up the facade and people if. people only knew how nervous I am and. how nervous stressed I get they wouldn't. be so nervous in front of me and I. really was and I just I came up with a. method which I used for a couple of. pictures starting with Raiders of the. Lost Ark and I decided that all the. actors that I auditioned and in person. I'm going to meet them in a kitchen and.

we're going to cook. We're going to. we're going to actually cook and and and. so for a couple of movies starting with. Raiders, everybody that came in met me. in a kitchen and we were cooking stuff. and that's that was how everybody. relaxed around good food. >> That's so smart because you're also. you're just getting to do something like. it's like what do I do with my hands. basically is what you're thinking half. the time when you're stressed. >> Yeah. Everybody becomes so real when. they're covered they're covered in flour. and you know and there's and and you're.

trying to break an egg and the egg. spills out on the counter. I mean. everybody becomes their the the best. version of themselves. >> Although although there must have been. people like good news you have an. audition. Bad news you need to learn how. to cook in [laughter] a week. >> Well the good news is you're going to be. part of a recipe but the bad news is. you're only here for 30 minutes and. you're not going to be able to eat what. we make. [laughter]. Yeah. >> So all the actors that came into the end. of the day were able to actually feast. on what we had prepared starting at 9:00. in the morning. Right.

>> So you meet Coleman and now you you you. guys are and did you work together on. any other fe films after that? What. happened was I was I had actually cast a. lot of the movie and then I had a. something that doesn't often happen when. I'm that far down the line, but I had a. kind of second thought about the project. and I decided not to continue making it. That's the only reason Coleman and I.

didn't work together then. But. remembering Coleman as well as I did, I. cast him in Lincoln playing Private. Green. >> Right. >> And that was the first time we actually. professionally worked together. >> And what is it like working with him? >> Kind of like riding in a whimo where you. don't have to do anything but sit in the. back seat [laughter]. cuz the car drives very well by itself. And Coleman is when he graces your set, he brings kindness and he brings. collaboration.

and he brings love and he brings a real. sense of let's have fun while we're. working hard. While we're working hard. to be serious, can we also have fun? And he makes a director look forward to. going to work the next morning. >> Oh, what a dream. I mean, I I'm sure. you're at the point in your life and. career, too, where you can tell like. >> sometimes, you know, people people are. motivated by a lot of things, as you. know, as a director and you have to kind. of find out what motivates them, but.

when someone has talent and ease. >> Yeah, >> it's not always the case. >> No, it's [clears throat] not always the. case. I've been lucky. I've had actors. I've had a lot of actors who have been. such great collaborators, you know, to. work with even on really, you know, trying films, [laughter] projects. >> But Coleman isn't about himself. He's. about the whole, >> you [clears throat] know, he's he's. about it's like the play is the thing, a.

Shakespeare said, he's about the play. He's about the whole. He's he's as. interested in the actors. He's playing. opposite. even more so than he is about his own. role in the in in in the whole and and. and that's rare. That's really really. rare. He he is so full of empathy and. because my movie deals disclosure day, you know, deals a lot with the. importance of empathy.

Coleman was a very easy choice for me to. make to invite him to be part of this. company and the part of this ensemble. >> We cannot wait for this movie. Another. hit, Stephen. Huge. >> Knock him. I wouldn't hit. >> Listen, I'm calling it right now. Okay. Now, I don't believe in jinxes and I. call it as I see it. And I'm telling you. something. This movie is Everybody is. ready for this movie. It looks so good. I still don't really know what it's. about, which is great. I think it has to.

do with aliens, but you tell me. I don't. know. >> Well, what what can I say? Here's. looking at you. Here's looking at you, KID. [laughter]. [laughter]. UM, do you have a question um for me. that I could ask him, big or small? >> I've been thinking about that. I you. know he's he's such a success and he's. so consistently successful. I I'd love.

you to ask him was there ever a film he. auditioned for that he didn't get and he. was desperate to get. >> Oo. Oh yeah. I mean he I bet he has an. answer to that because I know that he I. mean when I look at his career he's. really done a ton of different types of. work. I mean Coleman talk about talk. about empathy. He can play he has a huge. range. He can play like a just a. lovebomb of a person and he can play a. really sinister.

um scary person, too. >> Yes. >> Okay, that's a good one. Well, Stephen, thank you so much for your time. It. really means a lot. Um I know Coleman. will be thrilled that we talked and I. can't wait to talk to him about what. it's like to work with you. >> I can't wait. I can't wait to watch. this. >> This episode is brought to you by. Visible. How many of you are currently. listening to this podcast on your phone? If you are chronically online, like we. all are these days, your wireless. network should be, too. With Visible, you get unlimited 5G data and unlimited.

hotspot. All powered by Verizon's 5G. network. The perks of big wireless for. half the cost. Visible isn't just a. wireless plan. It's unlimited wireless. designed to always keep you connected. and no contract holding you back. Switch. today at visible.com. Plans start at $25. a month. Or get our premium Visible Plus. Pro plan and save $10 on your first. month when you use promo code hang, an. exclusive offer for podcast listeners.

Terms apply. See visible.com for plan. features and network management details. This episode is presented by Hilton. Guys, you know what vacation. perfectionism is? It's the pressure to. get your family's summer vacation booked. and make it perfect and memorable. Stressful, right? Don't worry, cuz the. team at Hilton takes care of what. matters so you can exhale and. disconnect. They've got over 9,000. hotels around the world, including. amazing resorts and all-inclusive. options, so you'll definitely find the.

stay that you're looking for. When you. want your summer vacation to feel like a. vacation, it matters where you stay. Book now at hilton.com. Hilton for the. stay. Oh my god. Coleman Domingo is here and. HE BROUGHT ME HOME. [laughter]. >> I BOUGHT you a meal. I bought you a I. bought you an egg. >> Okay, now I've been starting to get. gifts, which is. >> that's. when it becomes ridiculous, right? When. someone finds out what you. >> like something, but. >> Okay, let's discuss this for the. listeners. What did you bring me? >> I bought you a fake egg. [laughter].

>> This is a cute It's a keychain. Look at. that. >> Okay. Um I'm going to describe this. while I show it. [laughter] It is a. fried egg on a keychain. >> Yes. Do you like fried eggs? >> I love fried eggs. >> Oh, good. Me, too. >> Sunny side up. >> I love a sunny side up because it gets. things moving. That's why. [laughter]. Not to start off there and just go to my. bottom. I guess that's. >> Let me ask you about your sunny side up. Do you like to cuz this yolk is very. exposed. Do you like to flip it once and. get like. >> I like a I like that. And a little.

crunch. Me too. A little crunch. >> Exactly. And then like So you get then. it bursts with a little hot sauce on. there. This is a pla a rubber snake egg. Also, Coleman brought me um um plastic. silverware in case I wanted to pretend. to eat it. I'm not A CRAZY PERSON, [laughter] COLEMAN. >> I KNOW THIS IS FAKE. >> OKAY. >> OH MY GO OKAY. WELL, now this is now. going to get ridiculous. >> Well, I don't want to brag, but we got a. couple A-list stuff up here. We got some. pea pods from Jennifer Lawrence. [laughter]. >> We have. >> Where did the raspberries come from?

