“They’re First Ones In and Last to Leave” - Keri Russell on America’s State Department Staff
Introduction
Stephen Colbert welcomes Keri Russell to the show and introduces her as a star of the new Netflix series "The Diplomat." They briefly discuss her previous work in "Felicity," "The Americans," and the movie "Cocaine Bear."
Cocaine Bear
Stephen asks Keri about her role in the movie "Cocaine Bear" and how it feels to be part of a genre-defining film. They joke about whether or not the bear brought enough cocaine for everyone.
- The movie has exploded in popularity, surprising everyone.
- Keri talks about how difficult it is to memorize political jargon and statistics for her role in "The Diplomat."
- Stephen asks if she learned anything about the State Department while preparing for her role.
- Keri shares that State Department employees are civil servants who give up their entire lives for their country. She also reveals that they do not vote because they have to serve whoever is in power.
The Diplomat
Stephen and Keri discuss her role as an ambassador on "The Diplomat" and what it was like working with former West Wing writer Deborah Cahn.
- Keri talks about how fascinating she finds the State Department and its employees.
- Stephen shares a story about Willie Nelson asking why there isn't a Department of Peace, to which Richard Holbrooke replied that there is - it's called the State Department.
- Keri describes some of the duties of State Department employees, including organizing meetings between leaders, knowing what they like to eat, and introducing people.
- Stephen introduces a clip from "The Diplomat" in which Keri's character argues with her husband.
Burn This
Stephen asks Keri about her recent Broadway play, "Burn This," and how it went.
- Keri talks about how difficult it was to act on Broadway and maintain the rigorous schedule.
- She admits that she doesn't know why she said yes to the role, as she is a nervous person who doesn't like being in front of people.
Keri Russell talks about her Broadway experience
In this section, Keri Russell talks about her experience performing on Broadway and how it was a humbling learning experience for her.
Learning from failure
- Keri describes her experience as humbling and embarrassing at times.
- Stephen suggests that it's important not to be too hard on oneself.
- Keri agrees with Stephen and laughs.
Marian Wright Edelman
- Keri mentions Marian Wright Edelman, an incredible woman who founded the Children's Defense Fund.
- She recommends one of Edelman's books called "The Measure of Our Success," which is a collection of letters she wrote to her sons about rules and feelings.