Childhood and Education Journey of Stephen Colbert in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Stephen Colbert. A timeline of key moments.

Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He gained prominence as the host of The Colbert Report (2005-2014), a satirical news program on Comedy Central, where he portrayed a conservative pundit. Since 2015, he has hosted The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, a late-night talk show that blends comedy with political commentary and interviews. Colbert's work often involves satire, political humor, and insightful commentary on current events.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 13, 1964: Stephen Colbert's Birth

On May 13, 1964, Stephen Tyrone Colbert was born. He is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host.

Others born on this day/year

1969: Father's Academic Position

In 1969, James Colbert Jr., Stephen Colbert's father, became the first vice president of academic affairs at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

1972: Nixon Campaign Poster

In 1972, Richard Nixon ran his presidential campaign. Stephen Colbert owns a 1972 Richard Nixon campaign poster.

September 11, 1974: Family Tragedy

On September 11, 1974, Colbert's father and his brothers Paul and Peter died in the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212.

1982: Enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College

In 1982, Colbert enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he majored in philosophy and participated in plays.

1984: Transferred to Northwestern University

In 1984, after two years at Hampden-Sydney College, Colbert transferred to Northwestern University as a theater major.

1986: Graduated from Northwestern

In 1986, Colbert graduated from Northwestern University's School of Communication.

1993: Married Evelyn McGee

Stephen Colbert married Evelyn "Evie" McGee Colbert in 1993.

2004: Describes Himself as a Democrat

In a 2004 interview, Stephen Colbert described himself as a Democrat, clarifying his political stance.

2005: Discovered Neutral Milk Hotel

In 2005, Stephen Colbert discovered the psychedelic folk group Neutral Milk Hotel while filming a field piece for The Daily Show.

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.

June 2, 2008: Delivered Princeton 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.

February 12, 2009: Colbert Report appearance of brother

On February 12, 2009, Colbert's brother Edward appeared on The Colbert Report to discuss the pronunciation of their last name.

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2011: Commencement Speaker at Northwestern University

Stephen Colbert was the 2011 commencement speaker for Northwestern University, and received an honorary degree.

2013: Colbert's Reflections on Nixon's Legacy

In 2013, Stephen Colbert reflected on Richard Nixon's prolongation of the Vietnam War for political gain, stating it led to the deaths of thousands and shattered trust in the American government and military.

2015: Honorary Degree from Wake Forest University

In 2015, Stephen Colbert received an honorary degree from Wake Forest University as the commencement speaker.

2016: Comments on Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Stephen Colbert described Hillary Clinton as representing systemic corruption and being a flawed candidate.

2020: Diagnosed with Vertigo

In 2020, Stephen Colbert revealed he developed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a type of balance disorder.

May 2021: Honorary Degree from Yale University

In May 2021, Stephen Colbert received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Yale University.

April 2022: Positive COVID-19 Test

In April 2022, Stephen Colbert tested positive for COVID-19, leading to a halt in The Late Show production.

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October 2023: Second Positive COVID-19 Test

In October 2023, Stephen Colbert tested positive for COVID for a second time.

November 2023: Ruptured Appendix

In November 2023, Stephen Colbert had a ruptured appendix during a taping of an episode of The Late Show, putting the show on hiatus for a few weeks as he recovered from surgery.

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December 11, 2023: Return to The Late Show

Stephen Colbert returned to The Late Show on December 11, 2023, after recovering from a ruptured appendix.

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March 2024: Moderated Fundraiser for Joe Biden's Campaign

In March 2024, Stephen Colbert moderated a fundraiser for the Joe Biden 2024 presidential campaign that raised $25 million.

2024: Critical of Israel's Treatment of Palestinians

In 2024, Stephen Colbert criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians and called for a ceasefire in Gaza after the World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack.