The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Stephen Presents: Katherine LaNasa (Extended) | 'The Pitt'
Feb 11, 2026
Katherine LaNasa, Emmy and Critics' Choice Award winning actress known for Nurse Dana on The Pit, shares candid stories. She recalls meeting Stephen Colbert, training for medical scenes, losing and reworking accents, and navigating unemployment, illness, and awards night nerves. She also reminisces about on-set romances and legendary actors from her past.
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From Dark Place To Emmy Win
- Katherine LaNasa describes hitting rock bottom: unemployment, cancer, and deep regret before The Pit role.
- She credits embracing loss for bringing authenticity to Dana and leading to an Emmy.
Loss Deepens Human Connection
- LaNasa recounts learning that grief and loss are part of being human and deepen connection.
- Embracing those losses helped her accept life’s beauty alongside suffering.
Accept Imperfection Daily
- Katherine LaNasa adopted the mantra “sometimes you lose” to accept imperfection and move forward.
- She suggests allowing yourself grace instead of trying to be perfect all the time.