May 24, 2026 • 30 mins
From the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to backstage chaos, emotional performances and conversations that honestly might make you cry in your car… this year’s National Memorial Day Concert episode of Pop Culture Weekly is one of the most powerful we’ve ever done.
Kyle McMahon is live in Washington, D.C. with interviews from the stars of PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert 2026, including Noah Wyle, Mickey Guyton, Andy Grammer, Melissa Leo, Mary McCormack, Blessing Offor and Laura Osnes.
They talk about honoring fallen heroes, the emotional weight of performing on Memorial Day, live TV pressure, storytelling, patriotism, music, humanity and sacrifice.
Plus:
• Noah Wyle talks The Pitt and portraying a Revolutionary War soldier
• Mickey Guyton opens up about singing the National Anthem live
• Melissa Leo gets emotional discussing telling real stories
• Andy Grammer reflects on loss, family, and “Don’t Give Up on Me”
• Mary McCormack steps in as host for the historic concert
• Laura Osnes teases a Christmas movie and Capitol Fourth return
It’s heartfelt, funny, emotional, chaotic and very Pop Culture Weekly. And honestly? Hearing Kyle accidentally try not to openly sob in front of the Capitol might be worth the download alone.
If you dig the show, subscribe, rate, and share - and tell your friend who's always stealing your streaming passwords.
📍 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform
🎧 Subscribe for more celeb interviews, streaming picks and pop culture deep dives!
🗣️ Want to be featured on the show? 📱 Leave a voicemail here!
📧 Become a degenerate and join the newsletter to get exclusive content, interviews & more once a week! Subscribe here!
--------------------------
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming. Listen here!
--------------------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at Podcast.PopCultureWeekly.com
Read the latest at PopCultureWeekly.com
Get Social with Kyle on:
Kyle McMahon Facebook
Kyle McMahon Instagram
Kyle McMahon TikTok
Pop Culture Weekly YouTube
Kyle McMahon Website
Kyle McMahon is live in Washington, D.C. with interviews from the stars of PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert 2026, including Noah Wyle, Mickey Guyton, Andy Grammer, Melissa Leo, Mary McCormack, Blessing Offor and Laura Osnes.
They talk about honoring fallen heroes, the emotional weight of performing on Memorial Day, live TV pressure, storytelling, patriotism, music, humanity and sacrifice.
Plus:
• Noah Wyle talks The Pitt and portraying a Revolutionary War soldier
• Mickey Guyton opens up about singing the National Anthem live
• Melissa Leo gets emotional discussing telling real stories
• Andy Grammer reflects on loss, family, and “Don’t Give Up on Me”
• Mary McCormack steps in as host for the historic concert
• Laura Osnes teases a Christmas movie and Capitol Fourth return
It’s heartfelt, funny, emotional, chaotic and very Pop Culture Weekly. And honestly? Hearing Kyle accidentally try not to openly sob in front of the Capitol might be worth the download alone.
If you dig the show, subscribe, rate, and share - and tell your friend who's always stealing your streaming passwords.
📍 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform
🎧 Subscribe for more celeb interviews, streaming picks and pop culture deep dives!
🗣️ Want to be featured on the show? 📱 Leave a voicemail here!
📧 Become a degenerate and join the newsletter to get exclusive content, interviews & more once a week! Subscribe here!
--------------------------
Kyle McMahon's Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don't Discuss is now streaming. Listen here!
--------------------------
Get all the Pop Culture Weekly podcast info you could want including extra content, uncut interviews, photos, videos & transcripts at Podcast.PopCultureWeekly.com
Read the latest at PopCultureWeekly.com
Get Social with Kyle on:
Kyle McMahon Facebook
Kyle McMahon Instagram
Kyle McMahon TikTok
Pop Culture Weekly YouTube
Kyle McMahon Website
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In this episode of pop Culture Weekly, I am live
on the West Lawn of the US Capital for the
National Memorial Day Concert. We've got Noah Wiley, Mickey Get, Mandy,
Grammar and Moore.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Let's go.
Speaker 3 (00:13):
Welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from iHeartRadio,
your pop culture news, views, reviews and celebrity interviews on
all the movies, TV, music and pop culture u CRABE Weekly.
Here's Kyle McMahon.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Newt Now Now, Hello, and welcome to pop Culture Weekly
with Kyle McMahon. I of course am Kyle McMahon, and
we're coming to you live from the West Lawn of
the United States Capital for the annual National Memorial Day Concert.
And you know, pop Culture Weekly is the show where
(00:51):
we normally talk about movies, music and TV. Today we're
doing that, but we're also trying not to openly sob
in front of the United Seas State's Capitol building. What up,
my fellow pop culture degenerates. This is one of my
favorite episodes Every single year. I am at the Washington
(01:11):
d C. I'm at the Washington DC. That makes sense.
I am in Washington, d C. For the annual National
Memorial Day Concert on PBS live from the West Lawn
of the US Capitol during rehearsals for this year's broadcast,
and you know, honestly, there's just something incredibly powerful about
(01:32):
being here.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
We've got the.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Capital behind US military and their families everywhere, and their
loved ones, artists rehearsing these emotional performances, and this just
collective feeling of gratitude that kind of hangs in the air.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
All day long.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
I feel like Memorial Day, the actual meaning of Memorial Day,
can sometimes get lost between cookouts and mattress sales and
arguing with strangers online about whether pineapple belongs in a pizza.
It absolutely does, by the way, But this concert always
brings the focus back to what the day is truly about,
(02:13):
and that is honoring the brave men and women who
gave their lives in service to this country and to
the families and loved ones who continue.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Carrying that weight every single day.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
This year's lineup is incredible, and I have the chance
to speak with some amazing talent taking part in the concert,
including Noah Wiley, Melissa Leo, Mary McCormick, Blessing, Offer, Andy Grammer,
Lauren Osniz, and Mickey Geiton. We talk about the emotional
(02:49):
impact of the event, the stories behind the performances, and
why this concert continues to matter year after year.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
This is like my tenth year or something of doing this.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Maybe we'll have to look, but I've been doing this
for quite a while and it's just an amazing event
that I look forward to every year. While you're here,
make sure you're subscribed to Pop Culture Weekly wherever you
get your podcast, join the newsletter for weekly deep dives,
picks and exclusives, and of course, follow me everywhere at
(03:24):
Real Kyle McMahon because we've got a lot of cool
stuff coming up. All right, are we ready? Let's jump
into it. First up is Lauren Osnes. Lauren's voice is
just breathtaking. You've seen her all over Broadway. She's an
(03:44):
incredible talent and I'm honored to speak with her here.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
She is Lauren Asnis.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
All Right, so I'm here on the West lawn of
the United States Capitol. You are performing My Country to
is It Beats? What does that moment mean for you?
