On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the legendary Barbra Streisand joined the host for an exclusive and heartfelt conversation. Promoting her expansive memoir, My Name Is Barbra, Streisand revealed new facets of her personality in an engaging interview that culminated in a special segment — the “Colbert Questionert.”

The Colbert Questionert, a unique rapid-fire set of 15 personal questions developed by the Late Show team, aims to get beyond the public persona and uncover the essence of its subject. After hours of conversation and Streisand’s nearly 1,000-page memoir, Colbert admitted he still wanted to truly know the woman behind the legend. Streisand, ever open and candid, was ready to take on the challenge.

From Favorite Sandwiches to Childhood Memories

Streisand’s answers were equal parts charming, thoughtful, and revealing. When asked about her favorite sandwich, she reflected on past preferences — “It used to be tongue until I had tongue the other day and eww, no more,” she laughed — before settling on “dark turkey with coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye bread.”

On the scariness of animals, she named snakes as the most frightening but also admitted her fascination with them, describing a particular snake’s jawline as something she admired. She even shared a story about hiring an assistant who survived a rattlesnake bite by sucking out the venom herself.

When the topic turned to fruits, Streisand chose apples over oranges, citing her acid reflux as the reason she avoids the latter. She highlighted a special apple variety called “Envy” that her husband introduced her to, praising its exceptional texture.

One of the more touching moments came when she recalled asking for autographs herself — one from President John F. Kennedy after performing for him in 1963, and another from actor Cliff Robertson. The memorabilia from JFK was lost, but the memory remains vivid.

Senses and Sentiments

The legendary singer also shared her favorite and least favorite smells. “Babies,” she answered instantly, along with roses — especially a rose named after her, “Barbra Streisand,” selected for its unique fragrance and color. She even described a fascinating horticultural development with a new rose called “Barbra’s Baby,” which is being propagated to spread its beauty worldwide. Conversely, she humorously cited Clorox as her least favorite scent.

Reflecting on early memories, Streisand poignantly described watching her mother and aunt talk, sensing a lack of communication between them, despite their words. It was a moment filled with silent understanding and emotion.

Musical and Personal Highlights

When Colbert asked what song she would listen to for the rest of her life, Streisand emotionally replied that it would be a duet with her son — a song that took her by surprise and moved her deeply with its heartfelt lyrics.

Finally, in a playful exchange about Colbert’s favorite number, Streisand guessed with infectious curiosity before summarizing her life ahead with five words: “Looking forward to peace.”

Known at Last

Colbert concluded the segment with a smile, declaring Streisand “known” after the intimate and revealing Questionert. The warmth, wit, and wisdom she shared reminded audiences why Barbra Streisand remains one of the most enduring and beloved icons in entertainment.

Her memoir, My Name Is Barbra, is available now for those who want to delve even deeper into the life of this extraordinary artist.