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Stephen Colbert recently opened up about a surreal moment when he discovered supermodel Paulina Porizkova had once named him her “hall pass.” The revelation came during a reunion of late-night peers, and the story blends celebrity charm, late-night humor and a clip that has lived on in pop culture.
How Colbert learned he was a supermodel’s pick
Colbert recalled the scene in a relaxed, off‑the‑cuff way. He and some fellow hosts were trading names over dinner. One friend casually spoke a famous name. Colbert then checked his phone and found proof.
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He described scrolling his PEOPLE app and seeing the headline that connected him to Porizkova. The moment landed as both a shock and a boast among his peers.
The reaction from the table was immediate and emphatic. Colbert’s fellow late‑night stars did not hide their surprise.
The clip that sparked it all: Porizkova on live TV
A compliment turned cultural footnote
Years earlier, Porizkova made a memorable remark on morning television. She praised Colbert, calling him attractive and signaling a playful interest.
That exchange aired nationally and became fodder for late‑night comedy. Colbert later referenced the remark on his own show, turning it into a running joke.
He even produced a T‑shirt featuring her face alongside her comment, using humor to highlight the unexpected compliment.
How late-night friends reacted
When Colbert retold the tale, his co‑hosts were incredulous. Names like Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and others expressed genuine surprise.
- Colbert framed the episode as an unbeatable “flex” among peers.
- The story played into the competitive, jokey banter common in late‑night circles.
- It also resurfaced a clip that many viewers still remember.
Where Paulina Porizkova and Stephen Colbert stand today
Family and partnerships
Porizkova married Ric Ocasek, frontman of The Cars, in 1989. The couple raised two sons together.
Their relationship ended publicly in 2018. Ocasek died in 2019 from heart disease.
Porizkova is now engaged to television writer and producer Jeff Greenstein.
Colbert has been married to Evelyn McGee since 1993. The couple has three adult children.
- Paulina Porizkova: married Ric Ocasek in 1989; two sons; engaged to Jeff Greenstein.
- Ric Ocasek: deceased 2019; cause listed as heart disease.
- Stephen Colbert: married Evelyn McGee in 1993; parents to three grown children.
Timeline: key moments in the story
- 2007: Porizkova compliments Colbert on live television.
- Colbert uses the clip as material on his show and as a humorous branded shirt.
- Years later, at a reunion dinner, Colbert discovers a PEOPLE app item confirming her comment.
- The anecdote is shared publicly during a Strike Force Five reunion event.
Why this little Hollywood episode matters
The story works on several levels. It’s a late‑night anecdote, a reminder of viral TV moments, and a humanizing glimpse into celebrity friendships.
It also shows how a short TV soundbite can follow public figures for years. When iconic names meet late‑night wit, the result is often a story that keeps circulating.
Colbert’s mix of humility and humor turned what could have been an awkward moment into a charming bit of pop‑culture lore.