What does that song mean for you? Performing for you know,
Memorial Day at the Capitol.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
It is truly such an honor and I'm surrounded by
twelve I think service members who are mirroring uniforms over
the years, and it's it's such a pointed, beautiful moment
celebrating our freedom and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
And I don't think very many people know the additional
verses of that song, so I don't think so getting
(04:32):
to share those, I say, I hope people really listen
to the lyrics and take them to heart.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
Do you as a performer when you are it is
super distracting?
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Okay, we did go the first yes question recollector as.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
A performer, you know, when you're performing that, do you
feel the weight of those words and the moment that
you're in or are you able to kind of separate
or go into your own like how does that process?
Speaker 5 (05:02):
Sir? Great question for me personally. I've actually have to
check myself because it's a very kind of somber day,
but we're also celebrating the reward of that sacrifice and
our freedom, and I find myself wanting to smile and
pargain moments of my song, and I think that's also warranted.
I think it's a it's a great face smile and
(05:23):
in gratitude that I think is balanced with the remembrance
of the sacrifice that that husband paid, do you know
what I mean. So it's the best of both worlds.
And as the actor, obviously, I want to ring truth
to the lyrics that I'm saying, and I'm hoping that
they ring true and that people feel that same thing.
Speaker 6 (05:39):
I love that.
Speaker 7 (05:40):
And then what can we expect next from you?
Speaker 4 (05:42):
You've been all over Verveen on the stage.
Speaker 7 (05:47):
Where are you going next?
Speaker 8 (05:48):
Well, thanks for asking.
Speaker 5 (05:49):
I get to come back here for fourth of July,
and that hasn't really been announced yet. Okay, but I
don't think it's a secret per se. So I'm very
thrilled to get to be part of that. And let's see,
I just finished filming a Christmas movie.
Speaker 7 (06:00):
Oh cool.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
It's called Silver Bells at Christmas and it will air
on Great American Family this coming winter season.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
So that's probably the next big thing.
Speaker 7 (06:08):
Awesome.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
So we'll see you. We'll be back here for fourth
of July, and then we'll see you in the like
November is.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
Yeah, I probably yes, either October or November, maybe early
December leading into the Christmas seas cool.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
Thank you so much, Thank.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
You, learn us News, Thank you to Lauren.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Awesome person, awesome talent, and she really does an incredible.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Job for the show. And I can't wait for you
to see, you know, and hear her all right.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Next up is the incredibly talented Blessing Offer. Blessing's voice
is absolutely unreal. You may have seen him on the voice,
which makes sense. His music carries so much soul, hope,
and humanity, and we talk all about that all right here.
He is Blessing Author.
Speaker 7 (07:08):
All right, we are here on the West lawn of
the US Capital. Your performance was absolutely amazing. Of course,
to con what does it mean.
Speaker 9 (07:18):
For you when you're performing a song like that in
the context of this show.
Speaker 7 (07:24):
Obviously Memorial days to honor the families that have endured
the ultimate sacrifice. And if I can.
Speaker 10 (07:31):
Bring any hope, any joy, any kind of optimism to
the situation, it's the least that I love that.
Speaker 9 (07:37):
I Do you feel any weight as a performer like
in this context or are you able to kind of
separate it and do your thing? How does separate I
don't know if you can separate it. Honestly, the weight
every time I celebrate, whether it's two fifty or any
other Memorial Day, independence day as an immigrant, I go.
(07:59):
I'm so happy to be so, I think just for
me personally, the added level is that I get to
do this. I came to the States when I was six,
and so this is particularly meaningful for me.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 7 (08:12):
And what can we expect from you next? You've got
an album last year? What record last year?
Speaker 10 (08:18):
For singles coming up, remixes coming up, new music coming up?
Speaker 7 (08:24):
You guys, it'll be fun. I don't Grace is over there,
she's gonna yell at me. I can't say too much,
but okay, it's gonna be fun. So all right, at
some point in the near future, very near future. Okay,
thank you so much. I really frust I appreciate it.
Hold high, hold.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Time, blessing of her, Thanks the blessing for speaking with me.
Next up, once again coming back to the show, is
the amazing Andy Grammer.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
I love him.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
He always has this infectious positivity and heart to everything
he does. But there's also this sincerity to him that
is so powerful and it really fits the spirit of
the National Memorial Day Concert perfectly.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Here he is Andy Grammer.
Speaker 7 (09:12):
All right, I am here once again with Andy Grammer.
What's going on?
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Man?
Speaker 7 (09:15):
How are you so. Last time we talked, it was
here for Capital fourth. Yeah, you were performing. Don't give
up on me. The Capitol fourth is more of a
party like celebration. I think we'd enjoy that time too.
Maybe we did both of them.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
Yeah, and well I was going to ask you, like,
what you know now you're doing it in a different,
you know, kind of setting.
Speaker 7 (09:36):
Yeah, it's a little bit more somber. How does that?
How does a song that you've done?
Speaker 10 (09:41):
I think this song is a little bit somber in
like an up uplifting somber way. But it is definitely uh,
you know, you write a song, you put out in
the world, and then it gets used in all these
different contexts, and to have it be used to cheer
on our military is really special to me.
Speaker 7 (09:58):
I love that.
Speaker 11 (09:59):
And from the reason I specifically remember that you had
did this for Capitol fourth because you and I had talked.
I had just lost my mom when you did when
you performed to her last time, and you and I
were talking about how I believe it was your aunt
or your mom's best friend or something that you had
brought here or she was watching or you told her
she was gonna You were gonna be doing this song.
(10:22):
And so now that you know, I got to saw
to before you did that.
Speaker 7 (10:26):
So what did that moment mean for you?
Speaker 1 (10:29):
You know?
Speaker 7 (10:29):
This sweek?
Speaker 10 (10:30):
Yeah, my mom's best friend Lee and my godmother and
I so I kind of like let her know when
her I'm doing anything like Auntie, I'll make her watch
this tomorrow for sure.
Speaker 7 (10:38):
Yeah, And how does you know? How does that feel
with you?
Speaker 4 (10:44):
You know, it's got to have some extra weight for
you when you know somebody you loved so much as
like our shoot, you know, chearing you on.
Speaker 10 (10:51):
She tunes in man, I love her to death you
a lot.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
Yeah, And for now, you know, for Memorial Day, what
would you be doing if you were performing here? How
does probably?
Speaker 10 (11:01):
Honestly, I play a lot of things like this every
morre right here.
Speaker 7 (11:07):
I think last year we're app us playing for the
military somewhere in the world. Last year we did.
