Career Timeline of Stephen Colbert: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Stephen Colbert, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He gained prominence as the host of the satirical news program *The Colbert Report* on Comedy Central (2005-2014), where he portrayed a conservative pundit. Since 2015, he has hosted *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* on CBS, a more traditional late-night talk show. Colbert's work is characterized by his sharp wit, political satire, and engaging interview style, often incorporating elements of improvisation and character work.
1986: Accepted Job at Second City
After Colbert graduated in 1986, a friend who was employed at Second City's box office offered him work answering phones and selling souvenirs. Colbert accepted the job and discovered that Second City employees were entitled to take classes at their training center free of charge.
1992: Audition for Saturday Night Live
In 1992, Robert Smigel scouted Colbert at Second City and tried to get him hired at Saturday Night Live, for which Colbert unsuccessfully auditioned.
1995: Debut of Exit 57
In 1995, Exit 57, a sketch comedy show created by Sedaris, Dinello, and Colbert, debuted on Comedy Central.
1996: Exit 57 Aired Through
Exit 57, a sketch comedy show created by Sedaris, Dinello, and Colbert, aired through 1996.
1996: Performed on The Dana Carvey Show
In 1996, Colbert performed on The Dana Carvey Show and wrote for the show.
1997: Joins The Daily Show
In 1997, Stephen Colbert joined the cast of Comedy Central's parody-news series The Daily Show in its second season.
1998: Strangers with Candy Picked Up
In 1998, Comedy Central picked up Strangers with Candy, a comedy series developed by Colbert, Sedaris, and Dinello.
1999: Strangers with Candy
In 1999, Colbert collaborated with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello on the sitcom Strangers with Candy.
1999: Jon Stewart Takes Over The Daily Show
In 1999, Jon Stewart took over hosting duties for The Daily Show, also serving as a writer and co-executive producer.
2000: Strangers with Candy
In 2000, Colbert collaborated with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello on the sitcom Strangers with Candy.
2000: Referenced 2000 Election
In 2000, Colbert referenced the 2000 US election when he dropped out of the race, saying he did not wish to put the country through an agonizing Supreme Court battle.
2000: Emmy Awards for The Daily Show
In 2000, Stephen Colbert and the other Daily Show writers received three Emmy Awards as writers for The Daily Show.
2000: Coverage of the 2000 U.S. Presidential Election
In 2000, Stephen Colbert filed reports from the Democratic and Republican National Conventions as part of The Daily Show's coverage of the 2000 U.S. presidential elections.
2000: Increased Popularity
In 2000, the series The Daily Show gradually began to take on a more political tone and increase in popularity, particularly in the latter part of the 2000 U.S. presidential election season.
March 3, 2002: Filled in as Anchor on The Daily Show
On March 3, 2002, Stephen Colbert filled in as anchor on The Daily Show for the full week, due to Jon Stewart hosting Saturday Night Live.
2002: Joining The Daily Show
In 2002, Rob Corddry and Ed Helms joined The Daily Show's cast and imitated Stephen Colbert's correspondent style.
2003: Publication of Wigfield: The Can Do Town That Just May Not
In 2003, Colbert co-authored Wigfield: The Can Do Town That Just May Not with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. The satirical text-and-picture novel was published by Hyperion Books, and the three authors toured performing an adaptation of Wigfield on stage the same year the book was released.
2004: Coverage of the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election
In 2004, Stephen Colbert filed reports from the floor of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions as a part of The Daily Show's award-winning coverage of the 2004 U.S. presidential elections. Many of these reports were later included in 'The Daily Show: Indecision 2004' DVD release.
June 16, 2005: Colbert reads Leopold Bloom in Bloomsday on Broadway
On June 16, 2005, Colbert read the part of Leopold Bloom in Bloomsday on Broadway XXIV: Love Literature Language Lust: Leopold's Women Bloom at Symphony Space in New York City.
October 17, 2005: The Colbert Report Premiere
On October 17, 2005, Stephen Colbert began hosting his own television show, 'The Colbert Report', which was a spin-off of 'The Daily Show' that parodied television news broadcasting.
2005: Colbert appears in Bewitched film adaptation
In 2005, Colbert had a supporting role in the film adaptation of Bewitched. He also made guest appearances on various TV series and voiced characters in Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, before leaving the show to work on The Colbert Report.