>> Oh, the raspberries. Where did they come. from? Oh, Momma. The Momma sent us fake. raspberries. Mama's very. >> Let's put it next to Momma's. raspberries. >> I think that's good. Raspberries and. eggs. And there's an egg here. There's. another egg there. [laughter] Look at. that. Look at that. Oh my god. [screaming] Okay, that's too cute. OH MY. GOD. I MADE the board. It's so good. [laughter] This is already a good hang. A good hang with Amy. >> You know, gave a garden gave us that. giant chicken. [laughter]. >> THAT'S THAT'S ACTUALLY REALLY A REALLY. good chicken. >> It's really good. I'm really fascinated.

by all of this. >> I know. Isn't it cool? It's very. satisfying. >> It's good. >> And I. >> When did When did Now you didn't know I. was going to interview. When did the. fetish start? >> Tell us about your childhood. >> Yes. [laughter]. >> I don't [clears throat] know, but it's. like good. It's like good art. I don't. know how to explain what I like, but I. know it when I see it. >> Yeah. >> I love that egg. >> You [laughter]. >> that you brought me. >> You're very welcome. >> It's because it's realistic. I don't. like children's fake food. I'm an adult. [laughter]. >> Grown people's fake food. Exactly. What.

are you? You're not nuts. It's so good. It's [laughter]. >> Coleman Domingo is here. I was really. thinking about what to wear cuz I knew. you'd look incredible. >> I look good. I'm fine. I'm wearing a. lime green sweater situation. >> You can wear anything. >> Really? >> You look incredible in everything. You. have the best style. >> Thank you. [snorts]. >> And it like the the style is is bigger. than just clothes. like you have a you. have a a way of moving through the world.

where you like I I find clothes and. fashion to be kind of confusing for me. Like I'm always trying to figure it out. or I don't always feel like it's a world. that I understand or that I'm a part of. But whenever I see you wearing whatever. you're wearing, it's like an invitation. >> I think it is. I I think literally. that's what I think it is. It's like, okay, I even like what I was supposed to. wear. There was a jacket with this and I. thought, "Oh, no. I'm going to go hang. with Amy. She's a show gun. [laughter] I. got to shoot the guns. I got to sex it.

up a little bit." No, I shouldn't. >> That's what I emailed you. I was like, "Bring the guns. Bring it. You got to. bring it. >> Bring that sex." Okay. So, I'm doing. what I'm [laughter] supposed to do. >> So, I But I thought like I just want to. feel relaxed with you. The jacket was. just all like, you know, button up. It's. very serious business meeting with you, but I was like, "No, I want to feel a. little sexy." That's but it's that's. exactly the point like the clothes never. wear you like you always how do I get. into this feeling right this character. >> and that is what I have learned about.

about wearing something like figuring. out how to dress is like basically how. do you want to feel. >> what what do you consider your style to. be when you wear a suit I can always. tell you look so sexy and beautiful and. yourself. >> God bless you. >> exactly you didn't know that this was. going to happen today did you [laughter]. >> I mean I hoped. I hoped. >> no But you do cuz also I can tell that. you feel very comfortable in your body. and it's comfort you listen Diane Katon. did that. Diane Katon was like. >> she perfected her style in a way that. was just her own and she was always cool.

and chic and it was had these masculine. vibes to it and that was her. >> Who are you wearing? >> Uh oh. Paul Smith today. >> Paul Smith. >> Heard of him? >> YEAH. [laughter]. >> OKAY. We got we're kind of new friends. We're getting to know each other and I. feel like I was trying to remember when. we first met and I think we first really. met. >> um non-verbally on a dance floor. >> That's exa You do remember that? That's. exact. It was at a night before party. the Emmy night before parties and we.

just I don't know the DJ was killing it. that night and you and I you were. wearing a suit actually. >> Who? >> You're wearing a suit and you and I we. just cut it up and I was like oh my god. Amy Puller can dance her ass off. >> Oh my god. Thank you for saying that. right back at you. I mean, >> we were killing it. >> Why do you love to dance? I always love. to ask people who love to dance why they. love to dance. >> You know, I grew up I think my parents. used to always throw the best parties. So, New Year's Eve was always at our. house and we didn't have We lived in a. row home in Philadelphia and so the. basement.

>> we had a bar down there. >> We had a basement those dark dank. basement. >> Were your poles carpeted? >> Oh, absolutely [laughter]. carpeted. We had a black Sheba, a velvet. on the wall like you know she's like. some black woman with an [laughter] afro. and a tits out and a and a panther and I. would always look at it and just. confused like. >> remember like string art? >> Yes, absolutely. All of that was down. there. So everything was down there. Our. Christmas toys were in the back but. that's whole other thing. Um but it was. really we would have dance parties down. there. So we go down there and the music. was cranked up and we dance to we just.

dance. So my I come from a a family that. loved to dance. My mother before she my. mother passed in 2006. One of the things. that my sister um always loves to tell. me is like just the week before my my. mom was dancing in the aisles of. Pathmark. >> Oh, >> she was dancing like you know playing. whatever music was playing. She was. dancing in the aisles. I'm like so idea. that that's my sister's memory of my. mother dancing. So I come from people. who like can dance anywhere. Like I have. zero shame. >> Me too. And in fact, you know, I get it. It actually helps me expel a lot of my.

social anxiety. >> Like I'd rather dance than talk. Yes. Same here. We danced like Do you. remember that show Dancing on Air? >> Oh, well, we had dance. Well, you're. from Philly Dancing on Air was. >> the one or Dance USA. >> Dance USA. >> Yeah, exactly. >> With uh Kelly Ripa. >> With Kelly Ripa. Exactly. [laughter]. Exactly. Exactly. But like you and I. dance like from that generation of. >> We're the same age. >> Same age. So like when you cut, you tear. it down. >> 100%. We really move [laughter] and it's.

like. >> cuz they don't move like that anymore. We move like we were trying to hurt. somebody. >> There's a whole thing a trend on Tik Tok. about how like showing the difference. between how Gen X and Jenz dance because. Jenz barely moves. >> They barely move. >> and Gen X like clear the dance floor. >> Oh, we [laughter] we. >> did you have high school dances and what. was playing? What music was playing at. those? >> Listen, [clears throat] they had high. school dancers. I went to high school. with Will Smith, by the way. They had. high school dances, but I was. >> You went to high school with Will Smith? >> Will Smith.

>> Incredible. >> Same grade. Uh he was one right above. me. >> Oh my god. What was he like in high. school? >> You know, he was he was a cool kid. He. was actually a cool kid. He was actually. very friendly and like everybody really. liked him and he would perform at the. wind ballroom in Philadelphia. He and. Jazzy Jeff. But I was a bonafide nerd. I. didn't do any of that stuff. No, no, no. I didn't come I didn't turn into this. until like second year of college. >> cuz I decided I didn't want to be like. that anymore. I was very shy and bookish. and very awkward. >> So you weren't like tearing up the dance. floor in high school? >> No. No. No. No. was dancing at home with.

my siblings. But in high school, I. didn't go to any dances. I know. This is. where it gets sad. I didn't go to any dances. I didn't I. went to my prom, but I got there late. because my um prom date, Terry Hayes, was very late getting her dress made, so. we got there very late, so I didn't even. dance at my [clears throat] prom. >> Okay. Okay. This has gotten very tragic, very. >> No. [laughter] Well, because I feel like. I feel like that this idea of um coming.

into your own and like feeling your p. getting into your sense of power and. like who you are and all this stuff is. like the the theme of the for me your. career, your life, your interview. because I find your my experience with. you. I feel like you really have worked. very hard to know who you are and to. like show that person to the world. basically. I mean I think listen that. started I think one of my first jobs was. at Barnes & Noble bookstore. >> in Philadelphia and I would take care of. the self-help section. This when I was. 18 years old self-help and travel that. those were the sections I took care of.

and I would be in the corners and I. would be reading these books on how to. become a person to be very honest cuz I. felt I was awkward. I wasn't I wasn't. gregarious or anything but I knew I. wanted to become something else. And so. I went to self-help books and I was. like, "Oh, to become a different person, you had to do certain things or adopt. certain traits." And I think while I was. becoming an actor as well, it was very. useful. So I was actually trying on. these different things in the way I. dress, the way I express myself, the way. I walk into a room, the way I spoke, you. know what I mean? Where where I pitch my. voice, all of that stuff. So I feel like.

all of this was. >> has been a bit manufactured, you know, because because I didn't have I was. >> I didn't have it before. Well, you know, you you've talked so much about your mom. who seems so amazing. >> No, you would have love her. I bet. And. what would she tell you in those little. awkward times? Like, what would she how. would she reassure you or or just like. gently kind of walk by, you know, alongside you while you were feeling. awkward? >> What would she say? >> I'll tell I'll tell you this. I have.