Speaker 10 (11:13):
Over the last two years, we've played for the military
in Japan, Italy, Germany, and then like a bunch of
spots all around Texas, and you like, we go around
a lot. So generally on Memorial Day, I'm either with
my family by the pool or at something.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
Like this I'll love that, and what can we expect
next from you?
Speaker 10 (11:31):
Now?
Speaker 7 (11:31):
I'm coming Yeah, new singles are coming soon. They had
the look out all right, cool, Thank.
Speaker 12 (11:37):
You Andy Grammar, Love Love Love him and his performance
of Don't give Up on Me is chilling.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
It's just in the context of the show, it is
just chilling. There's nothing like the energy backs at National
Memorial Day Concert. It is emotional, it is reflective, grateful,
and you know, of course chaotic.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
It's a live show.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Like one minute someone's discussing sacrifice and remembrance and the
next minute I'm asking if there's ice, coffee and catering,
you know, live show. All right, we're gonna take a
quick break, but when we come back, I'm joined by
Mickey Geiton, Mary McCormick, Academy Award winning Best Actress, Melissa Leo,
(12:33):
and Hot off of the Pit Noah Wiley, all from
the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, d C. We're
gonna pay the bills. I'd be back in sixty see
you then. All right, welcome back to Pop Culture Weekly.
(12:53):
Thank you for supporting our sponsors. We're backstage at the
annual National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
The US Capitol in Washington, d C.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
And the show airs live May twenty fourth, eight pm
Eastern on PBS, on PBS's YouTube, on the National Memorial
Day Concert website, and the Armed Forces Network.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Next up is Mary McCormick.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
She returns once again to our show, to Pop Culture Weekly,
and to National Memorial Day Concert. From the West Wing
to Murder one and beyond. Mary has been one of
television's most consistently great performers for years, and her and
I talk about NMDC twenty six and the importance of
(13:47):
keeping these stories alive.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
You know, she's actually hosting this year.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Joe Montaigna unfortunately fell ill, and he'll be back next year,
but Mary has stepped in his place, along with of
course Gary Sinise.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
So here she is Mary McCormick.
Speaker 7 (14:07):
All right, First of all, thank you for speaking with me.
You're once again doing the National Memorial Day Concert. You're
doing kind of double duty this year. Hell, you know,
as a.
Speaker 13 (14:18):
Performer, how do you kind of go from telling, you know,
a powerful story to then kind of having to get
your bearings back to then we post.
Speaker 7 (14:30):
Is that like something that crosses your mind to her?
Speaker 10 (14:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 14 (14:33):
Sure, I mean it's a live show, and there's you know,
Joe Maintainer is so good at it. And I've done
it for this is my ninth year, when I've done
a little bit of everything. Through the nine years, I've
hosted once and or a couple of times, and told stories,
dramatic readings, and some gold Star family tributes. So I've
done a little bit of everything. But I always say
(14:54):
to Michael and Joe Colbert, who produced the show, I'll
come and do anything that doesn't have to be on camera.
I just want to be here and be part of it.
And the first time I did it nine years ago,
I was I think Joe Montagne said to you before
I did my reading, he was like, you'll never be
the same. This will change you, and it really did.
I just couldn't believe how powerful the night was and
how honored I was to get to say thank you
(15:17):
yeah to everybody, to all our fallen soldiers and all
the gold Star family to show up, and it just
was so incredibly moving. Yeah, I'm coming no matter what.
So I always say that, I'm like, I don't even
know if I'm really invited at this point, I just
show up.
Speaker 7 (15:31):
I think they feel like they have to give me
something to do.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
And how for you?
Speaker 7 (15:36):
You know, you've done you know, fictional characters, you've told,
true stories, you've played, you know, is there a difference
for you? Do you feel more pressure when it's a
real person?
Speaker 11 (15:48):
Do you are you able to kind of separate that
you you know, as you're doing your performance?
Speaker 14 (15:52):
Yes, I mean this, You're right. It's it's different because
they're often in the audience too, and it's such an
important story. So and it's half performance half presentation. It's
an odd hybrid of it's a sort of an odd
acting job. Yeah, but tonight I don't have that pressure.
I have a different pressure tonight if we'll be hosting.
So it's different challenges.
Speaker 7 (16:11):
But for awesome, Thank you so much. As always such
a pleasure to talk.
Speaker 14 (16:16):
To you, as he always.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Mary McCormick, She's always such a delight.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Love love, love her all right.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Next up is the incredible Mickey Guiton, who returns to
Pop Culture Weekly once again. Mickey is not only an
amazing artist, but she's really one of the most thoughtful
and authentic artists working today. We talked about the emotional
responsibility of performing at the National Memorial Day Concert and
(16:48):
how music heals here she is Mickey Guiton. All right,
So I am here on the West Lawn of the
US Capitol with Mickey And last.
Speaker 15 (17:00):
Time we talked, you were here for fourth of July. Yeah,
this is a different kind of you know, celebration. How
do you you.
Speaker 7 (17:11):
Know, kind of put yourself from that kind of party.
Speaker 15 (17:15):
It's a more summer where you're singing than nasal anthem,
well me singing.
Speaker 16 (17:19):
The national anthem and singing God Bless America here at
the National Memorial Day Concert.
Speaker 6 (17:26):
It's we're honoring our.
Speaker 16 (17:28):
Heroes the freedom to be here, and we wouldn't be
here without them, without our better interap, without the people
that made the sacrifices for to be here. And it's
it's a it's a beautiful twists.
Speaker 7 (17:44):
And do you feel like, you know, when you're singing
our nation's theme song? Essentially, it's a lot of pressure. Okay,
there is.
Speaker 6 (17:51):
There's a lot of pressure. Absolutely.
Speaker 16 (17:53):
You know it's our nation song and you know it
can go wrong anyway if you don't start it on
the right.
Speaker 17 (17:58):
Keys, if you get the word. There's so many things
that that's what people remember. And so there's a lot
of pressure. But you know, I'm going to be thinking
of our heroes and so I'm I'm chill today.
Speaker 6 (18:09):
I'm not nervous. I'm not nervous.
Speaker 7 (18:11):
Do you are you able to kind of as your
performer and you know it's live and not that I mean,
you're a proud you've done it before, But are you
able to kind of in your mind? Does that weigh
in your mind like one of those cameras role or
are you like there's a lot weighing on my mind.
Speaker 16 (18:29):
You know, there's a lot going in your country as
a whole, and I see them thinking about all of
the same and think, as human it would I'd be
surprised if you're not a keep all what's going off.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
You know.
Speaker 16 (18:42):
I just hope that you can just come together, loving
each general such as special Fay.
Speaker 7 (18:47):
I love that. Finally, what can we expect from you
next man?
Speaker 1 (18:52):
Well?
Speaker 7 (18:52):
There aren't them.
