In a recent discussion on the podcast “Strike Force Five Returns to Celebrate Stephen Colbert,” comedian Stephen Colbert shared an intriguing anecdote about a surprising admirer—supermodel Paulina Porizkova. The conversation took place alongside fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, where Colbert took the opportunity to reveal how he learned he was considered an attractive figure by the 61-year-old Czech-born model.
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Colbert recounted a dinner gathering in which a friend posed the question, “Who’s your hall pass?” This query typically invites answers regarding celebrities with whom one might hypothetically engage in a romantic relationship, should the opportunity arise. Colbert brushed off the banter until a friend mentioned Porizkova as his own hall pass. To his astonishment, he discovered that he was indeed her hall pass as well, having come across the revelation in an issue of PEOPLE magazine.
His revelation drew gasps of disbelief from his fellow comedians, prompting Colbert to describe the moment as “a flex that I’ve never ever been able to match,” reflecting both his surprise and delight at Porizkova’s affections. The admiration is even more noteworthy considering that Colbert has been happily married to his wife, Evelyn McGee Colbert, for over three decades, and Porizkova was married to musician Ric Ocasek at the time the comment was made.
This amusing incident isn’t the first time Colbert’s charisma has captured the public’s imagination. During an appearance on an episode of “The Colbert Report,” he jokingly acknowledged the unexpected title of a sex symbol that has been associated with him over the years. He jovially remarked, “I never asked to be a sex symbol; it just gets foisted on me.” The audience erupted with laughter as he reflected on being named among the “sexiest men alive” by PEOPLE magazine in a particular year, illustrating his light-hearted approach to fame.
Porizkova’s comment about Colbert surfaced during a segment on “Good Morning America,” where she expressed admiration for him, revealing, “If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m already very happily married, and so is he apparently, he is just my kind of guy… He’s so hot.” Viewers could see Colbert’s joyful reaction as he played the clip back for clarity, showcasing the genuine surprise and delight it brought him.
At the time of the comment, Porizkova was still married to Ocasek, who tragically passed away in 2019. Following their marriage, Porizkova’s candid expressions of admiration towards men in the public eye have sparked notable interest. A more recent development saw Porizkova announce her engagement to writer Jeff Greenstein in July 2025, after sharing their relationship on Instagram earlier that year.
Colbert has always had a knack for engaging storytelling, and this episode has provided fans with yet another dose of his signature humour whilst revealing a personal encounter of unexpected celebrity admiration. His apparent disbelief in being labelled a ‘sex symbol’ only adds to the charm of the story, as his modesty remains evident even in the face of such compliments.
For fans of both Colbert and Porizkova, this interaction serves as a delightful reminder of how unexpected moments can ignite connections, even in the often surreal world of celebrity. As both continue to thrive in their respective careers, their light-hearted interactions offer a glimpse into the quirks and surprises that come with fame and admiration in the public realm.