2005: Strangers with Candy film
In 2005, Colbert reprised his role for a film adaptation of Strangers with Candy which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
2005: Emmy Awards for The Daily Show and Satellite Award Nomination
In 2005, Stephen Colbert and the other Daily Show writers received Emmy Awards as writers for The Daily Show, and he was also nominated for a Satellite Award for his performance on The Colbert Report.
2005: Hosting The Colbert Report
In 2005, Stephen Colbert began hosting The Colbert Report, a news satire show on Comedy Central.
2005: Coining of Truthiness
In 2005, Stephen Colbert coined the word "truthiness" on the premiere episode of The Colbert Report.
January 2006: "Truthiness" Named Word of the Year
In January 2006, the American Dialect Society named "truthiness", a word Stephen Colbert coined on the premiere episode of The Colbert Report, as its 2005 Word of the Year.
April 29, 2006: Featured Entertainer at White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
On April 29, 2006, Stephen Colbert performed as the featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. He delivered a searing routine, in character as a right-wing pundit, targeting President George W. Bush and the media.
May 2006: Listed as Influential Person in Media
In May 2006, New York magazine listed Stephen Colbert (and Jon Stewart) as one of its top dozen influential persons in media.
June 2006: Honorary Doctorate from Knox College
In June 2006, Stephen Colbert received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree from Knox College after speaking at the school's commencement ceremony.
October 30, 2006: Custody Agreement for the Emmy on The Colbert Report
On October 30, 2006, Barry Manilow and Stephen Colbert jokingly signed and notarized a revolving biannual custody agreement for the Emmy on The Colbert Report episode.
December 9, 2006: Merriam-Webster Selects "Truthiness" as Word of the Year
On December 9, 2006, Merriam-Webster announced that it selected "truthiness" as its Word of the Year for 2006.
2006: White House Correspondents' Association Dinner Performance
In 2006, Stephen Colbert performed at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
2006: Colbert's White House Correspondents' Dinner Performance
In 2006, Stephen Colbert's performance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner became a political and cultural touchstone, although it initially received a chilly reception from the audience. Ratings for 'The Colbert Report' rose by 37% following the speech.
2006: Strangers with Candy Film Release
In 2006, the Strangers with Candy film had a limited release.
February 2007: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Flavor
In February 2007, Ben & Jerry's unveiled a new ice cream flavor in honor of Stephen Colbert, named Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream, with Colbert donating all proceeds to charity.
March 3, 2007: Person of the Year by U.S. Comedy Arts Festival
On March 3, 2007, Stephen Colbert was named Person of the Year by the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
March 24, 2007: Speaker of the Year Award
On March 24, 2007, Stephen Colbert was given the Speaker of the Year Award by The Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA).
June 13, 2007: Gutsiest Move Award
On June 13, 2007, Stephen Colbert was honored for the Gutsiest Move on the Spike TV Guys' Choice Awards for his performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
October 7, 2007: Release of I Am America (And So Can You!)
On October 7, 2007, Colbert's book I Am America (And So Can You!) was released by Grand Central Publishing. The book contains political satire similar to America (The Book) but was primarily written by Colbert himself.
October 16, 2007: Announced Candidacy for President
On October 16, 2007, Stephen Colbert announced his intention to run for president on both the Republican and Democratic platforms, as a "favorite son" in South Carolina, during his show.
October 28, 2007: Campaigned in South Carolina
On October 28, 2007, Stephen Colbert campaigned in Columbia, South Carolina, where he received the key to the city from Mayor Bob Coble, continuing his presidential bid.
November 1, 2007: Application Refused
On November 1, 2007, the South Carolina Democratic Party executive council voted 13–3 to refuse Colbert's application onto the ballot for the presidential race.
December 20, 2007: Celebrity of the Year
On December 20, 2007, Stephen Colbert was named Celebrity of the Year by The Associated Press.
2007: Emmy Nomination Loss
In 2007, Stephen Colbert lost in the Best Performance in a Variety, Musical Program or Special category to Tony Bennett at the Emmy Awards.
2007: I Am America Bestseller
In 2007, Stephen Colbert's book I Am America (And So Can You!) was listed No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
April 2, 2008: Peabody Award for The Colbert Report
On April 2, 2008, Stephen Colbert received a Peabody Award for The Colbert Report.
