{"id":2073763,"date":"2025-10-07T01:52:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T01:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2073763"},"modified":"2025-10-07T01:52:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T01:52:10","slug":"jeff-gianolas-journal-talking-with-stephen-colbert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/jeff-gianolas-journal-talking-with-stephen-colbert\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeff Gianola\u2019s Journal: Talking with Stephen Colbert"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Editor\u2019s Note:<\/strong> <em>KOIN 6 News anchorman Jeff Gianola will retire around Thanksgiving 2025 after more than 40 years as a Portland journalist. In this series, Jeff looks back at some of the most memorable stories he\u2019s covered and shared.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>This story <strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.koin.com\/entertainment-news\/meeting-colbert-jeff-gianola-chats-with-new-late-show-host\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:originally aired September 4, 2015;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">originally aired September 4, 2015<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) \u2014 It\u2019s 8 a.m. Sunday morning. I\u2019m at the CBS Studios in Los Angeles waiting to meet Stephen Colbert.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">I\u2019m one of about 9 news people from local CBS affiliates who will have the opportunity to meet and chat with Colbert.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It\u2019s part of a press tour generating excitement about the new <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cbs.com\/shows\/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Late Show With Stephen Colbert.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>Late Show With Stephen Colbert<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">I have my questions ready \u2014 I will only have 10 minutes to talk with him. An hour passes, and finally the first person is ushered into the big studio for an interview.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><em>KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola talked with Stephen Colbert, September 4, 2015 (KOIN)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Since I\u2019m next in line, I\u2019m allowed to sit by the side and watch. As Colbert enters the studio he\u2019s laughing and in a good mood.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">He spots me on a chair off to the side and gives me a thumbs up. I like this guy. Actually, I\u2019ve always been a huge Colbert fan \u2014 this is like meeting Elvis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The first interview wraps up and I make a decision: I throw out my written questions and decide I\u2019m just going to let Colbert be Colbert.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The crew is friendly and professional, asking\u00a0me lots of questions about Portland. They all want to move here and get out of L.A.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Colbert shakes my hand and sits down.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">My first question: \u201cWhen you think of Portland, Oregon, what comes to your mind?\u201d He hesitates just a bit and, without missing a beat says, \u201cWeed.\u201d<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-decimal\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola talked with Stephen Colbert, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"444\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/kb6siEHWv8aDw7DBBT08Zg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUzMztjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/koin_articles_940\/79e4814620f4b7bb16918f29c2b59721\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola talked with Stephen Colbert, September 4, 2015 (KOIN)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-decimal\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola talked with Stephen Colbert, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"459\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/LUJBGNuGpzqFDnjzBmVviw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU1MTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/koin_articles_940\/28622444c6996f6c8556a7048e8933f9\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola talked with Stephen Colbert, September 4, 2015 (KOIN)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-decimal\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola spoke with Stephen Colbert, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"462\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/0k9kWZcn43rfFXZPQOcotQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU1NDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/koin_articles_940\/9c8fc7114d3e047c62a37b4c4c27450f\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola spoke with Stephen Colbert, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-decimal\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola spoke with Stephen Colbert, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Mk0I304Ke4EQcTfHPErEdQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/koin_articles_940\/c66217120344898421db3c96986e423b\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola spoke with Stephen Colbert, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-decimal\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola talked with Stephen Colbert as he took over hosting The Late Show, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"639\" height=\"354\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/B5cG4koMGAzpQH5wDVMQfg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUzMjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/koin_articles_940\/5b91e1ed26e21eb21512a00968e16335\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>KOIN 6 News anchor Jeff Gianola talked with Stephen Colbert as he took over hosting The Late Show, September 3, 2015 (KOIN)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">This interview is off to a hilarious start. I become the straight man to Colbert as we discuss family, kids, growing up Catholic and Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Colbert started off as a philosophy major, then he wanted to be a serious actor. He admits these were dark days. He was moody and broody while attending Northwestern.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Then he was introduced to Chicago\u2019s famed improv group, Second City. Colbert fell in love with the unscripted off-the-cuff humor; he became a different person.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">On <strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cc.com\/shows\/the-colbert-report\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Colbert Report;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">The Colbert Report<\/a>,<\/strong> Stephen played a conservative commentator. He will play himself on The Late Show, but says he\u2019s not going to give up the things that made the show successful.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As my interview came to an end, I asked Colbert to consider me as a sidekick if he needs one. \u201cLike an Ed McMahon?\u201d he asked. I said, \u201cyes\u201d and then I imitated what I thought was the trademark Ed McMahon laugh.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cHold it Jeff, that\u2019s more <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/8346622\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Penguin;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>Penguin<\/strong><\/a>. That\u2019s <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/8346622\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Penguin!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>The Penguin!<\/strong><\/a>\u201d Colbert shouted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sure enough, I sounded like actor Burgess Meredith\u2019s cackle when he was <strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/8346622\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Penguin on the Batman TV show;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">The Penguin on the Batman TV show<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cNo thanks Jeff,\u201d Colbert said. \u201cI\u2019ll do my own McMahon.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">I\u2019ll be watching, and maybe someday he\u2019ll reconsider my offer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><i>Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.koin.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"> For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Editor\u2019s Note: KOIN 6 News anchorman Jeff Gianola will retire around Thanksgiving 2025 after more than 40 years as a Portland journalist. In this series, Jeff looks back at some of the most memorable stories he\u2019s covered and shared. This story originally aired September 4, 2015. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) \u2014 It\u2019s 8 a.m. Sunday morning. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2073764,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[388942,341144,368211,22653],"class_list":["post-2073763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-jeff-gianola","tag-koin","tag-late-show-with-stephen-colbert","tag-stephen-colbert"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Jeff-Gianolas-Journal-Talking-with-Stephen-Colbert.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2073763"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2073765,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073763\/revisions\/2073765"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2073764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2073763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2073763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2073763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}