Well, I have to tell you a story now. because of that because you just made me. think of this. Um when I was a kid, I. used to always suffer from like really. terrible asthma. >> and um and I one time I was hospitalized. >> and it was right and I went in right. before maybe about like November 1st or. something like that. >> and I was in the hospital and you know. just breathing and stuff like that. getting myself together and then uh when. I came out when I was healthier I came. out and they picked my mom picked me up. at night. >> and we're driving through the city and.

there's all these lights up all the. Christmas lights and stuff like that. everywhere. And she said, and I said, "Oh my god, look at all the lights." She. says, "You know, they all put up their. lights to welcome you back home.". >> Oh, come on. >> And so this this is the mother that I. had. She would make me believe that I. was very special and that the world was. set up to do me more good than harm. Constantly. She was constantly going. against any narrative of what the world. was and telling me that I was special, that I was useful, that I can be. whatever I wanted, I can travel. Cuz I. was always I always had my head in the.

book. I was looking at images of ancient. Egypt and Rome and she said when you. could grow up you can go to those places. go to so I always had a a huge. imagination because of my mother. >> and she so so it was in all those. moments when she was just like when I. was wasn't feeling great about myself or. anything she would tell me how smart I. was. >> Yes. >> Um. >> that was the thing she always told me I. was smart. >> Yeah. >> She always said you're you're so smart. and you're so handsome. that kind of. early. conditioning. It's It makes I mean I'm.

saying the obvious, but it's like a it's. like actually a priv I'm learning more. and more it's a privilege to have had. >> a parent or parents that said that to. you. >> Yeah. >> Cuz it's. >> Was your parents like that as well? >> Absolutely. Where they would be like. >> you can do that whisper of you can do. what you want to do. You're smart. You're capable. You're useful. You're. you're you you um you're you're you uh. >> you have purpose. You have. >> Yes. Exactly. There's a reason why. you're here. All that stuff. Like when.

it's said out loud, >> it changes the course of your life. >> I think it does. I think I've I've g. I've been given so many beautiful. moments by people throughout my life who. told me something that I didn't maybe I. didn't see in myself. Like even how I. became an actor. One of my early college. teachers. I took an acting class just as. an elective to. >> again my mother said take a class for. fun. take something to get you outside. of yourself. And so we thought about an. acting class and I took this class and. then this teacher Chris Wolf, >> he said to me, first time I ever heard. this from anyone truly.

>> He said, "Have you ever thought about. acting as a profession?" I was like, "I. don't even know what that is." Like I. don't know how I'm in a kid in West. Philly. I don't know. >> What were your What were your parents. jobs? >> No, my my mom was My mom worked at a. bank for for a long time. She cleaned. houses and then she kept going back to. school. Eventually, she worked in. customer service at like First. Pennsylvania Bank. Yeah. >> My dad sanded hardwood floors. He was my. stepfather and he was just a blueco. collar work I would work with him on the. summers. >> and make some extra money. >> So they were very much like just like. just good workingass folks and they. wanted you to go to college and do.

better than them and [laughter] you know. so they were just like at least trying. to prepare you for things. But I'd never. heard. >> until I got to college that someone said. >> I would be curious if you follow this. path as an actor. He said, "Because I. think you have a gift." And for I. realized that I'd never heard someone. tell me I had a gift at something, >> right? >> And so suddenly I was like, "Gift?" And. he said, "I'd in." He said this, it was. like a challenge. He said, "I'd be very. curious if you followed that path.". >> That was like mic drop.

>> I mean, because we I mean, I don't I. want to get into this this early, but. Coleman and I are both anagram eights. >> Yeah, we are. Yeah, we are. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. We love a challenge. We we got. that from Tina Fay was like, "What?". >> Tina made Tina made Coleman take the. test on the set of The Four Seasons. >> He got an eight. I was thrilled. [laughter]. >> Um. >> and and please explain that again. What. what the eight means? >> Oh god, my audience is going to be like, "BUT WE'RE THE CHALLENGER. [laughter]. >> WE'RE I guess the point is he challenged. you. I'd be so curious what you do with. that gift." And that is a motivating.

factor for us is like a little bit of a. challenge is exciting for us. Sometimes. it's like our way through like we like a. little challenge. I mean, we're so easy. Everyone Everybody has their ways that. like we think we're not manipulated, but. we respond well to when someone says, "I. bet you can't do that.". >> We're like, "I BET I CAN DO THAT.". >> YES, IT'S TRUE. >> It's true. I'm the same way. When. someone's like, "Maybe maybe that's not. for you." I'm like, "No, it's 100% for. me for the rest of my life.". >> Oh my god. Where are you from?

>> From Boston. And I'm right I'm right. around the corner right corner from. Phillact like. >> but see it's a city from of underdogs as. well. Like like Tina and I we always. talk about that. We're like it's. something that that Philly and it's us. like Yeah. You don't see. >> Philly makes Boston look like London, England. [laughter]. >> TINA AND I TINA AND I ALWAYS TALK ABOUT. IT. >> It's true. It's true. >> Philly is wild. [laughter]. >> It's wild. I mean look at our mascots. I. mean just like I mean they're [laughter]. Philly fanatic. I mean that's insane. I.

don't still don't even know what that. is. >> It's an insane person who's. >> We have the Mummers parade. We have the. Mummers is like just drunk Irish people. on New Year's Day. >> The only time I've ever been called a. C-word to my face [laughter] is at the. Philadelphia airport. >> Wait, what? >> When Tina and I were when Tina and I. were touring and [laughter] we wouldn't. give a guy um uh one of the weird like, you know, autograph people there when. they follow you around the airport. It. gets really stressful and we were like, "Oh, you're stressing us out a little. bit." And um and then he [laughter] he.

flung the seabboard and Tina turned to. me and she goes, "Welcome to Philly.". >> AND I was like, "Yes.". >> It was like a badge of honor though. You're like, "Yeah, exactly. [laughter]. >> They like me here.". >> But I want to but but you getting out of. Philly, you go to San Francisco. But but. I just want to stay with one thing that. I love, Coleman, about you is like also. there's like these um there's uh shy kid. trying to find his way. Mom who told him. he was special and the Christmas lights. were for him. You go from Philly to San. Fran. Why San Fran? Why do you move.

there? >> Because uh I had a couple college. buddies. It always happens. This is. usually the story. I have a couple. college buddies, actually three of them. that were living in a studio apartment. in the Tenderloin district. They were. like, "School is amazing." I was. struggling in school. I was working two. jobs and trying to metriculate. And I. was like, my mom was like, "You know, you can take a semester off and you can. always go back to school." And so I had. these friends of mine that moved out to. San Francisco. They're like, "Come out.". I was like, "Great." Like literally come. out cuz I was also That's another. sidebar. I [laughter].

>> just made my own joke. I was going to. come out when I was in San Francisco. [laughter]. >> Come out AND ALSO. >> JUST COME OUT EVERYWHERE. >> SURE. GREAT. So then I moved to San. Francisco and it was four guys living in. a studio apartment in the Tenderline. district. And if anyone out there. doesn't know the Tenderloin District, you know, >> tell everybody about that. you know, ladies of the night and you know. >> Yeah, it was a really wild especially. very exciting but '9s that that's when. it was like crisp. >> Yeah. >> What was your rent? Do you remember the. how much your rent was?

>> Oh, I do remember my It was. >> for that studio was 625. [laughter]. >> 625 split four ways. And we're just like. there like exact and I literally slept. this was also a terrible joke but I. literally slept in a closet [laughter]. >> and every morning you'd come out OF THE. CLOSET. >> BECAUSE THAT WAS WE HAD A walk-in closet. and so I was the third guy fourth guy. moving in there and I literally slept in. a in a walk-in closet. >> and you're too tall. I mean for people. that don't know or can't or haven't been. next to had the pleasure of being next.

to you. You're 6'2. >> 6'2. That's right. Congrats. >> Tall drink of water. That. >> all these teeny tiny actors. There's a. lot of actors. >> There's a lot of little actors. Yeah, there are. And and I and you know. >> I kind of get it because like you know. it's it it but I love being in in a. scene with the 62 gentlemen. >> It's kind of hot, right? >> Also, it's just a great view. Like it's. a great angle. Like when we turn around, the camera's going to be up here. Um. [laughter] okay, so you go to San Fran, you're there. You're working as a. bartender. You're writing plays. >> Do you remember the first play that you.

wrote? What was it about? >> The first play I wrote was called Up. Jump Springtime. And that is the title. of a Stan gets an Abby Lincoln song. >> And it goes, uh, I was out prominating. and high hopes were fading that dreams. ever really come true. Then up jumped. Springtime, I got a look at you. And it was a play. that I I wrote. I adapted a bit of a. novel and I sort of embedded my work in. there as well. It really was about.

coming of age as a young queer manh. M. >> um and I and I had three actors. We play. all the roles. >> Um we played men, women, lovers, mothers, father, sisters, whatever. But. it was really about the experience that. nobody was writing about at the time. >> It must have felt so good to be a. successful playwright while you were. also auditioning and being an actor. >> I think so. But to be honest, I didn't. consider myself a I considered myself a. writer at that time and then I grew into. becoming a playwright. >> What year was this that you're writing? What year. >> writing? I started writing about 1997.

