Andrew Garfield Kiss on The Late Show Explained: Context, Motivation, and Cultural Impact

Andrew Garfield’s famous kiss on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was a spontaneous, lighthearted moment intended to explain and escalate a previous viral incident with Ryan Reynolds at the 2017 Golden Globes. Garfield used the late-night platform to demonstrate his comfort with platonic affection and to humorously challenge traditional norms of stoic masculinity.

The Genesis: The 2017 Golden Globes "Comfort Kiss"

To understand why Andrew Garfield kissed Stephen Colbert, one must first look at the events of the 74th Golden Globe Awards in January 2017. During the ceremony, Ryan Gosling was announced as the winner for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role in La La Land. Sitting at a nearby table was Ryan Reynolds, who had been nominated for his performance in Deadpool.

As Gosling made his way to the stage, the cameras caught a blink-and-you-miss-it moment in the background: Andrew Garfield and Ryan Reynolds were locked in a passionate, humorous embrace. The "Spidey-pool" (Spider-Man and Deadpool) crossover that fans had long dreamed of was happening in a way no one expected. The internet immediately erupted, with the clip going viral across social media platforms within minutes.

The logic behind the kiss, as Garfield later explained, was rooted in a desire to support a friend. Reynolds had put a significant amount of heart and soul into Deadpool, and Garfield wanted to offer a "consolation prize" in the event of a loss. When Gosling’s name was called, Garfield leaned over and delivered on the joke, signaling to Reynolds that he was still a "winner" in the eyes of his peers. This moment set the stage for Garfield's appearance on The Late Show just days later.

The Late Show Appearance: Transitioning from Reynolds to Colbert

When Andrew Garfield sat down with Stephen Colbert on January 10, 2017, the primary topic of conversation was his acclaimed performance in Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge. However, Colbert, ever the sharp interviewer, could not ignore the viral elephant in the room. He played the footage of the Reynolds kiss, asking Garfield for an explanation of what prompted the display of affection.

Garfield’s response was characteristically sincere yet playful. He explained that he simply wanted Ryan Reynolds to know that he was loved and supported, regardless of whether he took home a trophy. He noted that he "wanted Ryan to know that I loved him no matter whether he won or lost." This sentiment resonated with the audience, but it was Colbert’s follow-up question that triggered the segment's most famous moment.

Colbert asked Garfield if he was "comfortable" with other men in that way. Without a second of hesitation, Garfield replied, "I mean, not all men, but I don’t really—I don't even understand the question." The subtext was clear: Garfield viewed physical affection as a natural extension of human connection, not something to be gated by gender or social awkwardness. The tension in the room shifted from comedic inquiry to a "dare" of sorts.

Analyzing the Kiss: Spontaneity and Improvisation

The actual kiss on The Late Show happened in two distinct beats. As the conversation about his comfort with men peaked, Garfield began leaning in toward Colbert. Colbert, a veteran of improvisational comedy from his days at Second City, matched the energy. The two leaned in and shared a brief but firm kiss on the lips, much to the delight and shock of the studio audience.

What made the moment particularly effective was the "double down." After the first kiss, they pulled apart for a split second, looked at each other with mock-seriousness, and then went back in for a second, more prolonged kiss. This wasn't just a quick peck for a headline; it was a masterclass in comedic timing.

From a technical performance standpoint, Garfield’s willingness to engage in this way highlights his background in theater. Actors trained on stage, as Garfield was (notably in productions like Beautiful Thing and later Angels in America), often have a different relationship with physical boundaries and intimacy than those who have only worked in film. To Garfield, the kiss was a piece of performance art that served the story of the interview.

The "Why" Behind the Affection: Challenging Masculinity

While the late-night appearance was framed as comedy, Andrew Garfield’s actions tapped into a broader cultural conversation about "bromance" and the dismantling of toxic masculinity. For decades, male intimacy in Hollywood was often used as the "butt" of a joke—the humor coming from the perceived "grossness" or "wrongness" of two men being affectionate.

Garfield, however, approached the Colbert kiss without the "no homo" subtext that often plagues such moments. His explanation was rooted in genuine care and a lack of insecurity regarding his own identity. By kissing both Reynolds and Colbert, Garfield essentially stripped the "shock value" away and replaced it with a sense of normalized affection.

