The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Sam Rockwell (Extended) | D.T. Phone Homan
Jan 28, 2026
Sam Rockwell, Academy Award–winning actor known for Galaxy Quest and Three Billboards, stops by to promote Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die. He recalls hustling in New York with odd jobs and early TV cop roles. They veer into stories about time travel films, on-set camaraderie, and reflections on dying on screen.
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Early New York Acting Start
- Sam Rockwell moved to New York at 18 to try acting and worked odd jobs to get by.
- He later auditioned for NYU's grad program, got in, but declined because New York initially freaked him out.
Burrito Delivery During O.J. Chase
- Sam Rockwell supported himself by bussing tables, barbacking, and delivering burritos by bicycle.
- He remembers delivering during the O.J. Bronco chase and charging $10.99 for a burrito.
Grinding Through TV Procedurals
- Sam Rockwell did the New York procedural circuit, appearing twice on Law & Order and on other shows like NYPD Blue.
- He played varied small roles including a killer, a bad cop, and an addict, taking whatever work he could get.