The last play. I've written plays and. musicals. I've written the Donna Summer. musical on Broadway. I wrote a musical. >> You wrote You wrote the book for the. Donna Summer musical. >> Yeah, I know, right? >> I mean, again, in that in that high. school world of like the dances we were. at or we weren't at, >> Donna Summer, her music was so important to our. generation and to every generation. But. I feel like Donna Summer doesn't quite. get spoken about. >> She doesn't. She was one of the greatest.

singers I think that has ever walked. this planet because also her voice, she. could do anything with her voice. >> Yeah. >> Um she could sing opera, she could sing. country, she could sing, you know, disco. I think that her voice, I mean, she even famously talked about her. voice. She say, "No, I make music and. you just never know where I'm going to. be angled in that way.". >> And then before we move on to you like. the the career stuff, I just want to. pause to talk about because is it around. this time that you meet your husband? >> Oh, no. I met my husband in 21 years. ago. So in 2005 I.

>> Okay. So a little So not in San You met. him in. >> No. Funny. It's a weird thing because I. lived in San Francisco for 10 years, moved to New York. I go back to San. Francisco to do a show at Berkeley Rep. >> Yeah. >> I go to Berkeley, California. I'm. crossing paths going into a Walgreens. with the most beautiful person I think. I've ever seen. >> Not even just beautiful aesthetically, but like just energetically. We never. speak. Three days later, I'm trying to. buy a used computer on Craigslist. I. couldn't stop thinking about him and I.

thought about posting one of the. Craigslist misconnections ads. >> Oh, it's so analog. >> It's so analog, right? I used to read. them like crazy. And I get to the second. page. >> and third one down. I remember exactly. the placement and it said, "Saw you. outside of Walgreens Berkeley." He. placed it just an hour before I looked. So, we were looking for each other. And. then we met and I'm so uncool. We met 3. days later, had our first date, and I. literally was like, I think I love you, and you're going to change my life.

That's how uncool I am, though. >> But that's so good. That's so direct. Also, everyone that took a look at Raul, like everyone would be like, I love you. [laughter]. >> Maybe you got that a lot. Like, I love. you. >> I get it. You got to lock that down. really fast. [laughter]. >> Yeah, that was like, but that's you like. you're I mean, what I'm learning about. you, you're in the moment. And also. you're the one of the many many things. that I love about getting to know you is. you.

there's not a lot of like like you. people know how you feel. >> Yeah. There's no question. >> That's a but that's a love language. Like I'm going to just tell you how I. feel now. I'm going to take that risk. I'm like that's that's what. vulnerability is. Like I'm just going to. tell you right now I love you. Like. that's amazing. >> And like no games at all. And I'm always. telling people too like don't play any. games. Me too. Just be straight up. Just. be straight. If you don't like it, you. don't like me or whatever. Just tell me. move then that that that takes time away. from you know just move away get out the. way then cuz the people who will receive. that they're going to be right there.

with me. >> and so you guys have been together 22. years 21 years you know here at Good. hang we only allow a few um. >> a few spouses. >> to come um because you know you don't. want to have you don't want to have. everybody's wife and husband around and. we've had the most amazing group of. people we've had Raul's here today. >> yeah he is. >> we've got he's in the green room hi Hi, Ro. [laughter]. >> Hey. Hey. Hi. >> I love you. Um, Ro is here today. We had. Carol Brunette bring her husband, Brian. And we've had Viola Davis's husband,

Julius. >> Oh, that's great. >> And that's it. >> That's it. That's it for the good hang. That's it. >> That's it. No more spouses. No. >> Well, R's like a cat. He's sort of like, you know. >> Yeah. >> You You barely even know he's here. >> Well, and and the cheekbones. >> The what? >> We bought him for the cheekbones. >> I mean, both of you guys are like. cheekbone [laughter] city. You guys. could open up a cheekbone shot. That's our next adventure. Exactly. And. it's funny cuz sometimes when we're with. other people, they can't even tell that. we're it's I guess it's a compliment. They can't tell that we've been together. for so long.

>> Yes. >> And they can't tell that they can't tell. cuz we're still like very in love with. each other. Yes. >> And we have fun and we're touchyfey, but. also then. >> even when we're in groups of people, they're like, "Oh my god, how do you. guys know each other?" Oh, that's my. husband. They're like, "Oh my gosh, that's my bro but that's also my. husband. He's like a lot of fun." Yeah. And I wish you two could have children. together. And. >> I know [laughter]. just but just the two of you. >> We'll wait for the science to happen. Many things can happen. >> Faces alone. >> You just want those cheekbones on baby. >> Cheekbones on that baby. Maybe we have.

[laughter] four cheekbones. >> When I've been looking at your career, which you've done so many things, so. many different parts all over the. spectrum. Like Coleman, you just you. play really intense like kind of joyous. lovebomb characters. You play deeply. complicated and oftenimes scary and. terrifying characters. You can do it.

all. You You've done so many different. parts. But what I love is your path is. is the one that I recognize because. we're the same age of like what all. actors kind of did to start because you. didn't have. >> an in. you were just like, "How do I get. started making the work?" And so you do. you're like learning on the job and I. mean you're even in Law and Order which. like [laughter] YOU'RE NOT AN ACTOR IF. YOU WERE IN LAW AND ORDER. >> EXACTLY. EXACTLY. >> What What you were on Do what did you. play? Do you remember your character? >> I was on like I'd love to ask.

>> three or four Law and Orders. I was on. different characters. >> Yeah. Yeah. Exact Criminal Intent, >> of course. >> And I played a schizophrenic heroin. addict. >> Okay. >> I played an attorney. I played an. attorney on one of them with Dennis. Bukater. >> You went from the uh schizophrenic. heroin addict to an attorney. >> Yeah, exactly. That's acting. >> Now that's acting. I I also was a a. bartender at a at a leather uh. [laughter] at a gay leather bar. >> Great. Exactly. >> Like um like unpacking the various ball. gags as you were telling them about.

>> EXACTLY. CUZ YOU KNOW WHAT I love about. Loner is that they're so busy. They're. so busy when the cops are talking to. them. Like they're just like New Yorkers. didn't have time for anybody. [laughter]. They're like, "I'm sorry. I got to pack. these bags while you're talking to me. Officer, what? >> I got to get the fruit off this truck. I. don't have time for that dead girl. It's. incredible. >> I love watching in particular for that. I'm like the walk and talk. We're too. busy for these officers to talk to us. [laughter] I love it. >> Totally. >> So, I was a very busy bartender. Yes, exactly. >> And was exciting to get those parts at. the time. That was amazing. >> Because if you didn't get Law and Order, you felt like you were garbage. You were.

like, >> I've never gotten Law and Order. And I. was my dream. If I could go back in the. time machine, if I could back to the. future of my life, the one thing I WOULD. DO DIFFERENTLY AND MAYBE IT WOULD CHANGE. my whole maybe would book a law and. order. >> I would book a law and order. [laughter]. >> I would. >> That was my goal. But listen, when I. lived in San Francisco, the gig was to. get booked on Nash Bridges cuz that was. that was Yeah. I played every dumb. criminal on that show. I [laughter]. played one of them. Exactly. And Yes. And I I literally Wait, there's one.

episode and people can watch it. It's my. favorite episode of me. Um, I kidnapped. Don Johnson's daughter and [laughter]. then he found me and I happened to be. wearing a coogie sweater while I was. working out. >> Okay, sure. >> I was wearing, [laughter] you know, that. Bill Cosby coogie sweater. I was wearing. a coogie sweater like while I was. working and he and he busts through the. door and I'm like, "Oh, and I throw the. weights off and I'm running." Then he. kicks me in the ass through the window. and he picks me up. He slaps me around. He's like, "Where is she wearing?" I'm. like, it's my favorite episode. It's so. crazy and rabid and you're like, "What.

