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 Colbert Report, a satirical news program on Comedy Central, from 2005 to 2014. Since 2015, he has hosted The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS. Colbert's work is characterized by his sharp wit, political satire, and engaging interview style, making him a significant figure in American comedy and political commentary.

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 the United States. He would later become a comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host.

Others born on this day/year

1969: Father became vice president

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

1972: Owns a 1972 Richard Nixon Campaign Poster

Stephen Colbert owns a 1972 Richard Nixon campaign poster, which hangs on a wall in his office, highlighting Nixon's compromise towards 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. This tragedy deeply impacted Colbert.

1982: Enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College

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

1984: Transferred to Northwestern University

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

1986: Graduated from Northwestern University

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

2004: Identifies as a Democrat

In a 2004 interview, Stephen Colbert described himself as a Democrat, though he stated he has "no problems with Republicans, just Republican policies".

2005: Discovery of 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.

October 16, 2007: Announced Presidential Candidacy

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.

October 28, 2007: Campagined in South Carolina

On October 28, 2007, Stephen Colbert campaigned in Columbia, South Carolina and was presented with the key to the city by Mayor Bob Coble, while seeking a place on the Democratic ballot for his presidential run.

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.

February 12, 2009: Brother Appears on The Colbert Report

On February 12, 2009, Colbert's brother Edward appeared on The Colbert Report and confirmed the pronunciation of his last name.

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2011: Commencement Speaker at Northwestern University

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

2013: Comments on Nixon's Legacy

In 2013 Stephen Colbert commented on Nixon's prolongation of the Vietnam War for political gain, and the negative impact on America.

2015: Honorary Degree from Wake Forest University

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

2016: Critiques Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Stephen Colbert described Hillary Clinton as representing the "common systemic corruption of Washington, D.C." and expressed reservations about her candidacy.

May 2021: Honorary Degree from Yale University

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

May 2023: Banned from Russia

In May 2023, Stephen Colbert was permanently banned from entering Russia alongside 500 other Americans for allegedly spreading "Russophobic attitudes and fakes," following U.S. imposed sanctions.

March 2024: Moderated Fundraiser for Joe Biden

In March 2024, Stephen Colbert moderated a fundraiser for the Joe Biden 2024 presidential campaign featuring Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama that raised $25 million.

2024: Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza

In 2024, Stephen Colbert criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians and called for a ceasefire in Gaza following the World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack. He also defended the pro-Palestine college protests.