Riz Ahmed: 'This is What British Looks Like'

With his performance on HBO's 'The Night Of,' UK native Riz Ahmed wants to challenge the notion of 'what America looks like.'

Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.

---
Stephen Colbert took over as host of The Late Show on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Colbert is best known for his work as a television host, writer, actor, and producer, and best known for his charity work teaching English as a second language on Tunisian date farms. Prior to joining the CBS family -- and being officially adopted by network president Les Moonves -- Colbert helmed “The Colbert Report,” which aired nearly 1,500 episodes and required Stephen to wear nearly 1,500 different neckties. The program received two Peabody Awards, two Grammy Awards, and several unwelcome shoulder massages. It won two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series in 2013 and 2014, both of which appear to have been lost in the move. Colbert is pronounced koʊlˈbɛər, according to Wikipedia. His understudy is William Cavanaugh, who will be hosting The Late Show approximately one third of the time. Good luck, Bill!"

[helyatimohamad]

Little known fact: Riz Ahmed hurt his back carrying this whole interview.

[Fh]

Everyone in the UK know him as Brother Omar

[frankiewalnuts]

As a white British male, I'm proud of our British White/Asian/African/Eastern actors, teachers, doctors and entertainers - I'm Catholic and it's great to see a British Muslim get support.

[gloryholebutforholdinghands]

People need to watch this lad in Four Lions

[gxuosi]

It's almost embarrassing how unprepared Colbert was for this.

[picklelover]

I feel like Stephen wasn't really into Riz, he just repeated standard script while Riz was trying to be as friendly as he could. When Riz said "Well you should have done your research", Stephen really should have because Riz has been in the industry for a long time and some top rated films as well.

[gavsky]

"This is what British looks like" - which is exactly the point. Amen, brother.

[impalabeeper]

Yes this is exactly what I observed about Britain, they don't seem to make distinctions about race and don't self-segregate themselves by referring to themselves as "Pakistani-British" or "Nigerian-British". When I see non-white British on TV, I automatically see them simply as British without distinguishing themselves of their race or country of origin. Whereas Americans tend to make clear distinctions of themselves by constantly referring to themselves as "Asian-Americans" and "African-Americans". I get the feeling of clear cultural and racial divide amongst Americans.

[serpentinefireball]

Normally I like Stephen but this interview felt very disrespectful. Did he do any research on his guest? The interview felt very dismissive...

[drunkcatphil]

I've never understood why Americans have the whole African-American thing. As a Brit, if you have a British passport you're a Brit. That's it. Britain isn't white, it's a multicultural nation(s). Labeling someone British-Pakistani just seems like another unnecessary division to me.

[brownmoney]

In the UK and most of the world, Asian means someone from Asia. Not sure why this is a tough concept for people in the US. Look at a map perhaps?

[nissashaffi]

I love the subtle shade he's been throwing at Colbert throughout the entire interview.

[mobyeu]

Proud of my dude came a long way from Four Lions to his own TV show and Rogue one...Keep up the good work brother

[Laura-oedl]

what he should be best know for was his brilliant performance in Nightcrawler along with Jake Gyllenhaal....biggest oscars snub in last few years....

[lmm]

"I didnt know you a year ago." "I didnt know you were British until you started talking" man this is offending. He really should've done his research.

[greeshmas]

he is so right about american's and how they perceive asians here, they only think of asian as being chinese, japanese etc not indian or pakistani etc.

[TVsez]

Excellent work Riz! Watching your career grow from a far is a pleasure bro. Keep the positive vibes, peace and love from UK, Manchester.

[roberta]

This guy deserves all these big film roles. Great actor and based on this conversation, an excellent person too. As someone who has lived in both Canada, the UK and America, his statement on "This is what British looks like" is spot on.

Wish him the best!

[dbunik]

its okay Mr. Ahmed...most of us Americans need an atlas...we're not so good at that whole geography thing

[ahmedabdimahamed]

This man is a brilliant actor. One of the best in his age group. Can't wait to follow his career.