History of Stephen Colbert in Timeline
Stephen Colbert is a multi-talented American entertainer known for his work in comedy, television, and political commentary. He gained fame for hosting Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" (2005-2014), a satirical news program, and later became the host of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS, starting in 2015.
May 13, 1964: Stephen Colbert was born.
Stephen Tyrone Colbert was born on May 13, 1964. He would go on to become a comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host.
1969: Colbert's father becomes VP of Academic Affairs.
In 1969, Stephen Colbert's father, James William Colbert Jr., assumed the role of vice president of academic affairs at the Medical University of South Carolina.
September 11, 1974: Tragedy Strikes the Colbert Family.
On September 11, 1974, Stephen Colbert experienced a significant tragedy when his father and two brothers, Peter and Paul, died in the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212.
1982: Colbert attends Hampden–Sydney College.
Stephen Colbert enrolled at Hampden–Sydney College in Virginia in 1982, where he pursued a major in philosophy and participated in plays.
1984: Colbert Transfers to Northwestern University.
In 1984, Stephen Colbert made the decision to transfer to Northwestern University, where he dedicated himself to studying theater and further developing his passion for acting.
1986: Colbert Embraces Improv at Second City.
In 1986, Stephen Colbert, initially hesitant about Second City, embraced the opportunity to take improvisation classes there. He found immense enjoyment in the experience and began his journey into the world of improvisational comedy.
1986: Colbert Graduates from Northwestern.
Stephen Colbert graduated from Northwestern University's School of Communication in 1986, marking the completion of his formal education in theater.
1990: First Meeting with Future Wife
Stephen Colbert met his future wife, Evelyn McGee, in 1990 at the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston.
1993: Marriage to Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert
Stephen Colbert married Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert in 1993.
1995: "Exit 57" Debuts.
"Exit 57", a sketch comedy show developed by Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Paul Dinello, made its debut on Comedy Central in 1995.
1996: "Exit 57" Ends.
In 1996, "Exit 57" concluded after airing for one season.
1996: Colbert Joins the Dana Carvey Show.
In 1996, Stephen Colbert joined the writing team and performed on The Dana Carvey Show.
1997: Joining "The Daily Show"
In 1997, Colbert joined the cast of "The Daily Show" during its second season as one of four correspondents, initially referred to as "the new guy."
1997: Early Career in Comedy
In 1997, after the cancelation of "Exit 57", Colbert worked on various projects. He briefly wrote for "The Dana Carvey Show", did freelance writing for "Saturday Night Live", and worked as a script consultant. He also filmed segments for "Good Morning America", ultimately leading him to "The Daily Show".
1998: Development of "Strangers with Candy"
Colbert, alongside Sedaris and Dinello, developed "Strangers with Candy" for Comedy Central in 1998. Due to his commitment to "The Daily Show", he took a smaller role in the series.
1999: Strangers with Candy Debuts.
Strangers with Candy, a sitcom that Colbert developed alongside Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello, premiered in 1999.
1999: Jon Stewart Takes Over "The Daily Show"
With Jon Stewart taking over as host in 1999, "The Daily Show" began to evolve, incorporating a more political tone and expanding the correspondents' roles.
1999: Premiere of "Strangers with Candy"
"Strangers with Candy" premiered on Comedy Central in 1999, airing for two seasons. While not a ratings hit initially, it garnered a dedicated following, becoming a cult classic.
2000: Conclusion of "Strangers with Candy"
"Strangers with Candy" concluded its run on Comedy Central in 2000 after airing 30 episodes. Despite its short run, the show garnered a loyal following.
2000: "The Daily Show" Covers the 2000 Presidential Election
"The Daily Show", with Colbert as a correspondent, provided coverage of the 2000 U.S. presidential election, contributing to a surge in the show's popularity.
2000: Colbert Covers the 2000 Political Conventions
Colbert contributed to "The Daily Show's" coverage of the 2000 U.S. presidential elections, filing reports from both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
2000: Landmark Supreme Court Decision Impacts Colbert's Campaign
Colbert referenced the 2000 election and the Supreme Court's decision in the Florida recount as a reason for dropping out of the race.
