Childhood and Education Journey of Stephen Colbert in Timeline

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

Stephen Colbert is a multifaceted American entertainer, known for his satirical wit and political commentary. He gained prominence as the host of The Colbert Report (2005-2014), where he portrayed a fictional conservative pundit. Since 2015, he has hosted The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a more traditional late-night talk show, while still incorporating his signature comedic style and political insights. He is a writer, producer, and actor as well.

Sections (4)

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

May 13, 1964: Stephen Colbert Born

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

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1969: Father's Role at Medical University of South Carolina

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

1972: Colbert Owns a Nixon Campaign Poster

In 1972, Richard Nixon had a campaign poster that Stephen Colbert now owns. The poster reads: "For the first time in 20 years we are spending more on human resources than on defense!" Colbert noted that Nixon's views were highlighted to show his compromise toward progressive issues.

September 11, 1974: Family Tragedy

On September 11, 1974, Stephen Colbert's father and his brothers Paul and Peter died in the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 while attempting to land in Charlotte, North Carolina. They were on their way to enroll Paul and Peter at Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut.

1982: Enrollment at Hampden-Sydney College

In 1982, Stephen Colbert enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, majoring in philosophy and participating in plays.

1984: Transfer to Northwestern University

In 1984, Stephen Colbert transferred to Northwestern University as a theater major to study performance.

1986: Graduation from Northwestern University

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

1990: Meeting Evelyn McGee-Colbert

In 1990, Evelyn McGee met Jon Stewart before she met Stephen Colbert at the world premiere of Hydrogen Jukebox at the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston. Colbert later described meeting Evie as being a love at first sight encounter.

1993: Marriage to Evelyn McGee-Colbert

In 1993, Stephen Colbert married Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert. She is the daughter of prominent Charleston civil litigator Joseph McGee.

2000: Colbert References 2000 Election

In 2000, the election featured a tight recount in Florida that was settled in a landmark Supreme Court decision. On November 1, 2007 Stephen Colbert referenced it, saying he did not wish to put the country through an agonizing Supreme Court battle, announcing his withdrawal from his presidential bid.

2004: Colbert Identifies as a Democrat

In a 2004 interview, Stephen Colbert described himself as a Democrat, even though he stated he was not particularly political before joining 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.

February 2007: Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream

In February 2007, Ben & Jerry's unveiled a new ice cream flavor in honor of Stephen Colbert, named Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream.

March 20, 2007: Stephen Colbert Day in Oshawa

On March 20, 2007, Oshawa Mayor John Gray declared March 20, 2007 (the mayor's own birthday), Stephen Colbert Day, honoring a previous bet with Stephen Colbert.

October 16, 2007: Colbert Announces Presidential Candidacy

On October 16, 2007, Stephen Colbert announced his intention to run for president on both the Republican and Democratic platforms, but only as a "favorite son" in his native South Carolina.

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October 28, 2007: Colbert Campaigns in South Carolina

On October 28, 2007, Stephen Colbert campaigned in Columbia, the South Carolina state capital, where he received the key to the city from Mayor Bob Coble, as part of his presidential campaign.

June 2, 2008: Class Day address to Princeton University

On June 2, 2008, 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: Brother's Appearance on The Colbert Report

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

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May 2011: Colbert Participates in Charleston to Bermuda Race

In May 2011, Stephen Colbert participated in the Charleston to Bermuda Race as captain of the ship "the Spirit of Juno," finishing second.

2011: Commencement speaker for Northwestern University

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

2013: Colbert on Nixon's prolongation of the Vietnam War

In 2013 Stephen Colbert commented that Nixon's prolongation of the Vietnam War for political gain led to the deaths of tens of thousands of peoples, shattered the trust of the American people to the American military establishment and the president and changed the press relationship with the president forever.

2015: Honorary degree from Wake Forest University

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

2016: Colbert's Comments on Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Stephen Colbert described Hillary Clinton as representing "the common systemic corruption of Washington, D.C." and stated that people's hesitancy about her was "completely reasonable".

2018: Colbert Discusses Depression and Anxiety

In a 2018 interview, Stephen Colbert revealed that during his college and Second City years, he suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety for which he had to be medicated.

2020: Diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

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

May 2021: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Yale University

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

April 2022: Colbert Tests Positive for COVID-19

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

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May 2023: Colbert Banned from Russia

In May 2023, Stephen Colbert was permanently banned from entering Russia along with 500 other Americans, due to being "involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes." These bans were in response to U.S. imposed sanctions on the country.

October 2023: Colbert Tests Positive for COVID for Second Time

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

November 2023: Colbert Suffers Ruptured Appendix

In November 2023, Stephen Colbert suffered from a ruptured appendix during a taping of an episode of The Late Show, causing a hiatus of the show for a few weeks.

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December 11, 2023: Colbert Returns to The Late Show

Stephen Colbert returned on December 11, 2023, after recovering from a ruptured appendix.

2024: Colbert Criticizes Israel's Treatment of Palestinians

In 2024, Stephen Colbert criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza after the World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack carried by the IDF and defended the pro-Palestine college protests.