Speaker 17 (18:53):
Some things, some really really exciting things that I can't
say which you stay too?
Speaker 7 (18:57):
Okay to stay too Mickey, Always a pleasure speaking to you.
Thank you so much.
Speaker 9 (19:05):
She was well.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
Nicky gaydon love love love her.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
She's always so much fun and it's great to talk
to her once again. All right, next up, Academy Award
winner Melissa Leo. Melissa has the incredible ability to completely
disappear into every role she plays.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
I mean completely.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
She is intense, she is thoughtful, and she is deeply passionate,
and you can really feel how seriously she takes being
a part of this event. Here she is Melissa Lea.
Speaker 7 (19:47):
Thank you for speaking with me, Melissa, I really appreciate it.
So we're here for National Memorial Day Concert for PBS.
What does you know telling this powerful story? What does
that mean to you?
Speaker 6 (19:59):
Well?
Speaker 14 (19:59):
I was delighted to ask.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
I rarely have participated in any sort of Memorial Day
event and to be asked to do this and to
read Patty's words. I thought it was a letter she wrote,
but actually it's words taken from interviews with her. Seven
eight hours of interviews they did with her, and I
can tell the words they've chosen are so powerful that
(20:22):
she I can't wait to meet her. I'll meet her
tomorrow evening after I deliver her words. So yeah, no,
it brings tears to my eyes to even think of
the honor of sharing her strength and her vision of
a United States of America.
Speaker 7 (20:39):
And for you, you know, you are Academy Award winner, you
are you know, stage and screen and film and television
and all the things. Do you find it as an actor?
You know, is there a difference between telling somebody's true
story and a fictional character? Is there more pressure? Is
(21:02):
it different for you as an actor?
Speaker 6 (21:04):
It's a very good question. It is quite different. And
I know that because I got my Academy Award playing
a woman I had met. I met Alice Ward, and
I wasn't sure I could play her. David o'russell wanted
me to play her. I thought I was a little young.
I met her, I recognized in her something that felt
(21:25):
like my mother's mother, different socio economic reality. But next,
in many ways, I have to stop when the sound stops,
because it might be my one take right.
Speaker 7 (21:42):
Independent film.
Speaker 6 (21:44):
So yeah, no, in that sense of it's wonderful for
the performance, because you want something that's going to give
you that, you know, performance boost, And not only will
all the audience appearing give you that boost, but to
know that Patty will be sitting not twenty feet from
me as I say her words, I yes, the imperative
(22:05):
to do her words justice, to pronounce the names of
her friends and colleagues properly becomes heightened, and that's exciting
for an actor. The more important it is, the more
interesting it is.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 7 (22:18):
And finally, you have a new film out right now
this weekend.
Speaker 4 (22:22):
What is that?
Speaker 2 (22:23):
You know?
Speaker 7 (22:23):
It's got to be exciting, I would assume, but you
tell me, like, you have this new film out right
now in theaters, which I can't wait to say. Normally
I'll go to screeners and see them and all, and
this last couple of weeks, I've been so busy getting
ready for this that I'm like, so, I'm probably going
to be saying it tomorrow night or I'm sorry Monday night.
(22:45):
But what does that feel like like when it's release weekend?
Or are you already onder the next project or do
you feel any of that or do you try to keep.
Speaker 4 (22:53):
It out of your mind? You know?
Speaker 6 (22:55):
How is for me the most interesting part of the
work is when we are in production shooting it, and
beyond that I have little to do with the product.
Right They didn't even need me for publicity with the
opening of Passenger. But Andre Overdal, who wrote and directed
(23:16):
this story, co wrote and directed us, is one of
the most marvelous directors I've ever worked with. He's just
a brilliant genius out of Norway, and the film is
full of your expected sort of horror film things. I
have a marvelous well incident at the end of the film,
and it also has some remarkable filmmaking choices that Andre
(23:42):
made that make it worth seeing not only for horror fans,
but for any film fans. This becomes an incredibly interesting,
important film. Passenger opening as wee f.
Speaker 7 (23:54):
Andrew, I can't wait to see it. The trailer like
what is terrifying? The trailer is so good. Thank you
so much. I really appreciating you.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Melissa Leo, she is.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
So amazing and just wait until you see her powerful
performance on National Memorial Day Concert twenty six. As with
everything Melissa does, it is breathtaking, all right.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
Finally, Noah Wiley. Of course you.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Know Noah from everything from Er to the Pit and
countless other incredible performances over the years. He is one
of those actors that just like immediately brings humanity and
empathy to every role he touches, which makes him a
perfect fit for an event like this. We talked backstage
(24:47):
during rehearsals about storytelling, honoring veterans, and what it means
to be part of something as important as the National
Memorial Day Concert.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Here he is, Noah, what all right?
Speaker 7 (25:03):
So I'm here on the West lawn of the United
States Capital.
Speaker 9 (25:05):
With Noah Wiley.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
I'm you know, you.
Speaker 12 (25:08):
Are telling a powerful story here where the National Memorial
Day Concert.
Speaker 7 (25:13):
What does a moment like that mean to you when
you are, you know, telling a real life story about
American hero in front of you know, Big April.
Speaker 8 (25:23):
First of all, it's just not going to be invited
to this event, and just to stand to her on
the lawn where we are feels like a rare privilege
in it of itself. To take part in a Memorial
Day celebration and remembrance feels particularly special on the two
hundred and fifty of the anniversary for our country. I'm
going to be reading an excerpt from a diary from
(25:45):
a revolution dedicated under Washington frad years and I think
it's the first time that a revolutionary soldier's speech has
been included in this presentation.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
So that's really kurt ratifying.
Speaker 15 (25:58):
Do you ever feel, you know, as an artist, do
you feel a weight or a responsibility as you're telling,
you know, a true story versus something.
Speaker 8 (26:07):
Fortunately, my guy died a long time ago, and while
he may have some descendants, none of them know what
he really sounded like, right, So it's not like I've
got to nail it pitch perfect like some of my
fellow artists do today. But you're I'm making light of
a serious question, which is do you feel a responsibility
when when you're portraying somebody who really lived and absolutely
(26:28):
you feel you want to bring his bunch, dignity and
presence to the giggest promistles.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
And on a different note, you know the pit is
obviously amazing and all of your work, what can we
expect next from you?
Speaker 8 (26:43):
I'm gonna stick with this one for a while, you know.
Don't look at gift tours in the mouth. My parents
always taught me. And lightning very rarely strikes in the
same place twice, and here it struck twice in my life. Yeah,
so I'm just gonna ride this one for a minute.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
I love that.