2000: Strangers with Candy Concludes.
In 2000, Strangers with Candy aired its final episode.
2000: Emmy Awards for "The Daily Show" Writing
Stephen Colbert and the writing team of "The Daily Show" received Emmy Awards for their writing in 2000.
March 3, 2002: Colbert Guest Hosts "The Daily Show"
Colbert took over as anchor for "The Daily Show" for a week in March 2002, filling in for Jon Stewart while he hosted "Saturday Night Live".
2002: Colbert's Influence on "The Daily Show" Correspondents
By 2002, Colbert's distinctive style as a correspondent, parodying conservative pundits, had a noticeable influence on new additions to "The Daily Show" like Rob Corddry and Ed Helms.
2003: Colbert Co-authors Satirical Novel "Wigfield"
Colbert, along with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello, wrote and released the satirical novel "Wigfield: The Can Do Town That Just May Not." They even adapted the novel for stage performances.
2004: Colbert's Memorable "Daily Show" Segments and Emmy Win
Colbert's work on "The Daily Show" in 2004, including his coverage of the 2004 elections and segments like "Grouse Hunting in Shropshire", led to his first Emmy Award for writing.
June 16, 2005: Bloomsday on Broadway XXIV: Love Literature Language Lust: Leopold's Women Bloom
On June 16, 2005, Stephen Colbert participated in the "Bloomsday on Broadway XXIV: Love Literature Language Lust: Leopold's Women Bloom" event at Symphony Space in New York City, reading the part of Leopold Bloom.
October 17, 2005: Premiere of "The Colbert Report"
"The Colbert Report", a spin-off of "The Daily Show", debuted on October 17, 2005, featuring Colbert as a satirical right-wing pundit.
2005: The Colbert Report Premieres.
In 2005, Stephen Colbert left the Daily Show to host the Colbert Report, a satirical news program that parodied conservative political pundits.
2005: Emmy Awards and Satellite Award Nomination
Stephen Colbert received Emmy Awards for his writing on "The Daily Show" and earned a Satellite Award nomination for his performance on "The Colbert Report" in 2005.
2005: "Strangers with Candy" Film Adaptation at Sundance
The film adaptation of "Strangers with Candy", co-written by Colbert, premiered at Sundance in 2005.
2005: Colbert Wins Second Emmy for "The Daily Show"
Colbert's contributions to "The Daily Show" earned him his second Emmy Award for writing in 2005.
2005: Colbert's Diverse Voice Acting and Guest Appearances
Beyond his comedic persona, Colbert showcased his voice acting skills in shows like "Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law" and "The Venture Bros." He also made guest appearances in series like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "The Simpsons."
2005: Coined the Term "Truthiness"
Stephen Colbert introduced the word "truthiness" during the premiere episode of "The Colbert Report" in 2005.
January 2006: "Truthiness" Named American Dialect Society's Word of the Year
Stephen Colbert's creation, "truthiness," was recognized as the American Dialect Society's Word of the Year for 2005.
April 29, 2006: Performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
On April 29, 2006, Stephen Colbert delivered a controversial comedic performance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, satirizing President George W. Bush and the media.
May 2006: Recognized as an Influential Figure in Media by New York Magazine
Stephen Colbert, alongside Jon Stewart, was recognized by New York magazine as one of the most influential figures in media in May 2006.
June 2006: Received Honorary Doctorate from Knox College
Stephen Colbert's alma mater, Knox College, bestowed upon him an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree, acknowledging his impact on the world of satire and commentary.
September 2006: Stephen Colbert Named 2nd Sexiest TV News Anchor by Maxim
In September 2006, Stephen Colbert was recognized for his appeal when Maxim named him the 2nd Sexiest TV News Anchor.
October 30, 2006: Joke Custody Agreement for Emmy with Barry Manilow
Stephen Colbert, after losing the Emmy for Best Performance in a Variety, Musical Program or Special to Barry Manilow in 2006, engaged in a humorous exchange by creating a mock custody agreement for the award on "The Colbert Report".