June 2, 2008: Princeton University Class Day Address
On June 2, 2008, Stephen Colbert delivered the Class Day address to the graduating class of Princeton University and accepted the Class of 2008 Understandable Vanity Award.
August 2008: Colbert campaign ads appear in Marvel Comics
In August 2008, Colbert's fictional presidential campaign continued in the Marvel Universe with background appearances of his campaign ads in Marvel Comics publications, including a cameo of an alien Skrull posing as Colbert in Secret Invasion No. 5.
October 2008: Colbert appears in The Amazing Spider-Man
In October 2008, Colbert made an extended 8-page appearance webslinging with Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man issue No. 573, further cementing his fictional presidential campaign within the Marvel Universe.
November 2008: Release of A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! on DVD
In November 2008, the DVD for Colbert's Christmas special, A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, was released.
November 23, 2008: A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! airs on Comedy Central
On November 23, 2008, Colbert's Christmas special, A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, aired on Comedy Central.
2008: Emmy Nomination Loss
In 2008, Stephen Colbert lost in the Best Performance in a Variety, Musical Program or Special category to Don Rickles at the Emmy Awards.
2008: Teamed up with Donorschoose.org again
In 2008, Stephen Colbert teamed up with Donorschoose.org again by asking supporters of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to donate to Pennsylvania classroom projects in honor of their favorite candidate. Colbert viewers donated $185,000 to projects reaching 43,000 students in Pennsylvania public schools.
April 14, 2009: NASA Treadmill Renamed COLBERT
On April 14, 2009, NASA renamed the T-2 treadmill for the International Space Station the "Combined Operational Load-Bearing External Resistance Treadmill", or COLBERT, after Stephen Colbert.
June 5, 2009: Colbert films "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" in Baghdad
On June 5, 2009, Colbert arrived in Baghdad, Iraq, to film "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" sponsored by the USO. During the first episode, he had his hair cropped in a military style as a show of support for the troops. President Barack Obama made a cameo appearance.
August 2009: COLBERT Treadmill Taken to ISS
In August 2009, the COLBERT treadmill was taken to the International Space Station by the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-128 mission.
2009: Colbert voices president in Monsters vs. Aliens
In 2009, Colbert voiced the president of the U.S. in the film Monsters vs. Aliens, marking another step in his voice acting career.
January 2010: Colbert named assistant sports psychologist for US Olympic team
In January 2010, Colbert was named the assistant sports psychologist for the US Olympic speed skating team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He was also invited to be part of NBC's coverage team.
January 2010: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
In January 2010, Stephen Colbert received the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his album A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!.
September 10, 2010: Stewart and Colbert announce future event
On September 10, 2010, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert made preannouncements of a future event on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
September 2010: Campaign for Colbert's rally at the Lincoln Memorial
In September 2010, following Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor rally, a campaign developed that called for Colbert to hold his own rally at the Lincoln Memorial.
September 16, 2010: Stewart and Colbert announce competing rallies
On September 16, 2010, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert announced competing rallies on the Washington, D.C., Mall scheduled for October 30, 2010. Stewart's rally was named "Rally to Restore Sanity" and Colbert's was called "March to Keep Fear Alive".
September 24, 2010: Colbert testifies before House Judiciary Subcommittee
On September 24, 2010, Colbert testified in character before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Security, describing his experience participating in the United Farm Workers' "Take Our Jobs" program. He broke character to explain his purpose for being at the hearing.
October 30, 2010: Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear
On October 30, 2010, both rallies that were being planned were merged into the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, held on the Washington, D.C. Mall.
2010: Scripto collaborative script software conceived
At the end of 2010, Stephen Colbert and Rob Dubbin conceived Scripto, a collaborative script software that allows writer rooms to edit scripts in real time from different locations. Colbert's wife, Evie McGee, is also credited as a co-founder of the company.
April 2011: Colbert performs in Company revival
In April 2011, Colbert performed as Harry in the concert-style revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical Company, presented by the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center.
May 2011: Colbert requests media exemption for ColbertPAC
In May 2011, Colbert filed a request with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) asking for a media exemption for coverage of his political action committee, ColbertPAC, on The Colbert Report.
June 2011: FEC grants The Colbert Report a limited media exemption
In June 2011, the FEC voted 5–1 to grant The Colbert Report a limited media exemption, allowing unlimited donations of airtime and show resources to promote Colbert Super PAC without requiring disclosure to the FEC, but only for ads appearing on The Colbert Report. Colbert formally filed paperwork for the creation of his Super PAC.