[laughter] is happening? You're wearing. >> a coogie sweater while I'm working out. I'm bench pressing. I have a I. [laughter] was like, but also I was a. young actress, so I didn't question it. I'm like, yeah, you guys know more than. I do. That's what we're wearing. >> At the time, I didn't work out, so I. don't know. I thought people worked on. coogie sweaters. [laughter]. >> Acting is so embarrassing. I love it so. much. I love it. Okay, then you go to. New York. You're doing a million plays. on Broadway and the West End. And I do. have some important theater questions. because I I'm have such respect for.

people who do that grind. It is such a. grind. It is the hardest job. I mean. >> to have the hardest part of your day be. at the end of your day to have to show. up every day and do the same thing and. you're not getting paid a lot of money. when you're doing theater and you are, you know, you're like being asked to do. a lot. But I I'm always curious about a. couple things. I'm like, OK Coleman will. tell me the truth. Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. Have you ever thrown up on stage? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, I haven't. >> Because these are some of my stage.

fears, like my anxieties. Have you What. do you do if you have to in the middle. of a scene go to the bathroom? >> You just You just hold it. >> You You hold it. You You hold it. Although I did There was a situation. >> where your character went the bathroom. >> You said you you know what? Listen, I. like I make sure before I go out. It's. It's a practice. You have to go You have. to make that happen. >> Yes. >> Whatever. Number one. Number two, it's. got to happen right now. >> You got to have a a egg over easy. You. got to make [laughter]. >> You got to make it happen. >> You got to make it happen. Have you ever. forgotten lines on stage?

>> No. But no, but I've I've had to work. with some people who sometimes would. flub some things and you'd have to you. have to help support it, make it. >> biggest nightmare, which is like someone. skips ahead. >> Oh yeah. >> WHEN YOU'RE IN A. >> OH, I FULLY have that. And they skip. ahead. Oh, wait. Exactly. That's a whole. living stress dream. >> Yeah. Exactly. Oh, no. It's true and it. happens. But that's but I think that's. the joy of it too for sure. >> So So you're like you got that makes you. wily and you're like I got to work on my. feet. I got to get that story line back. in there. I got to make that queue.

happen. >> I love it. Such a challenger. Um have. you ever forgotten a prop? Like been. like gone in a scene to. >> Oh yeah, I forgot props. >> And you reach in your pocket for I think. I forgot a gun. [laughter]. >> I for I forgot a gun. And I was like. >> And you were like. >> I just I'd hold it like this. I was. really strong. They were looking at me. like where's the gun? And I'm like, it's. right here. Tough. >> You didn't just point your finger. >> I didn't point the finger. I I I I was. smart enough to not do that. So, but I.

just was strong [laughter]. >> and I was a threat. >> But there was no gun. Exactly. >> Um, have you ever had to say, "Is there. a doctor in the house?". >> No, but but somebody said that on my. flight the other day and I was like, >> they did? >> And I literally thought, well, I played. a doctor before and [laughter] I thought. I thought that's not what they want. They're like, "I'm sorry. If someone. needs a medical emergency, is there a. doctor on board?" And I was like, literally for a second, I thought, "What?" I literally thought I was a. doctor for a second. [laughter]. Cuz I played Swear to God. I really.

thought about I can't do anything. I. weren't getting anything. >> When did you play a doctor? [laughter]. >> I played a doctor on the neck. >> Oh yeah, that show was great. >> Exactly. Yeah. I mean it must be to be a. doctor and when you hear this this is. why you know you're not a doctor because. [laughter]. when you hear is there a doctor on board. and you're like oo but a real a regular. doctor must be like oh god. >> they must be. >> they must be. >> but also you start thinking like doctors. do different things there's not one not. one right so you think like well I have.

a doctorate. >> but you really do [laughter]. have a doctorate I have a doctor I have. you have a doctorate. >> I mean I do not have a doctorate yet I. have a doctorate not to like But but it. it just must be like oh god I can't can. I pretend I'm not a doctor. >> They're like [laughter]. I'm just watching. >> I just Yeah. I want to finish this. movie. I want to finish this. >> Yeah. I'm almost done with this season. of Summer House. Like [laughter]. >> [clears throat]. >> um wait what uh you you have a. doctorate? >> I do. I just got I just got two in a. month. Isn't that crazy?

>> Oh my god. Congratulations. >> It's kind of greedy though, too. I think. I just got I got I just got one from. Swathmore College. I got a I'm a doctor. of arts as of. >> four days ago. >> Fantastic. And I got one from my alma. mater at Temple University. Yeah, >> that must have been really something. >> It was really wonderful. >> Did you you went you went back and like. do you have to give a speech? >> I gave the commencement address at. Temple and I gave um a little acceptance. and speech at Swathmore. And I think but. what I loved about it I I especially. right now I feel like. >> something about like being with young. people and students and just like I'm. like because I feel like they really.

need to hear some words I hear like. how's it going to be and or they need to. be inspired like. >> what what was your kind of what was your. um uh organizing principle for your. temple talk? >> Um love. >> Yeah. >> I really feel like the more that I. distill things of what I care about. right now, what I I inspire people to do. is to love more and whatever that means. I feel like that that encompasses a lot. But I feel if I'm talking about love and. service. >> and if people can attach themselves to. that in whatever way it is for them. So. I feel like I'm talking a lot about that. cuz I feel like that's what we need to.

hear. I don't want to oh you know make. this world yours and do this and I don't. need to do all that. I said but if you. do it with love whatever you're doing. >> Yes. >> Just participate. >> and and feel like that you know you have. a voice and you can you can be the. change. You know there's and don't be. afraid of what's out there. There's. probably jobs out there that aren't even. >> don't even have a name yet that you're. going to create. So, I feel like I just. want to inspire that with their. imagination as well, you know. >> Well, I mean, the word that I've heard. described. a word that is used to describe you a. lot is empathy is the the empathetic way.

in which you not only work with people. because you learn a lot by somebody. >> about somebody by how they work. Yeah. >> Um, but that is that makes perfect sense. that that's what you would be talking. about because I mean in all the. characters that you've played, >> you have that even characters that feel. like they're really the villain of the. story, >> there is you are always approaching them. with that. basically that they're a human being. >> I think so. I think I have to love every.

character that I play and I feel like. even though the villainous ones or like. whether I'm playing a pimp or a Mr. than. the color purple or Joe Jackson. I feel. like. >> I never try to take the lens of what. everyone else says about the person. I. do my my study and my research and I. find out who that person is and find my. way in. Usually that person's connected. to some part of me in some way. >> You're working Color Purple. You're. working in Michael like the the work. you've done the the work you've done on. stage. Rustin, >> how did that change? I mean that that. that portrayal was so beautiful and also.

just like a part that met you at the. time when you were ready for it. Did it. feel like that? >> It did. It felt like we were meeting. each other when we needed each other. like like this this role this moment. >> to pull by Rustin out of the. >> for people who don't know. >> by Rustin was the organizer of the March. on Washington. He was an openly gay man. at a time of course when it was. >> not cool to himself or his body or or. him having momentum in this world and he.

defied all that and he was brilliant. Every no one can deny that he was. brilliant and he was smart but he was. always on the sidelines of history. >> and I felt like and I I can. >> maybe I'll say it. >> in this way too. I felt that my career. was very similar in that way. I would. show up I would do the work. I was a. practitioner, but I was always sort of a. bit marginalized and then in in a way. just like, oh yeah, that's great, but. that that serves that purpose, >> but it's never the engine or something, but I knew I could be the engine. Yeah. >> And so when I finally got this.

opportunity, >> it felt like we were meeting each other. We're like, "Oh, I I know this guy. I I. I've lived with him. He's a part of me. as well.". >> And and then also, I just have to talk. to you about Singh. >> Okay. >> Coleman. >> Coleman. I watched that on an airplane. Mhm. >> And I love to cry on an airplane. >> Me, too. Me, too. It's the best thing. >> I love I I bet we're similar. I like to. cry by myself. >> Yeah. >> On an airplane. >> Yeah. >> And um hope like like like hopefully. under a blanket. >> Exactly. Exactly. [laughter] Yeah.