In subsequent interviews, Garfield has often spoken about the "overflowing love" he feels for people. This philosophy of being "open-hearted" is a recurring theme in his public persona. Whether he is crying during a tribute to his late mother or kissing a talk show host, the "why" remains the same: a rejection of the emotional repression traditionally expected of leading men.

Returning to the Moment: The 2022 Retrospective

As we look back from 2026, the 2017 kiss remains one of the most-watched clips in the history of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. However, the story saw a meaningful "sequel" in early 2022 when Garfield returned to the show to promote Tick, Tick... Boom! and his guest appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

During this 2022 interview, Colbert and Garfield revisited their history. The atmosphere was one of "old flames" joking about a past encounter. Garfield mentioned how he had been asked about the Colbert kiss almost as much as he had been asked about his return to the Spider-Man franchise. This follow-up solidified the kiss as a definitive part of Garfield's celebrity lore. It wasn't just a one-off stunt; it was a shared memory between the actor and the host that helped build a unique rapport, making Garfield one of Colbert's most beloved recurring guests.

Comparison of Andrew Garfield’s Late Show Kiss Moments

The following table breaks down the key differences and contexts between the initial 2017 incident and the subsequent 2022 follow-up.

The Impact on Andrew Garfield’s Brand

The "Colbert Kiss" did more than just provide a viral clip; it helped define Andrew Garfield as the "humanist" of the Hollywood elite. Unlike some of his contemporaries who maintain a stoic or highly manicured public image, Garfield’s brand is built on vulnerability and spontaneity.

This transparency has served him well in his career choices. His roles in Angels in America (for which he won a Tony Award) and Under the Banner of Heaven require a high degree of emotional intelligence and a lack of vanity. The public’s perception of him as a "hugger" and a "lover" makes his performances in these intense, often tragic roles more resonant. He is seen as an actor who is not afraid to "go there," whether "there" means a deep emotional breakdown or a kiss with a late-night host.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did Andrew Garfield kiss at the Golden Globes?

Andrew Garfield kissed actor Ryan Reynolds at the 2017 Golden Globes. The moment occurred in the background of the shot as Ryan Gosling was walking to the stage to accept the award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Garfield later explained that he did it to comfort Reynolds after his loss in the same category.

Was the kiss with Stephen Colbert scripted?

While late-night shows have planned segments, the actual kiss appeared to be a semi-spontaneous escalation of the conversation. Garfield began leaning in as a joke regarding his comfort with other men, and Colbert, being an experienced improviser, chose to meet him halfway. The second, longer kiss was almost certainly an unplanned comedic "beat" to capitalize on the audience's reaction.

Why is the Andrew Garfield kiss so famous?

The kiss became famous because it involved two major celebrities breaking traditional social "rules" of male interaction on national television. It was also a perfect "meta" moment, as Garfield was explaining a previous viral kiss by engaging in a new one. The high energy and lack of hesitation from both parties made it an instant classic in the late-night genre.

Did Andrew Garfield kiss Stephen Colbert again in 2022?

No, they did not share another physical kiss during the 2022 interview, but they did spend several minutes joking about their "romantic" history. The 2022 segment focused more on their mutual respect and the "Spider-Man" secrets Garfield had to keep during his previous press tours.

What has Andrew Garfield said about his sexuality after the kiss?

Andrew Garfield has addressed his sexuality in various interviews, stating that while he has only been in relationships with women thus far, he is "open to any impulses" that may arise in the future. He has described his stance as having an openness to the "mystery" of human connection, which aligns with the fluid and affectionate nature he displayed on The Late Show.

How did the audience react to the kiss?

The studio audience at The Late Show reacted with a mix of loud cheers, laughter, and audible gasps. On social media, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with many fans praising Garfield for his "wholesome" and "unfiltered" personality. It remains one of the most positively received "stunts" in late-night history.

Practical Recommendation for Viewers

For those looking to understand the full context of Andrew Garfield's late-night appearances, it is highly recommended to watch the 2017 and 2022 Late Show interviews in chronological order. Pay close attention to the body language and the way Garfield uses physical touch (handshakes, leaning in) to build intimacy with the interviewer. This provides a masterclass in how celebrities can use late-night platforms to humanize themselves and move beyond the rigid "talking points" of a standard press junket.

Beyond the humor, these clips serve as a reminder of the power of being present and authentic in a medium that is often criticized for being overly rehearsed. Garfield’s "explanation" of the kiss wasn't just in his words, but in his willingness to repeat the action, proving that for him, love and affection are things to be shared, not explained away.