Speaker 7 (26:57):
Thank you so much. Now I pleasure you talking you
as well.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
Noah Wiley such a great guy. Not only is he
a great talent, but he's a great guy like he is.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
So awesome, all right, huge thanks to Capital Concerts and
the National Memorial Day Concert for having me out once again,
and to all of the artists and actors who took
the time to speak with me during what is honestly
a very busy and very.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
Emotional rehearsal day.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
And most importantly, thank you to all of the service
men and women who have given their lives in service
to this country and their loved ones who continue carrying
their memories forward every single day. And to the men
and women all around the world that are you know,
(27:56):
putting their lives on the line for our freedoms. I
get to do this show because of their sacrifices.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
All right.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
That is it for this special National Memorial Day Concert
episode of Pop Culture Weekly. National Memorial Day Concert twenty
twenty six airs Sunday, May twenty fourth, at eight pm Eastern.
Speaker 2 (28:19):
Check your local schedule.
Speaker 1 (28:20):
It's on PBS YouTube, PBS's website, and the Armed Forces Network.
There will be a replay immediately following the concert, and
it'll be available on demand for the following two weeks,
so make sure you check it out. It is always
always a powerful, emotional, special concert that I'm honored to
(28:44):
be here for If you enjoy the episode, make sure
you subscribe, live a review and share it with somebody
who loves entertainment with a little heart mixed and all
the chaos. You can follow me everywhere real Kyle McMahon,
Watch interviews, exclusive content, deep dives, and sign up for
the newsletter for all the latest. Wherever you are this
(29:07):
Memorial Day weekend, I hope you take. I hope you
take at least a moment to remember what the day
is truly truly about. Until next time, I'm Kyle McMahon,
and this has been pop Culture Weekly, the show where
we go from red carpets to the literal capital law,
in which honestly it's like the most stressful crossover episode imaginable.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
All right, until next time, Ilivia, Well.
Speaker 3 (29:35):
Thank you for listening to pop Culture Weekly here all
the latest and Popcultureweekly dot com oo
Speaker 2 (29:51):
Cum
In this episode of pop Culture Weekly, I am live
on the West Lawn of the US Capital for the
National Memorial Day Concert. We've got Noah Wiley, Mickey Get, Mandy,
Grammar and Moore.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Let's go.
Speaker 3 (00:13):
Welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from iHeartRadio,
your pop culture news, views, reviews and celebrity interviews on
all the movies, TV, music and pop culture u CRABE Weekly.
Here's Kyle McMahon.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Newt Now Now, Hello, and welcome to pop Culture Weekly
with Kyle McMahon. I of course am Kyle McMahon, and
we're coming to you live from the West Lawn of
the United States Capital for the annual National Memorial Day Concert.
And you know, pop Culture Weekly is the show where
(00:51):
we normally talk about movies, music and TV. Today we're
doing that, but we're also trying not to openly sob
in front of the United Seas State's Capitol building. What up,
my fellow pop culture degenerates. This is one of my
favorite episodes Every single year. I am at the Washington
(01:11):
d C. I'm at the Washington DC. That makes sense.
I am in Washington, d C. For the annual National
Memorial Day Concert on PBS live from the West Lawn
of the US Capitol during rehearsals for this year's broadcast,
and you know, honestly, there's just something incredibly powerful about
(01:32):
being here.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
We've got the.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Capital behind US military and their families everywhere, and their
loved ones, artists rehearsing these emotional performances, and this just
collective feeling of gratitude that kind of hangs in the air.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
All day long.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
I feel like Memorial Day, the actual meaning of Memorial Day,
can sometimes get lost between cookouts and mattress sales and
arguing with strangers online about whether pineapple belongs in a pizza.
It absolutely does, by the way, But this concert always
brings the focus back to what the day is truly about,
(02:13):
and that is honoring the brave men and women who
gave their lives in service to this country and to
the families and loved ones who continue.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Carrying that weight every single day.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
This year's lineup is incredible, and I have the chance
to speak with some amazing talent taking part in the concert,
including Noah Wiley, Melissa Leo, Mary McCormick, Blessing, Offer, Andy Grammer,
Lauren Osniz, and Mickey Geiton. We talk about the emotional
(02:49):
impact of the event, the stories behind the performances, and
why this concert continues to matter year after year.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
This is like my tenth year or something of doing this.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Maybe we'll have to look, but I've been doing this
for quite a while and it's just an amazing event
that I look forward to every year. While you're here,
make sure you're subscribed to Pop Culture Weekly wherever you
get your podcast, join the newsletter for weekly deep dives,
picks and exclusives, and of course, follow me everywhere at
(03:24):
Real Kyle McMahon because we've got a lot of cool
stuff coming up. All right, are we ready? Let's jump
into it. First up is Lauren Osnes. Lauren's voice is
just breathtaking. You've seen her all over Broadway. She's an
(03:44):
incredible talent and I'm honored to speak with her here.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
She is Lauren Asnis.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
All Right, so I'm here on the West lawn of
the United States Capitol. You are performing My Country to
is It Beats? What does that moment mean for you?
What does that song mean for you? Performing for you know,
Memorial Day at the Capitol.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
It is truly such an honor and I'm surrounded by
twelve I think service members who are mirroring uniforms over
the years, and it's it's such a pointed, beautiful moment
celebrating our freedom and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
And I don't think very many people know the additional
verses of that song, so I don't think so getting
(04:32):
to share those, I say, I hope people really listen
to the lyrics and take them to heart.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
Do you as a performer when you are it is
super distracting?
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Okay, we did go the first yes question recollector as.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
A performer, you know, when you're performing that, do you
feel the weight of those words and the moment that
you're in or are you able to kind of separate
or go into your own like how does that process?
Speaker 5 (05:02):
Sir? Great question for me personally. I've actually have to
check myself because it's a very kind of somber day,
but we're also celebrating the reward of that sacrifice and
our freedom, and I find myself wanting to smile and
pargain moments of my song, and I think that's also warranted.
I think it's a it's a great face smile and
(05:23):
in gratitude that I think is balanced with the remembrance
of the sacrifice that that husband paid, do you know
what I mean. So it's the best of both worlds.
And as the actor, obviously, I want to ring truth
to the lyrics that I'm saying, and I'm hoping that
they ring true and that people feel that same thing.
Speaker 6 (05:39):
I love that.
Speaker 7 (05:40):
And then what can we expect next from you?
Speaker 4 (05:42):
You've been all over Verveen on the stage.
Speaker 7 (05:47):
Where are you going next?
Speaker 8 (05:48):
Well, thanks for asking.
Speaker 5 (05:49):
I get to come back here for fourth of July,
and that hasn't really been announced yet. Okay, but I
don't think it's a secret per se. So I'm very
thrilled to get to be part of that. And let's see,
I just finished filming a Christmas movie.
Speaker 7 (06:00):
Oh cool.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
It's called Silver Bells at Christmas and it will air
on Great American Family this coming winter season.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
So that's probably the next big thing.