November 2006: People Magazine Recognizes Colbert as "Sexy Surprise"
Stephen Colbert was recognized as a "sexy surprise" by People Magazine in their Sexiest Man Alive honors in November 2006.
December 9, 2006: "Truthiness" Named Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year
"Truthiness," a word coined by Stephen Colbert on "The Colbert Report," was selected as Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2006.
December 2006: Colbert Named One of GQ's "Men of the Year"
In December 2006, GQ recognized Stephen Colbert's influence and cultural impact by naming him one of their "Men of the Year".
2006: Release of "Strangers with Candy" Film
The film adaptation of "Strangers with Candy", which Colbert co-wrote, saw a limited theatrical release in 2006. The film received a mixed reception from critics.
2006: Colbert's White House Correspondents' Dinner Performance.
In 2006, Stephen Colbert delivered a memorable performance, in character, at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. This performance contributed to the growing popularity of The Colbert Report.
2006: Colbert's Bold Performance at White House Correspondents' Dinner
In 2006, Stephen Colbert delivered a memorable and talked-about performance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
2006: Aftermath of White House Correspondents' Dinner Performance
Following his performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 2006, Stephen Colbert's routine gained widespread attention and sparked debate, with some praising his satire and others criticizing its tone. The event significantly boosted his show's ratings and solidified his status as a political commentator.
2006: Colbert Wins Third Emmy for "The Daily Show"
Colbert received his third consecutive Emmy Award in 2006 for his writing on "The Daily Show".
2006: Colbert Makes Time's 100 Most Influential People.
Stephen Colbert was recognized for his influence and impact when he was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2006.
February 2007: Ben & Jerry's Launches "Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream"
In February 2007, Ben & Jerry's released a new ice cream flavor in honor of Stephen Colbert, called "Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream." Colbert pledged to donate all proceeds to charity.
March 3, 2007: Named Person of the Year by U.S. Comedy Arts Festival
Stephen Colbert's comedic contributions were acknowledged when he was honored as Person of the Year by the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
March 20, 2007: Oshawa Celebrates Stephen Colbert Day
On March 20, 2007, the city of Oshawa, Canada, celebrated Stephen Colbert Day. The proclamation was made by Mayor John Gray following a hockey bet with Colbert.
March 24, 2007: Awarded Speaker of the Year by The Cross Examination Debate Association
Stephen Colbert's unique approach to political satire earned him the Speaker of the Year Award from The Cross Examination Debate Association in 2007.
June 13, 2007: Colbert Honored at Spike TV Guys' Choice Awards
Stephen Colbert's memorable performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner earned him the Gutsiest Move award at the Spike TV Guys' Choice Awards on June 13, 2007.
August 2007: Virgin America Names Airplane "Air Colbert"
Stephen Colbert received a unique honor in August 2007 when Virgin America named an airplane "Air Colbert" in recognition of his cultural influence.
October 7, 2007: Release of "I Am America (And So Can You!)"
Stephen Colbert's book, "I Am America (And So Can You!)", a satirical work reflecting his comedic style, was released on October 7, 2007.
October 16, 2007: Announcement of Presidential Candidacy
On October 16, 2007, Stephen Colbert announced his satirical presidential candidacy on "The Colbert Report," initially intending to run on both the Republican and Democratic platforms as a "favorite son" candidate in South Carolina.
October 28, 2007: Campaigning in South Carolina
On October 28, 2007, Stephen Colbert campaigned in Columbia, South Carolina, as part of his satirical presidential bid, where he received the key to the city from Mayor Bob Coble.
November 1, 2007: South Carolina Democratic Party rejects Colbert's candidacy
On November 1, 2007, the South Carolina Democratic Party executive council voted to refuse Colbert's application for the presidential ballot, deeming him not a serious candidate.
December 20, 2007: Colbert Named Celebrity of the Year by The Associated Press
Stephen Colbert's impact on entertainment and media was acknowledged in December 2007 when The Associated Press named him Celebrity of the Year.
2007: "I Am America (And So Can You!)" Tops Bestseller List.
Stephen Colbert's book, "I Am America (And So Can You!)", achieved significant success, reaching the No. 1 spot on The New York Times Best Seller list in 2007.
