Daniel Craig scolds TV host for saying his name wrong for years in awkward interview
Daniel Craig cleared the air with Stephen Colbert on Monday’s episode of Late Show, revealing that the host has been mispronouncing his name for years.
The 56-year-old actor – who recently admitted to writing many lines in one of his James Bond films – was promoting his new A24 film Queer, which is currently in limited release and expands nationwide on December 13.
The actor made his sixth appearance on the late night talk show, although he revealed midway through the interview that he had ‘a bone to pick’ with the host.
He then asked Colbert to say his name, which he did, as Craig admitted, “Now you’re doing it right.”
However, on each of his subsequent visits, Colbert pronounced his surname Cr-egg, instead of the proper Cr-ayg.
Colbert asked if he pronounced the Cr-egg and the actor said, “Yes, it’s a diphthong,” a term referring to two separate vowels within the same syllable.
Daniel Craig cleared the air with Stephen Colbert on Monday’s episode of Late Show, revealing that the host has been mispronouncing his name for years
He then asked Colbert to say his name, which he did, as Craig admitted: “Now you say it right.”
The Cr-egg pronunciation has only one vowel sound, although the correct Cr-ayg pronunciation, when done correctly, produces two vowel sounds.
Craig then joked, “I’m not saying Colbet,” he said as the audience laughed as the actor tried to subtly reveal the differences in both statements.
The actor expanded on it the second time, and Colbert finally seemed to realize his pronunciation error.
‘Oooh, I hear the difference. That’s subtle. That is a subtle difference and I apologize,” Colbert said, as the former James Bond actor thanked him.
“I don’t want Daniel Cr-ayg to be mad at me. Daniel Cr-ei? Fuck that guy, but Daniel Cr-ayg…” Colbert joked as Craig burst out laughing.
They shook hands when Colbert asked, “Have I done that for six shows?” Craig said, “Six shows. Craig, it’s fine, whatever.”
The actor also filmed his third Knives Out film as beloved detective Benoit Blanc called Wake Up Dead Man, which will be released next year.
This mystery features another star-studded cast, with Craig admitting he couldn’t believe the cast, writer and director Rian Johnson, had been put together this time.
Craig then joked, “I’m not saying Colbet,” he said as the audience laughed as the actor tried to subtly reveal the differences in both statements.
Colbert asked if he pronounced the Cr-egg and the actor said, “Yes, it’s a diphthong,” a term referring to two separate vowels within the same syllable
“I’m just amazed when Rian says to me and Josh Brolin is going to do it, and Glenn Close is going to do it, …. I’m thinking, ‘Bring it on, it’s great,'” Craig said.
“When they show up, they’re just at it. Everyone comes to have some fun. Part of his job is to keep it light, adding:I am a court jester.’
When asked about the future of the franchise – which includes 2019’s Knives Out and 2022’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – Craig insisted he would always return.
“As long as Rian keeps writing them, I’ll keep doing them,” Craig emphasized of the beloved franchise.