>> That must have felt like such a work of. talking about love. Like it must have. felt like a What was it like to make. that film? >> I think that's exactly what it felt. like. I felt like I knew that I. >> I had the opportunity to help tell the. story of these men in a really complex. way. >> Incarcerated men. >> Yeah. These men were incarcerated, you. know, with this beautiful arts program. in the center of it. >> and they hung on to it like it was their. um. >> um it was a it was a new path for them.

>> Yeah. >> To. exhibit empathy and joy and dance and. art and all this other way all this. other stuff. So it was really like. healing them in many ways. And I worked. with a group of formerly incarcerated. men who went through the program and I. really, you know, led this film and we. produced it as well. But I knew it was. something that like, you know, I think I. got paid like $150 a day and we had a. very tight schedule. It looks like a. labor. >> And this is the kind of work that you're. like, oh, this is why I can do that. other high profile work and I can put my.

attention on work like this that's very. necessary. Yeah. >> And so we created with like we locked. arms together and that's what it felt. like locking arms and it was a great. beautiful challenge for me because I. these men had the lived experience. >> of being incarcerated and going through. this program. And it was the first time. that I think I was challenged with. actually giving even more of myself of. like putting myself in those. circumstances like yeah I could be. wrongfully accused of something. I could. be in the wrong place at the wrong time. A lot of people in prison are not they.

don't belong in prison. >> you know. So I can find that part of. myself. So I think it was a bit more. bearing of my own soul in that work and. I think that's what the the difference. is for me. I I can see it which is why I. feel like I haven't watched the movie. that often because I feel like when I. watch it I feel you know when you watch. something you're like oh it takes you. right back to this. >> It's basically what I always I have like. a a sematic experience if I'm watching. something I've done much more than. remembering like even the plot or story. or like I just remember the feeling I. had making it. >> Yeah. And that must have been an intense.

feeling. >> It was pretty intense. >> Yeah. I mean, it's so you're so good in. it. You're such a natural leader. >> Um, and you can tell in that film that. you're leading people through the film. while being in the moment in the. characters. >> Well, the funny thing is I did that. movie after Rustin. Yeah. >> And I really felt like. >> Were you doing them at the same time. basically? >> Um, a little bit. A little bit cuz I had. to do the pickups for Rustin right after. and then I started The Color Purple. But. >> oh my god. I literally felt like sort of. that trio of films really ignited that.

true leader in me on sets, >> you know. I feel and and and as a. leading actor too. I sort of. >> I literally moved into my leading actor. days in a way like sort of. >> but I feel like I needed all those years. of supporting and and being sort of that. utilitarian actor and plays and things. like that. I needed all of that and but. I was always even when I was doing work. on stage I was always the equity deputy. So I was always the one that everyone. came to to make to write the wrongs or. you know advocate for actors or.

practices or something like that. So I. was like always the one like saying will. being willing but now I really had the. the role and the opportunity and so then. I took that into my leadership of sing. and and it's just kept going. >> It's such incredible work. I loved it so. much. I wish we were friends then cuz I. would have texted the out of you. [laughter] Um, okay. So, um, as we're. wrapping up and we're going to talk. about your new movie, Disclosure Day, which is going to be a gigantic hit. Holy And Four Seasons, which I. love you on. Let's get to the fact that.

you've worked with and have been. influenced by and shaped by amazing. women. >> Yes. Truly. your mother being the first. Edith who I just everything I read about. her I just love I love her face and I. love I just she just seems like a. wonderful person and I love the story of. Edith writing letters to Oprah Winfrey. who of course was um a producer and uh. in in the color in the color purple um. version that you did and can you just. tell that story about how your mom wrote.

letters when you were. >> Oh my god. get this my mom She would when I was. starting out as an actor in San. Francisco in the '9s, I would call my mom. We would talk a. couple times a week and you know, I. would have my struggles as an actor and. she's like, she would always say, "Well, you know, I wrote Oprah today." I was. like, [laughter]. "Why?". And she said, "Well, you know, she can. help you." I was like, "What's she going. to do?" Well, she, you know, she helps. people. You know, just write a letter.

She can help you. She's the lady that. helps. Yeah. I want you I You're so. good. if Oprah found out how good you. were, she could help you. And I was. like, "Okay, whatever." So [laughter]. anyway, so I've been like over and over. again. This was like maybe I would say. eight times my mom wrote Oprah. And I. was and I was so frustrated. Oh my god, will you please stop writing Oprah? I'm. like that's it feels crazy. So anyway, [laughter]. cut to years later. And I just have to. sidebar say this. mother always she was. like. >> she was so hopeful. >> and she would say.

>> oh my gosh I just need I just want Spike. Lee to know you and Stephen Spielberg. and they she. >> they would love you they would just love. you and I I'm about to cry think about. this but she she always had that much. faith that people. >> even if I didn't see it she thought. >> these pe if they just got to know you. they would love you the way I love you. >> yeah that's that's. >> and and literally I'm like as I look at. my life now and all these people are in. my life. >> Yeah. Amazing. >> So sometimes so I I do believe that. sometimes people have dreams for you you.

don't even have for yourself. >> And at some point they meet. >> Yeah. >> And so I had this moment. I was in Maui. with Oprah walking on her beautiful. mountain. >> Incredible. >> And we're hiking and suddenly I said, "Oh my god, it just occurred to me. I. said, "My mother used to write to you. over and over again.". And she says, "Really?" I said, "Yeah.". and she she sort of stops and she says, "Oh, I don't know if I got the letters, but I know I got the message.".

And then we just continue to walk hand. in hand. And I I really do believe it's. like I know that like how can I say it? I think that. I know that like when I lost my mom in. 2006 and I lost my mom and my stepfather. in the same year. >> I just I I knew that like my my friend. Melissa said um when I was very bereff. and I said what am I going to do with. all this love? I know that I was a good. son if I know if I wasn't anything else. I was a good son. And she said well. you're going to put the love into.

everything you do. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And and let and that will be you'll do. it in dedication to your mom. And so. literally I feel like because I've been. leading that way, >> I've been meeting every person. It's. like my my mother's own Wizard of Oz. I've been meeting every person that she. laid out for me. >> Yes. >> And that they've loved me the way that. she loves me. >> Yes. >> And so it leads me to like with like. with Disclosure Day, it's like she. wanted me she wanted Steven Spielberg to. know me. She didn't know Steven. Spielberg would love me, but we love. each other now and he's my family,

>> you know. >> I love that. I love Edith so much. And when I tell you you. >> and I don't say this lately, you would. love her. She was fun and sweet. >> Yeah. >> And like to dance. I think I'm a lot. like her to be honest. And she talked to. everybody. She would she would really. When I was a kid, it was annoying. I was. like, "Mom, can we just go to the in and. out the bank?" And she was like, "HOW. ARE YOU? HOW ARE YOU DOING?" She flirted. with everybody. She [laughter] was like, "Look at your legs. You are so cute, Amy. Oh my god." She would do that. >> Well, you know what's kind of fun when.

you when you're a woman of a certain. age. I just realized it the other day. And I was like, "Watch it, Amy." AND. [laughter]. YOU GET LIKE you get to the certain age. where you start going, "You're. beautiful. >> Look at your butt. Wow. He's got nice. arms." And everyone's like, "Oh, that. little old lady IS [laughter] SO NICE.". >> THAT WAS MY MOTHER. >> BUT YOU GOT TO BE CAREFUL. >> YOU GOT TO BE CAREFUL. EXACTLY. [laughter]. >> BUT YOU just go, "Wow, look at her. face.". >> Most time my mother was old school, so. she would reach out and touch it, too. She would kill Oh, yeah. My my. grandmother used to be like, "Oh, look.