2007: Emmy Award Nomination
Stephen Colbert received an Emmy Award nomination for his work on "The Colbert Report" in 2007.
2007: Colbert's "The Colbert Report" Earns Peabody Award Recognition
In 2007, Stephen Colbert received a Peabody Award for his work on "The Colbert Report", marking the show's first Peabody win.
April 2, 2008: "The Colbert Report" Receives Peabody Award
On April 2, 2008, "The Colbert Report" was honored with a Peabody Award, recognizing its excellence in storytelling and cultural impact.
June 2, 2008: Colbert Delivers Princeton University Commencement Address
Stephen Colbert shared his insights and humor with graduating students at Princeton University on June 2, 2008, when he delivered the Class Day address.
August 2008: Colbert's Campaign Continues in Marvel Comics
Despite ending his real-life presidential campaign, Colbert's campaign continued within the Marvel Comics universe, appearing in background advertisements in various issues.
October 2008: Colbert Makes Cameo in The Amazing Spider-Man
Colbert made a significant appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man issue No. 573, even engaging in webslinging alongside the titular hero.
November 2008: DVD Release of "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!"
The DVD of Stephen Colbert's Christmas special, "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!", was released in November 2008.
November 23, 2008: Premiere of "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!"
Stephen Colbert's Christmas special, "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!", premiered on Comedy Central on November 23, 2008.
2008: Emmy Award Nomination
Stephen Colbert received an Emmy Award nomination for his work on "The Colbert Report" in 2008.
2008: Spider Species Named After Stephen Colbert
In 2008, as a humorous response to Stephen Colbert's on-air plea, a newly discovered species of California trapdoor spider was named Aptostichus stephencolberti in his honor.
2008: Donorschoose.org Campaign
In 2008, Stephen Colbert partnered with Donorschoose.org to encourage donations to classrooms in need, leveraging his satirical presidential campaign to raise funds and awareness for education.
February 12, 2009: Colbert's Brother Appears on "The Colbert Report".
On February 12, 2009, Stephen Colbert's brother, Edward, made a guest appearance on "The Colbert Report", during which they humorously discussed the pronunciation of their last name.
April 14, 2009: NASA Renames Treadmill After Colbert
On April 14, 2009, NASA renamed their new treadmill designed for the International Space Station (ISS) as COLBERT, a backronym for "Combined Operational Load-Bearing External Resistance Treadmill", after Stephen Colbert campaigned for the ISS module to be named after him.
June 5, 2009: Colbert Films "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando"
Colbert showed his support for the troops by filming a week of shows from Baghdad, Iraq, even getting a military haircut during the first episode.
August 2009: NASA's COLBERT Treadmill Launched to ISS
The COLBERT treadmill was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in August 2009 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-128 mission.
2009: Colbert Voices President in Monsters vs. Aliens
Expanding his presence in entertainment, Colbert provided the voice for the president of the U.S. in the animated film Monsters vs. Aliens.
January 2010: Assistant Sports Psychologist for US Olympic Speed Skating Team
Stephen Colbert took on the role of assistant sports psychologist for the US Olympic speed skating team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
January 2010: Colbert Wins Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
Stephen Colbert's foray into musical comedy proved successful when he won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" in January 2010.
September 10, 2010: Stewart and Colbert Tease Upcoming Event
On their respective shows, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, Stewart and Colbert hinted at a future event, sparking public curiosity.
September 2010: Campaign for Colbert Rally Gains Momentum
In response to Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor rally, a grassroots campaign emerged urging Colbert to hold his own rally at the Lincoln Memorial.
September 16, 2010: Colbert and Stewart Announce Competing Rallies
Building upon their previous teases, Stewart and Colbert announced their own rallies in Washington, D.C., scheduled for October 30, 2010.
September 24, 2010: Colbert Testifies Before House Subcommittee
Colbert, in character, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Security, sharing his experience working with migrant workers.
October 30, 2010: Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear
The initially competing rallies announced by Stewart and Colbert merged into a single event titled "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear."
