Late Show with David Letterman Season 11 Episode 14 Colin Powell, Jennifer Garner
- September 25, 2003
David Letterman welcomes two very different guests from the worlds of politics and entertainment on this episode of his acclaimed talk show, Late Show with David Letterman. The episode opens with an excited Letterman joking with his audience before introducing his first guest, one of the most respected and influential Americans of his time - Colin Powell.
Powell, a retired four-star general, served as the 65th Secretary of State under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. During his military career, Powell served as National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command. He is known for his leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and inspiring speeches.
Letterman and Powell begin their conversation talking about his new book, "It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership," which is described as a guide on leadership and personal success. Powell shares life lessons learned during his time in the military and his public service career. He also discusses his views on the economy, foreign policy, and his post-retirement life. Always humble, Powell reflects on his accomplishments, the lessons learned from his failures, and the things he would have done differently.
As the conversation progresses, Letterman expresses admiration for Powell's willingness to speak his mind even when it's not popular or politically expedient. Powell shares anecdotes about his interactions with world leaders such as Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, and Vladimir Putin. The conversation ends on a poignant note, with Powell offering words of wisdom to the younger generations, urging them to get involved in public service and make the world a better place.
The second guest of the night is Jennifer Garner, the beloved actress known for her roles in movies like "13 Going on 30," "Juno," and "Dallas Buyers Club." Garner walks out to thunderous applause from the audience, looking radiant in a black dress and silver heels. Letterman is clearly excited to have her on the show and tells her how much he enjoyed her recent movie, "Butter."
The conversation between Letterman and Garner is light-hearted but engaging. They chat about Garner's childhood, her family, and her passion for acting. Garner candidly shares about her experiences as a working mom in Hollywood, her favorite actors and directors, and her upcoming projects.
As the interview progresses, Letterman brings the conversation back to some of Garner's early television appearances, including her role on the hit series "Alias." Garner fondly remembers her time on the show and talks about how it helped her develop a new set of skills as an actor. The two also touch on Garner's affinity for cooking and how it's both a therapeutic and practical hobby for her.
The show ends with Garner showing a clip from her new film, "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," which is a heartwarming family film about a couple who wish for a child and soon find a young boy mysteriously growing in their garden. Letterman thanks Garner for her time and the audience gives her a round of applause as she exits.
Overall, this episode of Late Show with David Letterman is one that highlights the diverse range of guests that Letterman has welcomed to his show over the years. From a retired military hero to a beloved Hollywood actress, the viewers are treated to a wide range of interesting conversations, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights into two vastly different spheres of life.