Speaker 7 (06:08):
Awesome.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
So we'll see you. We'll be back here for fourth
of July, and then we'll see you in the like
November is.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
Yeah, I probably yes, either October or November, maybe early
December leading into the Christmas seas cool.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
Thank you so much, Thank.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
You, learn us News, Thank you to Lauren.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Awesome person, awesome talent, and she really does an incredible.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Job for the show. And I can't wait for you
to see, you know, and hear her all right.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Next up is the incredibly talented Blessing Offer. Blessing's voice
is absolutely unreal. You may have seen him on the voice,
which makes sense. His music carries so much soul, hope,
and humanity, and we talk all about that all right here.
He is Blessing Author.
Speaker 7 (07:08):
All right, we are here on the West lawn of
the US Capital. Your performance was absolutely amazing. Of course,
to con what does it mean.
Speaker 9 (07:18):
For you when you're performing a song like that in
the context of this show.
Speaker 7 (07:24):
Obviously Memorial days to honor the families that have endured
the ultimate sacrifice. And if I can.
Speaker 10 (07:31):
Bring any hope, any joy, any kind of optimism to
the situation, it's the least that I love that.
Speaker 9 (07:37):
I Do you feel any weight as a performer like
in this context or are you able to kind of
separate it and do your thing? How does separate I
don't know if you can separate it. Honestly, the weight
every time I celebrate, whether it's two fifty or any
other Memorial Day, independence day as an immigrant, I go.
(07:59):
I'm so happy to be so, I think just for
me personally, the added level is that I get to
do this. I came to the States when I was six,
and so this is particularly meaningful for me.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 7 (08:12):
And what can we expect from you next? You've got
an album last year? What record last year?
Speaker 10 (08:18):
For singles coming up, remixes coming up, new music coming up?
Speaker 7 (08:24):
You guys, it'll be fun. I don't Grace is over there,
she's gonna yell at me. I can't say too much,
but okay, it's gonna be fun. So all right, at
some point in the near future, very near future. Okay,
thank you so much. I really frust I appreciate it.
Hold high, hold.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Time, blessing of her, Thanks the blessing for speaking with me.
Next up, once again coming back to the show, is
the amazing Andy Grammer.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
I love him.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
He always has this infectious positivity and heart to everything
he does. But there's also this sincerity to him that
is so powerful and it really fits the spirit of
the National Memorial Day Concert perfectly.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Here he is Andy Grammer.
Speaker 7 (09:12):
All right, I am here once again with Andy Grammer.
What's going on?
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Man?
Speaker 7 (09:15):
How are you so. Last time we talked, it was
here for Capital fourth. Yeah, you were performing. Don't give
up on me. The Capitol fourth is more of a
party like celebration. I think we'd enjoy that time too.
Maybe we did both of them.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
Yeah, and well I was going to ask you, like,
what you know now you're doing it in a different,
you know, kind of setting.
Speaker 7 (09:36):
Yeah, it's a little bit more somber. How does that?
How does a song that you've done?
Speaker 10 (09:41):
I think this song is a little bit somber in
like an up uplifting somber way. But it is definitely uh,
you know, you write a song, you put out in
the world, and then it gets used in all these
different contexts, and to have it be used to cheer
on our military is really special to me.
Speaker 7 (09:58):
I love that.
Speaker 11 (09:59):
And from the reason I specifically remember that you had
did this for Capitol fourth because you and I had talked.
I had just lost my mom when you did when
you performed to her last time, and you and I
were talking about how I believe it was your aunt
or your mom's best friend or something that you had
brought here or she was watching or you told her
she was gonna You were gonna be doing this song.
(10:22):
And so now that you know, I got to saw
to before you did that.
Speaker 7 (10:26):
So what did that moment mean for you?
Speaker 1 (10:29):
You know?
Speaker 7 (10:29):
This sweek?
Speaker 10 (10:30):
Yeah, my mom's best friend Lee and my godmother and
I so I kind of like let her know when
her I'm doing anything like Auntie, I'll make her watch
this tomorrow for sure.
Speaker 7 (10:38):
Yeah, And how does you know? How does that feel
with you?
Speaker 4 (10:44):
You know, it's got to have some extra weight for
you when you know somebody you loved so much as
like our shoot, you know, chearing you on.
Speaker 10 (10:51):
She tunes in man, I love her to death you
a lot.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
Yeah, And for now, you know, for Memorial Day, what
would you be doing if you were performing here? How
does probably?
Speaker 10 (11:01):
Honestly, I play a lot of things like this every
morre right here.
Speaker 7 (11:07):
I think last year we're app us playing for the
military somewhere in the world. Last year we did.
Speaker 10 (11:13):
Over the last two years, we've played for the military
in Japan, Italy, Germany, and then like a bunch of
spots all around Texas, and you like, we go around
a lot. So generally on Memorial Day, I'm either with
my family by the pool or at something.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
Like this I'll love that, and what can we expect
next from you?
Speaker 10 (11:31):
Now?
Speaker 7 (11:31):
I'm coming Yeah, new singles are coming soon. They had
the look out all right, cool, Thank.
Speaker 12 (11:37):
You Andy Grammar, Love Love Love him and his performance
of Don't give Up on Me is chilling.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
It's just in the context of the show, it is
just chilling. There's nothing like the energy backs at National
Memorial Day Concert. It is emotional, it is reflective, grateful,
and you know, of course chaotic.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
It's a live show.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
Like one minute someone's discussing sacrifice and remembrance and the
next minute I'm asking if there's ice, coffee and catering,
you know, live show. All right, we're gonna take a
quick break, but when we come back, I'm joined by
Mickey Geiton, Mary McCormick, Academy Award winning Best Actress, Melissa Leo,
(12:33):
and Hot off of the Pit Noah Wiley, all from
the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, d C. We're
gonna pay the bills. I'd be back in sixty see
you then. All right, welcome back to Pop Culture Weekly.
(12:53):
Thank you for supporting our sponsors. We're backstage at the
annual National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
The US Capitol in Washington, d C.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
And the show airs live May twenty fourth, eight pm
Eastern on PBS, on PBS's YouTube, on the National Memorial
Day Concert website, and the Armed Forces Network.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Next up is Mary McCormick.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
She returns once again to our show, to Pop Culture Weekly,
and to National Memorial Day Concert. From the West Wing
to Murder one and beyond. Mary has been one of
television's most consistently great performers for years, and her and
I talk about NMDC twenty six and the importance of
(13:47):
keeping these stories alive.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
You know, she's actually hosting this year.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Joe Montaigna unfortunately fell ill, and he'll be back next year,
but Mary has stepped in his place, along with of
course Gary Sinise.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
So here she is Mary McCormick.
