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, 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.

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 known as an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host.

Others born on this day/year

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 in Charleston.

1972: Richard Nixon Campaign Poster

Stephen Colbert owns a 1972 Richard Nixon campaign poster highlighting Nixon's compromise towards progressive issues.

September 11, 1974: Family Tragedy

On September 11, 1974, Stephen Colbert's father and two of his brothers, Paul and Peter, passed away in the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 while attempting to land in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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.

1986: Internship and Second City

In 1986, after graduating from Northwestern, Colbert rejected an unpaid internship at 'Late Night with David Letterman'. Instead, he worked at Second City, taking improvisation classes.

1993: Marriage to Evelyn McGee-Colbert

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

2000: Referenced Supreme Court Battle

In November 1, 2007, Stephen Colbert dropped out of the race for presidency referencing the 2000 election, wherein a tight recount in Florida was settled in a landmark Supreme Court decision.

2004: Describing himself as a Democrat

In a 2004 interview, Colbert described himself as a Democrat, despite not being particularly political before joining The Daily Show.

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.

February 2007: Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream Ice Cream

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

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.

October 16, 2007: Presidential Candidacy Announcement

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.

October 28, 2007: Campaigning in South Carolina

On October 28, 2007, Stephen Colbert campaigned in Columbia, South Carolina, and received the key to the city from Mayor Bob Coble during his faux campaign for president.

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's Appearance on The Colbert Report

On February 12, 2009, Stephen Colbert's brother Edward appeared on The Colbert Report.

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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: Criticism of Nixon's Vietnam War policies

In 2013, Stephen Colbert criticized 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.

2015: Honorary Degree from Wake Forest University

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

2016: Critique of Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Stephen Colbert described Hillary Clinton as representing the systemic corruption of Washington, D.C., and suggested that Donald Trump might be the only person she could beat in the presidential election.

2020: Diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

In 2020, Stephen 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: Positive COVID-19 Test

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

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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, resulting in a hiatus for the show as he recovered from surgery.

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March 2024: Moderating a 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, which raised $25 million.

June 2024: Meeting with Pope Francis

In June 2024, Stephen Colbert met Pope Francis at the Vatican, showing his appreciation for the Pope's focus on the poor.

2024: Criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinians

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