April 2011: Performance in Stephen Sondheim's "Company"
Stephen Colbert showcased his acting skills by playing Harry in a concert-style revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Company" in April 2011.
May 2011: Colbert Seeks Media Exemption for ColbertPAC Coverage
Colbert filed a formal request with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) seeking a media exemption for how his show, The Colbert Report, covers his political action committee, ColbertPAC.
May 2011: Participation in Charleston to Bermuda Race
Stephen Colbert participated in the Charleston to Bermuda Race, captaining the ship "the Spirit of Juno" and finishing a close second in May 2011.
June 2011: FEC Grants Limited Media Exemption to The Colbert Report
After a public meeting and deliberation, the FEC voted to grant The Colbert Report a partial media exemption, allowing the show to promote Colbert's Super PAC using airtime and resources without full disclosure to the FEC.
2011: "The Colbert Report" Earns Second Peabody Award
Stephen Colbert's satirical news program, "The Colbert Report", earned its second Peabody Award in 2011.
2011: Colbert Addresses Northwestern University Graduates
In 2011, Stephen Colbert was chosen as the commencement speaker for Northwestern University, where he also received an honorary degree.
2011: Colbert Earns Spot on Vanity Fair's "New Establishment List"
Stephen Colbert's growing influence earned him a spot on Vanity Fair's "New Establishment List" in 2011, where he was ranked at number 28.
January 16, 2012: Colbert Endorses Herman Cain in South Carolina Primary
Even though Herman Cain had already suspended his campaign, Colbert playfully encouraged his viewers to vote for Cain in the South Carolina primary, suggesting those votes would be seen as support for his own potential candidacy.
July 2012: Colbert Extends "The Colbert Report" Contract
In July 2012, Colbert agreed to a two-year contract extension with Comedy Central, ensuring "The Colbert Report" would continue until the end of 2014.
2012: Collaboration with Montclair Film Festival
Beginning in 2012, Stephen Colbert began his ongoing collaboration with the Montclair Film Festival, co-founded by his wife, supporting it through hosting, interviews, and serving on the advisory board.
2012: Colbert Makes History on Maxim's Hot 100 List
Breaking boundaries in 2012, Stephen Colbert became the first man to be included on Maxim Magazine's Hot 100 list, coming in at number 69.
2012: Colbert Explores South Carolina Presidential Bid
Despite not being on the ballot, Colbert placed ahead of some candidates in a South Carolina primary poll. He explored a presidential bid, navigating legal hurdles related to his Super PAC, and encouraged votes for Herman Cain after Cain dropped out of the race.
2012: Colbert Makes Time's 100 Most Influential People (Again).
Stephen Colbert's continued influence earned him a second inclusion on Time's 100 Most Influential People list in 2012.
2012: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
Stephen Colbert's influence extended beyond the realm of comedy when he was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2012.
January 2013: Rolling Stone Ranks Colbert Among Funniest People
In January 2013, Rolling Stone magazine recognized Stephen Colbert's comedic talent by placing him at number 2 on their list of "The 50 Funniest People Now".
2013: Colbert Wins Emmy for Writing on "The Colbert Report"
Stephen Colbert's writing talents were once again recognized with an Emmy Award in 2013 for his work on "The Colbert Report".
April 10, 2014: Colbert Announced as David Letterman's Successor
CBS announced on April 10, 2014, that Colbert would take over "The Late Show" after David Letterman's retirement, marking a major career move.
December 2014: Paste Magazine Recognizes Colbert's Twitter Influence
Stephen Colbert's presence on social media was highlighted in December 2014 when Paste Magazine included his Twitter account on their list of "The 75 Best Twitter Accounts of 2014", ranking it at number 7.
December 18, 2014: End of "The Colbert Report"
After nine seasons, "The Colbert Report" concluded on December 18, 2014, marking the end of an era for Colbert's satirical persona.
2014: The Colbert Report Concludes.
In 2014, The Colbert Report, which had become one of Comedy Central's highest-rated series, came to an end.
2014: Hosting the Kennedy Center Honors
Stephen Colbert's hosting talents expanded to the Kennedy Center Honors, which he hosted for three consecutive years starting in 2014.