Speaker 7 (14:07):
All right, First of all, thank you for speaking with me.
You're once again doing the National Memorial Day Concert. You're
doing kind of double duty this year. Hell, you know,
as a.
Speaker 13 (14:18):
Performer, how do you kind of go from telling, you know,
a powerful story to then kind of having to get
your bearings back to then we post.
Speaker 7 (14:30):
Is that like something that crosses your mind to her?
Speaker 10 (14:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 14 (14:33):
Sure, I mean it's a live show, and there's you know,
Joe Maintainer is so good at it. And I've done
it for this is my ninth year, when I've done
a little bit of everything. Through the nine years, I've
hosted once and or a couple of times, and told stories,
dramatic readings, and some gold Star family tributes. So I've
done a little bit of everything. But I always say
(14:54):
to Michael and Joe Colbert, who produced the show, I'll
come and do anything that doesn't have to be on camera.
I just want to be here and be part of it.
And the first time I did it nine years ago,
I was I think Joe Montagne said to you before
I did my reading, he was like, you'll never be
the same. This will change you, and it really did.
I just couldn't believe how powerful the night was and
how honored I was to get to say thank you
(15:17):
yeah to everybody, to all our fallen soldiers and all
the gold Star family to show up, and it just
was so incredibly moving. Yeah, I'm coming no matter what.
So I always say that, I'm like, I don't even
know if I'm really invited at this point, I just
show up.
Speaker 7 (15:31):
I think they feel like they have to give me
something to do.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
And how for you?
Speaker 7 (15:36):
You know, you've done you know, fictional characters, you've told,
true stories, you've played, you know, is there a difference
for you? Do you feel more pressure when it's a
real person?
Speaker 11 (15:48):
Do you are you able to kind of separate that
you you know, as you're doing your performance?
Speaker 14 (15:52):
Yes, I mean this, You're right. It's it's different because
they're often in the audience too, and it's such an
important story. So and it's half performance half presentation. It's
an odd hybrid of it's a sort of an odd
acting job. Yeah, but tonight I don't have that pressure.
I have a different pressure tonight if we'll be hosting.
So it's different challenges.
Speaker 7 (16:11):
But for awesome, Thank you so much. As always such
a pleasure to talk.
Speaker 14 (16:16):
To you, as he always.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Mary McCormick, She's always such a delight.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Love love, love her all right.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Next up is the incredible Mickey Guiton, who returns to
Pop Culture Weekly once again. Mickey is not only an
amazing artist, but she's really one of the most thoughtful
and authentic artists working today. We talked about the emotional
responsibility of performing at the National Memorial Day Concert and
(16:48):
how music heals here she is Mickey Guiton. All right,
So I am here on the West Lawn of the
US Capitol with Mickey And last.
Speaker 15 (17:00):
Time we talked, you were here for fourth of July. Yeah,
this is a different kind of you know, celebration. How
do you you.
Speaker 7 (17:11):
Know, kind of put yourself from that kind of party.
Speaker 15 (17:15):
It's a more summer where you're singing than nasal anthem,
well me singing.
Speaker 16 (17:19):
The national anthem and singing God Bless America here at
the National Memorial Day Concert.
Speaker 6 (17:26):
It's we're honoring our.
Speaker 16 (17:28):
Heroes the freedom to be here, and we wouldn't be
here without them, without our better interap, without the people
that made the sacrifices for to be here. And it's
it's a it's a beautiful twists.
Speaker 7 (17:44):
And do you feel like, you know, when you're singing
our nation's theme song? Essentially, it's a lot of pressure. Okay,
there is.
Speaker 6 (17:51):
There's a lot of pressure. Absolutely.
Speaker 16 (17:53):
You know it's our nation song and you know it
can go wrong anyway if you don't start it on
the right.
Speaker 17 (17:58):
Keys, if you get the word. There's so many things
that that's what people remember. And so there's a lot
of pressure. But you know, I'm going to be thinking
of our heroes and so I'm I'm chill today.
Speaker 6 (18:09):
I'm not nervous. I'm not nervous.
Speaker 7 (18:11):
Do you are you able to kind of as your
performer and you know it's live and not that I mean,
you're a proud you've done it before, But are you
able to kind of in your mind? Does that weigh
in your mind like one of those cameras role or
are you like there's a lot weighing on my mind.
Speaker 16 (18:29):
You know, there's a lot going in your country as
a whole, and I see them thinking about all of
the same and think, as human it would I'd be
surprised if you're not a keep all what's going off.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
You know.
Speaker 16 (18:42):
I just hope that you can just come together, loving
each general such as special Fay.
Speaker 7 (18:47):
I love that. Finally, what can we expect from you
next man?
Speaker 1 (18:52):
Well?
Speaker 7 (18:52):
There aren't them.
Speaker 17 (18:53):
Some things, some really really exciting things that I can't
say which you stay too?
Speaker 7 (18:57):
Okay to stay too Mickey, Always a pleasure speaking to you.
Thank you so much.
Speaker 9 (19:05):
She was well.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
Nicky gaydon love love love her.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
She's always so much fun and it's great to talk
to her once again. All right, next up, Academy Award
winner Melissa Leo. Melissa has the incredible ability to completely
disappear into every role she plays.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
I mean completely.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
She is intense, she is thoughtful, and she is deeply passionate,
and you can really feel how seriously she takes being
a part of this event. Here she is Melissa Lea.
Speaker 7 (19:47):
Thank you for speaking with me, Melissa, I really appreciate it.
So we're here for National Memorial Day Concert for PBS.
What does you know telling this powerful story? What does
that mean to you?
Speaker 6 (19:59):
Well?
Speaker 14 (19:59):
I was delighted to ask.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
I rarely have participated in any sort of Memorial Day
event and to be asked to do this and to
read Patty's words. I thought it was a letter she wrote,
but actually it's words taken from interviews with her. Seven
eight hours of interviews they did with her, and I
can tell the words they've chosen are so powerful that
(20:22):
she I can't wait to meet her. I'll meet her
tomorrow evening after I deliver her words. So yeah, no,
it brings tears to my eyes to even think of
the honor of sharing her strength and her vision of
a United States of America.
Speaker 7 (20:39):
And for you, you know, you are Academy Award winner, you
are you know, stage and screen and film and television
and all the things. Do you find it as an actor?
You know, is there a difference between telling somebody's true
story and a fictional character? Is there more pressure? Is
(21:02):
it different for you as an actor?
Speaker 6 (21:04):
It's a very good question. It is quite different. And
I know that because I got my Academy Award playing
a woman I had met. I met Alice Ward, and
I wasn't sure I could play her. David o'russell wanted
me to play her. I thought I was a little young.