2011: Northwestern University Commencement Speaker
In 2011, Stephen Colbert was the commencement speaker for Northwestern University and received an honorary degree.
January 16, 2012: Colbert encourages viewers to vote for Herman Cain
On January 16, 2012, Colbert satirically encouraged his viewers to vote for Herman Cain in the South Carolina primary, announcing that any votes cast for Cain would be in direct support of his own possible candidacy.
July 2012: Extended Contract with Comedy Central
In July 2012, Stephen Colbert extended his contract with Comedy Central for two years, ensuring 'The Colbert Report' would run until the end of 2014.
2012: Named One of the 100 Most Influential People by Time
In 2012, Stephen Colbert was named as one of the 100 most influential people by Time.
2012: Colbert polls ahead of Huntsman in South Carolina
In 2012, a poll placed Colbert at 5% in the South Carolina primary, ahead of Jon Huntsman, despite Colbert not being on the ballot. He explored a possible presidential candidacy, signing over control of his Super PAC to Jon Stewart, and forming an exploratory committee for a possible run for President of the United States of South Carolina.
2012: Collaboration with Montclair Film Festival begins
Since 2012, Colbert has collaborated with the Montclair Film Festival, which his wife co-founded. He has participated every year by hosting an annual fundraising event and leading Q&As and conversations with directors, writers, journalists, and actors.
April 10, 2014: Announcement as New Late Show Host
On April 10, 2014, CBS announced that Stephen Colbert would succeed David Letterman as the host of 'The Late Show' after Letterman's retirement.
December 18, 2014: The Colbert Report Series Finale
Stephen Colbert hosted his show 'The Colbert Report' from October 17, 2005, until its finale on December 18, 2014.
2014: End of Colbert Report run
In 2014, Colbert extended his contract with Comedy Central until the end of the year, marking the end of The Colbert Report.
2014: Colbert hosts Kennedy Center Honors
Since 2014, Colbert has hosted the Kennedy Center Honors for three consecutive years.
January 12, 2015: Premiere Date Announced
On January 12, 2015, CBS announced that Stephen Colbert's premiere as the host of 'The Late Show' would be on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
September 8, 2015: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Premiere
On September 8, 2015, Stephen Colbert premiered as the host of 'The Late Show' on CBS, with George Clooney as his first guest.
September 2015: Hosting The Late Show
In September 2015, Stephen Colbert started hosting the CBS talk show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
2015: Wake Forest University Commencement Speaker
In 2015, Stephen Colbert received an honorary degree from Wake Forest University as the commencement speaker.
2015: Outstanding Civilian Service Award
In 2015, Stephen Colbert was awarded the third highest honor within the Department of the Army Civilian Awards, the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, for contributions to the U.S. Army community.
September 2017: Hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards
In September 2017, Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.
September 17, 2017: Hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards
On September 17, 2017, Stephen Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards, which were broadcast on CBS.
2017: Colbert hosts 69th Primetime Emmy Awards
In 2017, Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.
2019: Colbert hosts conversation with Tolkien film cast
In 2019, Colbert hosted a conversation with the cast of the film Tolkien as part of an event for Montclair Film and Fathom Events.
May 2021: Honorary Degree from Yale University
In May 2021, Stephen Colbert received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Yale University.
2021: Colbert moderates Lord of the Rings cast reunion
In 2021, Colbert moderated Lord of the Rings cast reunions screened at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and made available on a Bluray collectors edition of the film series.
August 30, 2023: Started Strike Force Five Podcast
On August 30, 2023, Stephen Colbert and fellow talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and John Oliver, began hosting the comedy podcast Strike Force Five to support their staff members out of work due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
2024: Colbert co-authors "Does This Taste Funny?"
In 2024, Stephen Colbert and his wife co-authored, Does This Taste Funny?, a cookbook featuring recipes from their family, centered on Lowcountry cuisine.
2024: Producer of After Midnight
Since 2024 Stephen Colbert has been a producer of the CBS late-night comedy panel game show, After Midnight, alongside his wife Evie.
June 2025: After Midnight Ended
The show After Midnight, which Stephen Colbert produced, ended in June 2025, after two seasons, following host Taylor Tomlinson's departure.
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