Scarlett Johansson opened up about her first outing with Colin Jost during her appearance on Today with Jenna and Friends alongside Jenna Bush Hager, where she recounted the story that marked the beginning of their relationship. The discussion highlighted Scarlett Johansson first date story, revealing an unexpected side of the well-known actress and her now-husband.
The Night at an East Village Italian Restaurant
The actress recounted how, back in 2017, Colin Jost, then best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, asked her out. Johansson noted that this was a rare experience for her, as she was not often directly asked on traditional dates. Their evening began with dinner at an Italian restaurant in New York’s East Village, starting off what would become a memorable first date.
My first date with Colin, honestly, nobody ever really asked me out before. I’m telling you. People say that, but it’s true. I was a serial monogamist and I just never got the traditional, ‘Hey, would you like to have dinner sometime?’
Scarlett Johansson, Actress
We went to an Italian restaurant in the East Village. It was a lovely date. We had dinner at 8 p.m. or whatever, and then afterwards, he was like, ‘I’m meeting friends, let’s go grab a drink.’ And I hadn’t dated basically ever, and so I was like, ‘I have to go now. I need to leave,’
Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Returning Home Early Sends Mixed Signals
After dinner, Johansson found herself anxious about continuing the night out, particularly when Jost suggested they join his friends for a drink. Not accustomed to dating casually, she excused herself to return home, which led to confusion for those on both ends of her night.
I got home to relieve my babysitter and it was like 9:36, and she was like, ‘Why are you home?!’ I was like, ‘I went on this date, and it was.…’ I just felt so flustered.
Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Colin Jost’s Uncertainty and How the Relationship Grew
Colin Jost, unaware of Johansson’s inexperience with dating, initially misread her quick departure from the date. He interpreted her actions as a lack of interest, not realizing she was simply overwhelmed by the situation.
Later on he was like, ‘I totally thought that was it. You were acting so weird.’ I panicked. I don’t know,
Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Despite the awkwardness of that evening, the misunderstanding did not prevent the relationship from progressing. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost married in 2020, with the couple welcoming their son the following year. The story remains an example of how even uncertain beginnings can lead to lasting connection.