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 Comedy Central program *The Colbert Report* (2005-2014) where he played a character based on conservative political pundits. Since 2015, he has hosted *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* on CBS, a more traditional late-night talk show, though still infused with his comedic and often political perspectives.

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

Others born on this day/year

1969: Father's role as Vice President of Academic Affairs

From 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.

September 11, 1974: Death of Father and Brothers

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.

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

1986: Work at Second City

After graduating in 1986, Stephen Colbert accepted a job answering phones and selling souvenirs at Second City and started taking improvisation classes there.

1986: Graduation from Northwestern University

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

1990: Meeting Evelyn McGee-Colbert

In 1990, Colbert met his future wife, Evelyn McGee, at the world premiere of Hydrogen Jukebox at the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston.

1993: Marriage to Evelyn McGee-Colbert

In 1993, Colbert married Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert.

June 2006: Colbert Receives 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.

March 20, 2007: Stephen Colbert Day in Oshawa

On March 20, 2007, Oshawa Mayor John Gray declared it Stephen Colbert Day in Oshawa, Ontario, to honor a bet with Stephen after the Saginaw Spirit defeated the Oshawa Generals in Ontario Junior League Hockey.

June 2, 2008: Colbert Delivers Class Day Address at Princeton University

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: Brother's appearance on The Colbert Report

On February 12, 2009, Stephen Colbert's brother, Edward, appeared on The Colbert Report, where they jokingly discussed the pronunciation of their last name.

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September 24, 2010: Testimony 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.

May 2011: Request for Media Exemption

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.

May 2011: Participation in Charleston to Bermuda Race

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

June 2011: FEC Grants 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 the Colbert Super PAC without requiring disclosure to the FEC, but only for ads appearing on The Colbert Report. Colbert then filed paperwork for the creation of his Super PAC with the FEC secretary.

2011: Colbert Receives Honorary Degree from Northwestern University

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

2012: South Carolina primary poll results

In 2012, a Public Policy Polling poll placed Colbert at 5% in the South Carolina primary, one point ahead of Jon Huntsman, despite Colbert not being on the ballot.

2015: Colbert Receives Honorary Degree from Wake Forest University

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

2020: Diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

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

May 2021: Colbert Receives Honorary Degree from Yale University

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

April 2022: Stephen Colbert tests positive for COVID-19

In April 2022, Stephen Colbert tested positive for COVID-19, and shortly after, experienced recurring symptoms. Due to this, production of The Late Show was temporarily halted as a precautionary measure.

October 2023: Colbert Tests Positive for COVID-19 Again

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

November 2023: Colbert Suffers Ruptured Appendix

In November 2023, Stephen Colbert suffered a ruptured appendix during the taping of an episode of The Late Show. This resulted in the show going on hiatus for several weeks while Colbert recovered from surgery. He later described how the pain was exacerbated by an impromptu dance with chef José Andrés during the taping.

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