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 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.

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 in Washington, D.C. He is known as an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host.

Others born on this day/year

1969: Father becomes VP at Medical University

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

1972: Owns Nixon Campaign Poster

Stephen Colbert owns a 1972 Richard Nixon campaign poster, which hangs on a wall in his office.

September 11, 1974: Family Tragedy

On September 11, 1974, Stephen Colbert's father and two of 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 en route 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.

1984: Transfer to Northwestern University

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

1986: Graduation from Northwestern

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

1990: First meeting with Evelyn McGee

In 1990, Stephen Colbert met Evelyn McGee at the world premiere of Hydrogen Jukebox at the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston. They realized they had grown up together and had many mutual friends. Colbert described it as a love at first sight encounter.

1993: Marriage to Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert

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

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.

2004: Described Himself as a Democrat

In 2004, according to an interview, Stephen Colbert described himself as a Democrat, though he said he had "no problems with Republicans, just Republican policies."

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 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.

February 12, 2009: Edward Colbert on The Colbert Report

On February 12, 2009, Colbert's brother Edward, an intellectual-property attorney, appeared on The Colbert Report, where they jokingly discussed the pronunciation of their surname.

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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.

May 2011: Colbert participates in Charleston to Bermuda Race

In May 2011, Colbert joined the Charleston to Bermuda Race yachting race as captain of "the Spirit of Juno". He finished second, five miles behind the leader.

2011: Northwestern University Commencement Speaker

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

2013: Commented on Nixon's Vietnam War Prolongation

In 2013, Stephen Colbert said 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, to trusting the president, and changed your [the press] relationship to the president forever."

2015: Wake Forest University Commencement Speaker

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

2016: Criticized Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Stephen Colbert described Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as someone who has "been around for a long time, but actually represents [...] what you would think of as the common systemic corruption of Washington, D.C."

2020: Colbert reveals vertigo diagnosis

In 2020, Colbert revealed that 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: Colbert Tests Positive for COVID-19

In April 2022, Stephen Colbert tested positive for COVID-19, which led to the temporary halting of The Late Show production out of caution.

May 2023: Banned From Russia

In May 2023, Stephen Colbert was permanently banned from entering Russia alongside 500 other Americans for being "involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes," in response to U.S. imposed sanctions.

October 2023: Colbert Tests Positive for COVID for the Second Time

In October 2023, Stephen Colbert tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time.

November 2023: Colbert Suffers Ruptured Appendix

In November 2023, during a taping of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert suffered a ruptured appendix and had to undergo surgery, putting the show on hiatus. He later mentioned celebrity chef José Andrés grabbing him for an impromptu dance during a cooking segment greatly exacerbated the pain.

December 11, 2023: Colbert Returns to The Late Show

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

2024: Criticized 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 carried by the IDF. He defended the pro-Palestine college protests as a First Amendment right.

2024: Fundraiser and Presidential Debate

In 2024, Stephen Colbert moderated a fundraiser for the Joe Biden 2024 presidential campaign featuring Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Following Biden's performance in the first presidential debate on June 27 Colbert called on Biden to drop out of the race.