Katie Couric Praises ‘Poised’ Teen Scarlett Johansson in 1998 Interview

Scarlett Johansson impressed Katie Couric with her mature demeanor while meeting for the first time on the Today show in 1998.

The beloved talk show resurfaced a clip from the interview via Instagram on Sunday, September 21, while Scarlett, 40, was promoting the film The Horse Whisperer.

“You’re only 13. I mean, is it hard for you to be in school and pursue this career?” Katie, 68, asked the Asteroid City actress at the time.

Scarlett admitted that balancing her acting career and education was “overwhelming” and “difficult,” especially when she had to get an assignment turned in by a deadline while trying to memorize her script.

“But, I mean, it’s a dream come true. I couldn’t want – I couldn’t ask anything more,” the Avengers star continued. “You know, you learn to work with it. And school isn’t the best thing, you know. I’m not like a candidate for school or anything.”

Katie playfully asked Scarlett if she was going to be a National Merit Finalist, to which the now A-lister laughed and replied, “No, sorry.”

Although Scarlett admitted she chose her career over school, the renowned reporter praised her for being “poised for a 13-year-old. Much more so than a lot of 50-year-olds” that she interacted with.

“I wish you all the luck in the world. Your performance in this movie is really stunning,” Katie concluded. “Nice to meet you, Scarlett.”

The clip brought fans back in time, with some who remembered watching the interview air live almost three decades ago.

“She’s discussing The Horse Whisperer. I remember watching her at that age and just thinking, Wow! Her career’s just getting started!” one fan commented.

A second person wrote, “What a great respectful interview. That journalist is a breath of fresh air, and so is [Scarlett] Johansson.”

Meanwhile, a third person dropped another history lesson, writing, “Wow she was so young there. Little pop culture fact she was Aaron Carter’s love interest in his ‘I’m All About You’ music video in 2001, 3 years later when she was 16 and Aaron was 14 Wowzers.”

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This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.