25 Facts About Stephen Colbert

Early Life and Education

Stephen Colbert, a household name in comedy, has a fascinating backstory. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early years and education.

1. Born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C., Colbert grew up in Charleston, South Carolina.
2. Colbert is the youngest of 11 children in his family.
3. His father, James William Colbert Jr., was a prominent immunologist and academic.
4. Colbert's father and two of his brothers tragically died in a plane crash when he was just 10 years old.
5. He attended Porter-Gaud School, where he participated in various school plays.
6. Colbert initially enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia to study philosophy but later transferred to Northwestern University to study theater.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a late-night TV icon, Colbert had humble beginnings in the entertainment industry.

7. Colbert started his career with the improvisational comedy troupe Second City in Chicago.
8. He worked as an understudy for Steve Carell at Second City.
9. Colbert's first major TV role was on the sketch comedy show "Exit 57," which aired on Comedy Central.
10. He also wrote and performed on "The Dana Carvey Show," which, despite its short run, featured future stars like Steve Carell and Robert Smigel.

The Daily Show Era

Colbert's big break came with "The Daily Show," where he became a household name.

11. Colbert joined "The Daily Show" in 1997 as a correspondent.
12. His character on the show was a satirical take on conservative pundits, which became immensely popular.
13. Colbert won three Emmy Awards for his work on "The Daily Show."
14. His segments, such as "This Week in God," became fan favorites.

The Colbert Report

"The Colbert Report" solidified Colbert's status as a comedy legend.

15. "The Colbert Report" premiered on October 17, 2005, as a spin-off of "The Daily Show."
16. Colbert's character on the show was a parody of conservative political commentators.
17. The show won multiple awards, including two Peabody Awards and nine Primetime Emmy Awards.
18. Colbert coined the term "truthiness," which was named the 2006 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

In 2015, Colbert took over "The Late Show," bringing his unique brand of humor to a broader audience.

19. Colbert succeeded David Letterman as the host of "The Late Show" on September 8, 2015.
20. He dropped his conservative pundit persona and began hosting as himself.
21. The show quickly gained popularity, often leading in late-night ratings.
22. Colbert's interviews with political figures, including multiple interviews with President Barack Obama, have been widely praised.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional life, Colbert has a rich personal life and diverse interests.

23. Colbert is married to Evelyn McGee-Colbert, and they have three children together.
24. He is a devout Catholic and often discusses his faith openly.
25. Colbert is an avid fan of "The Lord of the Rings" and even speaks some Elvish.

The Final Word on Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert is more than just a comedian. His journey from a small-town kid to a household name shows his talent, hard work, and unique perspective. Colbert's ability to blend humor with insightful commentary has made him a beloved figure in entertainment. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to tackle tough topics with wit and intelligence set him apart. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, there's no denying the impact he's had on comedy and culture. From his early days on "The Daily Show" to hosting "The Late Show," Colbert continues to entertain and inspire. His story is a testament to the power of humor and the importance of staying true to oneself. So next time you watch him, remember the journey that brought him to your screen.