Nathan Lane Dishes on Gene Hackman's Flirty Side 'Birdcage' Secrets and Hilarious Colbert Moments

Hey movie and theater fans! Nathan Lane one of the funniest and most beloved actors out there has been making headlines again and this time it is all about heartwarming memories hilarious stories and of course that signature Nathan Lane wit. He recently popped up on Stephen Colbert's Late Show and spilled some tea about working with the legendary Gene Hackman plus he dropped some zingers about current events. Let's dive in!

Nathan Lane's Touching Tribute to Gene Hackman: 'The Birdcage' Memories and a Hilarious Flirtation Story

After the recent passing of Gene Hackman everyone has been sharing their favorite memories of the acting icon. Nathan Lane had some especially sweet and funny stories to tell about working with Hackman on the Classic comedy The Birdcage. Lane went on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and reminisced about his time on set with the two-time Oscar winner. Lane admitted he made it a point to tell Hackman every single morning that he was his "favorite actor". How sweet is that?

In The Birdcage Lane and Robin Williams played a gay couple hilariously preparing to meet their son's ultra-conservative future in-laws played by Hackman and Dianne Wiest. Lane recalled filming the big dinner scene a scene that took a whole week to shoot! Every morning he would chat with Hackman praising his work and asking him about movies like The Conversation and Scarecrow. Lane described Hackman as being like Spencer Tracy someone who was so natural you could never catch him acting. He could nail both comedy and drama and was just a "smart actor". Lane called working with him a "thrill of a lifetime".

But the best story? Lane revealed there was even a "Slight flirtation going on" between him and Hackman during filming! In a scene where they were dancing and singing "I Could Have Danced All Night" Lane ad-libbed a line saying "You know I played Eliza in high school". Hackman's response? "I bet you were wonderful." Lane joked about this playful banter saying it was "hilarious". It sounds like even while filming a comedy Gene Hackman’s charm was always on point.

Lane's Sharp Wit on Colbert: Taking Swipes at Trump's Kennedy Center Plans (and Grindr)

Never one to shy away from political humor Nathan Lane also used his Late Show appearance to deliver some zingers about Donald Trump and his recent activities. Colbert brought up Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center and Lane did not hold back with the jokes. He quipped "I don't want to be a downer but I think from a historical context we are totally f—ed." Ouch! He went on to joke that Trump "couldn't keep his teeny tiny baby hands off" the Kennedy Center adding "Who knew Trump could cause more damage to the Kennedy name than RFK Jr.?" Double ouch!

Lane then launched into a hilarious fake schedule of events Trump might bring to the Kennedy Center. He imagined "a youth choir made up entirely of Elon Musk's children" "Lee Greenwood's all-rap musical tribute to Ronald Reagan" and even a Nazi-themed version of The Sound of Music. If that wasn't enough Lane joked that Trump "canceled an appearance by the Gay Men's Chorus which upset a lot of people especially all those conservative Republicans on Grindr." The audience and Colbert were cracking up. It is clear Nathan Lane's comedic timing and political satire are as sharp as ever.

From Stage to Screen and Now Sitcoms: Nathan Lane's Diverse and Enduring Career

Of course Nathan Lane's appearance on Colbert was not just about reminiscing and political jokes. He was also there to promote his new Hulu sitcom Mid-Century Modern. In the series Lane stars alongside Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham as three gay friends living together in Palm Springs. It sounds like a fun and stylish show and another example of Lane's diverse career.

From his Broadway triumphs in The Producers to his iconic film roles in The Birdcage and beyond Nathan Lane has proven himself a True entertainment legend. He seamlessly moves between comedy and drama stage and screen and now sitcoms. His talent his humor and his ability to connect with audiences are what make him so beloved and enduring.

Nathan Lane Highlights: Memorable Projects Mentioned

• The Birdcage (1996): Beloved comedy film co-starring Robin Williams and Gene Hackman.
• The Producers (Broadway): Tony Award-winning role in the hit musical.
• Mid-Century Modern (Hulu Sitcom): New sitcom with Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham.
• The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Recent appearance discussing Gene Hackman and current events.
• SNL 50th Anniversary Special: (Implied connection as both Lane and Colbert attended).

Nathan Lane: A True Legend Still Making Us Laugh and Reflect

Nathan Lane's recent appearance on Stephen Colbert's show was a perfect reminder of why he is such a treasure. He can make you laugh with witty political jokes touch your heart with sincere tributes to fellow actors and keep you entertained with stories from his incredible career. Whether you know him from Broadway movies or TV Nathan Lane continues to be a force in entertainment and we are lucky to have him.