at the chest on him." And I'd be like, "Nana, you can't touch.". >> So now you're becoming that that. >> I'm becoming that. Good. >> And how is it like working with my my. wife for life, Tina Fay? >> We have such a good time together. The. wildest thing is it's funny. When I. first met Tina, I. >> She's shy, too. >> She's very shy, but I thought. >> I didn't know what to think of her when. I first met cuz I thought she's very. >> I thought she's very She's like a. scientist, especially when it comes to. comedy and being very thoughtful, but. she's also very I find her to be very. tender and very sweet. >> She's very sweet. She's very sweet and.

she's she's she's. >> more touchyfey than I knew. And I I love. that we've sort of become I feel like. she's becoming one of my good friends. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I I love. >> Yeah. >> I text she texts right back. She's. always in my corner. >> She's just um once I found out she's a. Taurus, too. She's a Taurus. >> What are you? >> Sagittarius. >> Oh, >> yeah. Taurus. Once she says she I found. out she's a Taurus, I'm like, I got you. figured out. I lived with one for 21. years. So, I got you. Um, she wanted me. to ask you, uh, what peptides are you.

on? >> That's right. [laughter]. >> I'm not on any I feel like I I feel like. I want to I feel like. >> she's like she's like she's in the. writer room right now and she said ask. Coleman. The writers want to know where. does he get his energy [laughter]. peptides? >> They all think I'm on something because. they're like, "How are you possibly. doing all this stuff?" But it's just. it's like natural. >> We got to get pep. I mean, my dream is. that while we're while I'm recording. these podcasts, we're all getting. peptides at the same time. I feel like. what [laughter] we should because I. think pep like whatever peptides is. doing. >> I don't know. >> People are looking good.

>> You know what I love about peptides is. people are like I'm getting all these. peptides and it's like what's in it and. they're like I don't know. >> Yes. That's everyone everyone. >> you're just shooting it in and they're. like. >> they're like hope for the best. >> Hope for the best. I don't know. [laughter]. >> Okay. You're getting them every day and. it's what's in it. It's called B128. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> But you're right. No one can describe. what it is. >> No. No one knows what it is. >> IN FACT, it's better not to know. just. like, let's just go. Let's just peptide. it up. >> Let's do it. Peptide it up. You and I. Let's do it. [laughter] Peptide this. up. >> Um, okay. You're in the big movie of the.

summer. It's I mean, let's Stephen. Spielberg. >> So, we have this thing where we talk to. people before our podcast and we find. out more about them. We talk well behind. their back and we talked to Steven. Spielberg. >> Oh, you No, you didn't. >> You did what? >> Yes, we talked to Steven Spielberg. I. was very nervous. >> Wow. I actually I realized as I was. talking to him I was like I almost was. like Mr. Spielberg. [laughter]. Um you know um and I said to him I'm. like your your your work is in in the in.

my body like your your I your work is in. my subconscious forever. You've shaped. our childhood every single summer every. version of like an unknown world you. brought us into. He's just so um. >> he's singular. >> He is what and you've worked with him a. couple of times. >> Yeah. So before we get to the great. stuff he talked he said about you, what. what what is so great working about. working with him, what's what's it like. to work with him? >> He he's just lovely.

>> He's funny and warm. >> He gives you he's got a sparkle in his. eye that make you believe that you can. do anything. Even if he's giving you the. the wildest task of saying these lines. while going through an explosion and. there's, you know, the camera work is. all intensive, >> he looks at you and believes you can do. it. >> And so you have that belief. feel like, "Oh, great. We're going to make. something together. We're taking a leap. of faith together.". >> He's really just lovely and he's kind. >> Yeah. >> And he's right there with you. He likes. his um portable monitor and he's right. in the action with you.

>> Not not he's not at um chairs. He's not. at Video Village. >> No, there's no ego about the work. >> Yeah. >> And he's also just like, you know, what. do you think about this? Or like you. can, you know, you can bring your ideas, oh, let's let's think about that. So, he's very collaborative. And that's what. I enjoy about him. He's he's it's his. kindness. >> and the way and also he feels like. >> how can I say I he feels like he's just. starting out like he's that he's that. excited he's like oh let's try that. let's I have an idea I have an idea okay. great [laughter].

>> and he's like okay let's let's try it. >> and so he feels like he it's he's a kid. assembling his favorite craftsman around. and he's playing with you all playing. together you know. >> I mean this is like a big it's this is. going to be a big summer movie like a. blockbuster. >> but also I think it's a movie we all. need right now cuz it is a movie after I. saw it. I've seen it twice now. >> and I've cried both times. That'll just. tell you. >> and I won't tell you why I cried, but it. really did feel like. >> it's a movie that's trying to connect us. again. All of us,

>> you know, especially like the idea of. inviting. the idea that there's we're there's. something bigger than all of us. >> that we're a part of. So, I think that's. what I why I cried. I called him right. after and I said, "You really care about. us. you really care about humanity, >> you know, and and what we're wrestling. it with right now in our times and then. what can unite us? >> Well, he said the same thing about you. He basically was like, "Yeah, let me. tell you." Okay, you know what? Forget. about Stephen. Let me tell you what he. said. >> What did he say about you? [laughter]. Well, first of all, he said that no.

>> Real Housewives episode. [laughter]. >> That would be really funny. This is the. first podcast where I'm like, he. actually said SOME SOME [laughter]. UM he was saying that working with you. is like working with a self-driving car. Like you know that you're going to like. you have it. You're you're in the zone. Like there's very little that he has to. do because he has such faith in you. But. what you lead with as a person on set in. an ensemble is empathy and love and.

respect. So like what you get is this. act this very skilled actor but also a. really wonderful person. And the I think. the privilege of when you get to a. certain age and you work, you get to. want to surround yourself with those. kind of people. Like that's important. And it's not always the case. I think. when you're younger, you're kind of like. maybe complicated, difficult people are. there to challenge me in different ways. and I'll learn something from them. And. I know for me anyway, like as I get. older, I'm like [sighs and gasps].

>> also I want to be around people good. people. Like life is short. >> Yeah, life is short. I mean it should. this should be fun. Um how lucky are we. truly? So, um, and his question was his. question was kind of like a cuz we were. talking about auditioning and I was. asking him like how do how do people not. get nervous around him? Like how does he. deal with people's nerves? Cuz he must. have people coming in being like nice to. meet you. >> Um, and he wanted me to ask you, did you. ever not get a part that you tried hard. to get? And like what did you what did.

you do with it when you like what did. you do with the feeling when you didn't. get it? >> So many. Oh my god. That was like most. of my career. I was I was booking a lot. I really I felt like I was like. >> even things you felt like you really. wanted or you really um [clears throat]. >> were skilled for. >> At some point you had to divorce. yourself from the idea of getting the. role. You're like okay I'm prepared for. this but it's not up to me. It's like. someone cuz and maybe that's the thing I. pride myself on. I'm like when they want. me they want all of me. >> Yeah. >> They want it's okay if they want someone. else. So for me, I I it became a.

practice of being very sober about it. >> and saying, you know, it's okay if they. didn't want me because like what I give. is very different than that other guy. >> Yeah. >> It's not that he was better than me or. both. No, he was useful to them and all. that he was going to bring to it. >> And that's cool. So for me it was like. and maybe that was a healthy thing that. I needed to give myself. Yeah. >> So I can give myself grace and like and. and be and continue to be a practitioner. of this art form. Yeah. >> And not let it be about my ego. >> But isn't doesn't it feel like it's a. learned skill? That's hard to do. anymore. learn because also when you're.

young but also there are times when. you're I mean listen I've had moments. where there were things that I thought I. was perfect for and I didn't get and it. shattered me but like to be I'll be very. honest Amy Amy I'd never really imagined. the place that I'm in right now in this. industry I just wanted to be a working. actor. >> and also you're so famous and successful. TOO [screaming]. [laughter]. >> I got so famous. >> but you're right and also the. contentment part That's the goal. >> Yeah.