I met her, I recognized in her something that felt
(21:25):
like my mother's mother, different socio economic reality. But next,
in many ways, I have to stop when the sound stops,
because it might be my one take right.
Speaker 7 (21:42):
Independent film.
Speaker 6 (21:44):
So yeah, no, in that sense of it's wonderful for
the performance, because you want something that's going to give
you that, you know, performance boost, And not only will
all the audience appearing give you that boost, but to
know that Patty will be sitting not twenty feet from
me as I say her words, I yes, the imperative
(22:05):
to do her words justice, to pronounce the names of
her friends and colleagues properly becomes heightened, and that's exciting
for an actor. The more important it is, the more
interesting it is.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 7 (22:18):
And finally, you have a new film out right now
this weekend.
Speaker 4 (22:22):
What is that?
Speaker 2 (22:23):
You know?
Speaker 7 (22:23):
It's got to be exciting, I would assume, but you
tell me, like, you have this new film out right
now in theaters, which I can't wait to say. Normally
I'll go to screeners and see them and all, and
this last couple of weeks, I've been so busy getting
ready for this that I'm like, so, I'm probably going
to be saying it tomorrow night or I'm sorry Monday night.
(22:45):
But what does that feel like like when it's release weekend?
Or are you already onder the next project or do
you feel any of that or do you try to keep.
Speaker 4 (22:53):
It out of your mind? You know?
Speaker 6 (22:55):
How is for me the most interesting part of the
work is when we are in production shooting it, and
beyond that I have little to do with the product.
Right They didn't even need me for publicity with the
opening of Passenger. But Andre Overdal, who wrote and directed
(23:16):
this story, co wrote and directed us, is one of
the most marvelous directors I've ever worked with. He's just
a brilliant genius out of Norway, and the film is
full of your expected sort of horror film things. I
have a marvelous well incident at the end of the film,
and it also has some remarkable filmmaking choices that Andre
(23:42):
made that make it worth seeing not only for horror fans,
but for any film fans. This becomes an incredibly interesting,
important film. Passenger opening as wee f.
Speaker 7 (23:54):
Andrew, I can't wait to see it. The trailer like
what is terrifying? The trailer is so good. Thank you
so much. I really appreciating you.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Melissa Leo, she is.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
So amazing and just wait until you see her powerful
performance on National Memorial Day Concert twenty six. As with
everything Melissa does, it is breathtaking, all right.
Speaker 2 (24:22):
Finally, Noah Wiley. Of course you.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Know Noah from everything from Er to the Pit and
countless other incredible performances over the years. He is one
of those actors that just like immediately brings humanity and
empathy to every role he touches, which makes him a
perfect fit for an event like this. We talked backstage
(24:47):
during rehearsals about storytelling, honoring veterans, and what it means
to be part of something as important as the National
Memorial Day Concert.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Here he is, Noah, what all right?
Speaker 7 (25:03):
So I'm here on the West lawn of the United
States Capital.
Speaker 9 (25:05):
With Noah Wiley.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
I'm you know, you.
Speaker 12 (25:08):
Are telling a powerful story here where the National Memorial
Day Concert.
Speaker 7 (25:13):
What does a moment like that mean to you when
you are, you know, telling a real life story about
American hero in front of you know, Big April.
Speaker 8 (25:23):
First of all, it's just not going to be invited
to this event, and just to stand to her on
the lawn where we are feels like a rare privilege
in it of itself. To take part in a Memorial
Day celebration and remembrance feels particularly special on the two
hundred and fifty of the anniversary for our country. I'm
going to be reading an excerpt from a diary from
(25:45):
a revolution dedicated under Washington frad years and I think
it's the first time that a revolutionary soldier's speech has
been included in this presentation.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
So that's really kurt ratifying.
Speaker 15 (25:58):
Do you ever feel, you know, as an artist, do
you feel a weight or a responsibility as you're telling,
you know, a true story versus something.
Speaker 8 (26:07):
Fortunately, my guy died a long time ago, and while
he may have some descendants, none of them know what
he really sounded like, right, So it's not like I've
got to nail it pitch perfect like some of my
fellow artists do today. But you're I'm making light of
a serious question, which is do you feel a responsibility
when when you're portraying somebody who really lived and absolutely
(26:28):
you feel you want to bring his bunch, dignity and
presence to the giggest promistles.
Speaker 1 (26:35):
And on a different note, you know the pit is
obviously amazing and all of your work, what can we
expect next from you?
Speaker 8 (26:43):
I'm gonna stick with this one for a while, you know.
Don't look at gift tours in the mouth. My parents
always taught me. And lightning very rarely strikes in the
same place twice, and here it struck twice in my life. Yeah,
so I'm just gonna ride this one for a minute.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
I love that.
Speaker 7 (26:57):
Thank you so much. Now I pleasure you talking you
as well.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
Noah Wiley such a great guy. Not only is he
a great talent, but he's a great guy like he is.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
So awesome, all right, huge thanks to Capital Concerts and
the National Memorial Day Concert for having me out once again,
and to all of the artists and actors who took
the time to speak with me during what is honestly
a very busy and very.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
Emotional rehearsal day.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
And most importantly, thank you to all of the service
men and women who have given their lives in service
to this country and their loved ones who continue carrying
their memories forward every single day. And to the men
and women all around the world that are you know,
(27:56):
putting their lives on the line for our freedoms. I
get to do this show because of their sacrifices.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
All right.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
That is it for this special National Memorial Day Concert
episode of Pop Culture Weekly. National Memorial Day Concert twenty
twenty six airs Sunday, May twenty fourth, at eight pm Eastern.
Speaker 2 (28:19):
Check your local schedule.
Speaker 1 (28:20):
It's on PBS YouTube, PBS's website, and the Armed Forces Network.
There will be a replay immediately following the concert, and
it'll be available on demand for the following two weeks,
so make sure you check it out. It is always
always a powerful, emotional, special concert that I'm honored to
(28:44):
be here for If you enjoy the episode, make sure
you subscribe, live a review and share it with somebody
who loves entertainment with a little heart mixed and all
the chaos. You can follow me everywhere real Kyle McMahon,
Watch interviews, exclusive content, deep dives, and sign up for
the newsletter for all the latest. Wherever you are this
(29:07):
Memorial Day weekend, I hope you take. I hope you
take at least a moment to remember what the day
is truly truly about. Until next time, I'm Kyle McMahon,
and this has been pop Culture Weekly, the show where
we go from red carpets to the literal capital law,
in which honestly it's like the most stressful crossover episode imaginable.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
All right, until next time, Ilivia, Well.
Speaker 3 (29:35):
Thank you for listening to pop Culture Weekly here all
the latest and Popcultureweekly dot com oo
Speaker 2 (29:51):
Cum
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