>> Like satisfaction and contentment. It's. the hardest thing to find. It. [clears throat] can, you know, it. doesn't matter what you do. >> Yeah. >> Hell is wanting more. It's like hell. That's suffering, man. >> It is suffering. I think the Listen, I. got I got a beautiful, beautiful um. message from this guy when I was turning. 50. This guy was driving me in a car in. Toronto and he was 70 years old. And I. said, "Do you have any. >> Yeah. >> any words of wis wisdom for my 50th?". >> He said, he said, "Listen, I wish I knew. this years ago." He said, "It's. important to.

you want to hope for everything but want. for nothing, >> and I was like. to eliminate want, >> you know?" So, I know that like I when I. walk into a room, like you say, I walk. into these rooms or in sets, I don't. really want anything. >> Yeah. >> I hope that it can be. There's other. things that I hope that it can be, >> but I'm not coming to get something. >> Oh, yeah. >> You know what I mean? I'm coming to. hopefully be in service and to and also. to give something. Yeah. >> I think that's the best we all can be. So if everyone's coming from that place,

we all win. >> Yeah. >> You know, it's the problem is only when. somebody's coming in just like to want. want to take and that's ego in the. room and then it's a that's some dark. forces and you try to just protect. yourself against that, you know. >> We got to talk about those egos offline. Exactly. Those dark forces. [laughter]. >> Okay. I love that you we're the same. age, by the way, cuz I I've said this. before. >> We look good, don't we? >> We look You look great. You look great. >> Thank you. But we're making 50. Look, 55. We're doing 56. Pretty good. I'm. turning 55 very soon.

>> I'm older than you. I'm 56, right? Yeah. And And I like What's your favorite part. about your 50s? I love my 50. >> You know what's funny to me? Lately, it. feels like things are moving faster. Like I just turned 56, but I'm like I'm. not going to be 57 this year. It doesn't. make any sense. >> And and I once you get past 55, I don't. like the second half of the decade. >> because because like we like, >> you know, I'm 55. I just turned 50 and. then you're like and then you start. about to hit 60 something and then. you're like you know what 60 60 61 62 63.

[laughter] 64 65. >> I feel like my 50s are my best. >> Me too. >> Yeah. I felt my 40s I was it was it was. fine. >> Yeah. 30s were getting better. >> It's getting better. Yeah. [clears throat] Agree. >> But also I feel like we have to you have. to be conscious of you have to take care. of yourself right in a [clears throat]. different way. >> Um show up in a different way for. yourself. Yeah. So I feel like we're. getting better. >> Yeah. I feel like the our our obsession. with youth is is like I think it's. changing. I think our generation is. helping. I think one of the legacies of. Gen X, I've said this before, is that of. which we are proudly proud members of.

We're not boomers. We are Gen X. >> We're Gen X. We rock. >> We don't give a. >> We really don't GIVE A WE'RE the. we don't give a generation. WE HAD KEY AROUND OUR NECK. WE. GOT WHEN WE WERE EIGHT. [laughter]. >> EXACTLY. We were like around, find. out generation. Exactly. >> We were tough. We are tough. >> We really are. And we and we and nobody. remembers us and nobody gives US. [laughter] ANY RESPECT. >> NOBODY GIVES ANY RESPECT. IT'S IT'S. TRUE. We're the toughest generation.

>> WE HAVE A PRESIDENT. THE GEN X. president. >> Anyway, um but we don't care. We don't. care. >> The system is broken. We always knew. that. [laughter]. >> But one of the things about it is like. is that um we've Oh, I've completely. lost MY [laughter] TRAIN. >> I'M TOO OLD. I'm too old. I forgot what. I was talking about. Who cares? You know. what? Who cares? [laughter]. Who cares? Who cares? [laughter] Okay,

last question. >> Okay, >> last question. Coleman, what has been. making you laugh these days? I know you. love to laugh. You love comedy. >> Yes. >> What are you listening to, watching like. what do you go to when you want to check. out, laugh, like dumb, highbrow? What is. the thing? always go back to watching. Melissa McCarthy and Spy. >> Oh my god. Okay, let's watch her right. now. I got a laptop. >> Spy is my any clip. Spy is I I will.

watch it. >> Melissa McCarthy is so. >> She makes me pee on myself. She's so. funny. >> Have you guys met? >> I love her. Yeah, we we we she came to. uh I saw I met her backstage at SNL when. she was there for Jack Black and I just. like. >> she. >> I really I think we're becoming friends. because we exchanged numbers, but I. really want to be your friend. give him. a little credit. What do you think I'm. going to do? Run over there and be like, "Hey, I'm a crazy lady. Where's the. buffet? I'M FROM THE MIDWEST. WHERE'S. BLUE MAN GROUP?". [laughter]. >> Lucas here and I need to get close to.

him. >> Yeah. and she's like she comes across as. this mousy woman who works for um the. CIA and then you find out she's an agent. as well and then she goes on this whole. journey like she she was like really. like you know. >> laying back and then she you find out. she's like the most wildest one of them. all. >> She's wild. >> Yeah. You like. >> all these great disguises which are. really one is funnier after the ninth. one. Rose Burn is in it. She's out of. control. >> This is a comfort movie for you. >> It's a comfort I will watch it at any. time. That and the color purple. I know. it's very weird. I'm very.

>> I watch like the whoopy version of it or. this. So, either I want to cry hard. >> or I want to laugh harder. >> Oh god, I'm with you. I kind of that I'm. the same way. I want to cry. I want You. know what? I don't want to be anymore. >> Bored. >> Scared. >> Don't want to be scared. No. >> No. I don't want to be scared. I don't. want to horror anything. Horror movies. No. No more horror. No. No. No. >> No more. I just saw the other day there. was some new thing. I don't I won't even. say it. And I was like, >> you don't want that. I don't want that. I don't No more movies about being.

attacked in your own home. >> No, no, no. That's terrible. [laughter]. Those are terrible movies. I never watch. those movies. >> Me neither. I never I don't want that. >> No. [laughter]. >> No more. We either want to laugh or we. want to cry. Pe like laugh or cry. Period. The end. That's it. >> Um Well, I feel like you should do a. movie with Melissa McCarthy. >> I think I should, too. I would love. that. >> Yeah. God, you're so funny, Coleman. Oh, thank you. >> You're so You can do anything. >> Thank you. >> You can wear lime green. You can PULL IT. OFF. >> [laughter].

>> WELL, THANK YOU FOR MY EGG. >> OH, this has been so great. >> So fun. We've been talking for an hour. and a half and it just went by so fast. >> So good. >> And I I just love being able to call you. a new friend. >> I feel that way, too. >> Thank you for doing this. Congrats on. everything. I'm always excited about. whatever you're doing and like a true. true fan of your work. So, thank you. >> I'm a fan of you in every single way. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for doing this. >> Appreciate it. Coleman, thank you so much. It's so fun. to be around you. You're just a joy and. and thank you. Thank you so much for.

doing this show. And you know, Coleman. and I talked about a lot of things. We. have a lot of shared similar experiences. being pretty much the same age growing. up in the East Coast. But we did mention. Dance Party USA. And for those of you. that uh haven't uh seen any clips of. that, do yourself a favor and go to. YouTube and watch uh Dance Party USA. kind of was like a very suburban version. of American bandstand like soul train. you know without the soul um and it was. on in the 80s.

just there's such incredible hair um. such 80s hair tons of hairspray. incredible outfits and it's just kids. dancing um to the hits at the time and. what was so fun about Dance Party USA. was of course Kelly Ripa was on there we. that was the first time I saw Kelly, she. I think she went by a different name, but um but also uh they just would like. talk about the relationships that they. were having and that that people were. dating and breaking up. So, it was like. a t it was like a soap opera with no.

lines and lots of dancing. Dance Party. USA. Check it out. It's a time capsule. Um thank you so much everybody for uh. listening to this episode of Good Hang. and all the episodes and can't wait to. do more for you. Thank you. Bye. See you. soon. You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman, and. me, Amy Polar. [music] The show is. produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, Cat Spalain, [music] Kaia. McMullen, and Alia Xanerys. For.

Paperkite, production by Sam Green, Joel. Levelvel, and Jenna [music] Weiss. Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.