2014: Elements of Colbert's Life in "The Colbert Report"
Over its run, "The Colbert Report" incorporated aspects of Colbert's real life, including his interests in Catholicism, science fiction, and "The Lord of the Rings".
2014: Parasitic Wasp Named After Colbert
Further solidifying his place in the scientific world, a species of parasitic wasp from Ecuador, Aleiodes colberti, was named after Stephen Colbert in 2014.
2014: Colbert Wins Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album
Stephen Colbert received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2014 for his work on the audiobook "America Again: Re-becoming The Greatness We Never Weren't."
January 12, 2015: Premiere Date Set for Colbert's "Late Show"
CBS revealed on January 12, 2015, that Colbert would debut as host of "The Late Show" on September 8, 2015.
September 8, 2015: Colbert Debuts on "The Late Show"
Colbert's tenure as the host of "The Late Show" began on September 8, 2015, with George Clooney as his first guest. The show adopted a more politically engaged approach than Letterman's version.
September 2015: Stephen Colbert takes over the Late Show.
In September 2015, Stephen Colbert replaced David Letterman as host of the Late Show on CBS.
2015: Colbert Receives Outstanding Civilian Service Award
In 2015, Stephen Colbert received the Outstanding Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Army, the third-highest honor within the department's Civilian Awards system, in recognition of his contributions to the U.S. Army community.
2015: Colbert Delivers Wake Forest University Commencement Address
Stephen Colbert delivered the commencement address at Wake Forest University in 2015 and received an honorary degree.
2016: Rove Beetle Named After Colbert's On-Screen Persona
In 2016, even Colbert's comedic personality received scientific recognition when a rove beetle, Sonoma colberti, was named after his on-screen persona.
September 2017: Stephen Colbert Hosts the Emmys.
Stephen Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2017.
September 17, 2017: 69th Primetime Emmy Awards
On September 17, 2017, Stephen Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards, broadcast on CBS.
December 2017: Colbert Makes GQ's "Men of the Year" List Again
Stephen Colbert's influence and impact were once again recognized by GQ in December 2017 when he was chosen as one of their "Men of the Year."
2017: Hosting the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards
Stephen Colbert took the stage as the host of the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017.
2017: Public Statement on Bill Cosby
In 2017, in light of the sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby, Stephen Colbert publicly stated he could no longer enjoy Cosby's comedy.
2018: Publicly Discusses Past Struggles with Mental Health
In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Stephen Colbert opened up about his experiences with depression and anxiety during his college years and time at Second City.
2018: Colbert Named One of "The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media"
Stephen Colbert's influence in media was highlighted in 2018 when The Hollywood Reporter named him one of "The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media."
2020: Diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Stephen Colbert publicly shared his diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a balance disorder, in 2020.
2020: Colbert Earns Third Peabody Award
Stephen Colbert received his third Peabody Award in 2020, solidifying his impact on the world of television and commentary.
May 2021: Colbert Receives Honorary Doctorate from Yale University
Stephen Colbert received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Yale University in May 2021, recognizing his contributions to society.
April 2022: First Bout with COVID-19
Stephen Colbert tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2022, experiencing recurring symptoms that led to a pause in "The Late Show" production.
May 2023: Ban from Russia
In May 2023, Stephen Colbert was permanently banned from entering Russia, along with 500 other Americans, for his criticism of Russia's actions.
August 30, 2023: Strike Force Five Podcast Launch
On August 30, 2023, Stephen Colbert joined fellow talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and John Oliver to launch the "Strike Force Five" podcast in support of staff members out of work due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
October 2023: Second Bout with COVID-19
Stephen Colbert tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time in October 2023.
November 2023: Ruptured Appendix and Surgery
Stephen Colbert experienced a ruptured appendix while taping "The Late Show" in November 2023, leading to surgery and a hiatus from the show for recovery.
2024: Criticism of Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
In 2024, Stephen Colbert publicly criticized Israel's airstrikes in Gaza following an attack on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy, calling for a ceasefire and condemning the targeting of civilians.
2024: COLBERT Treadmill Expected to Last the Life of the ISS
The COLBERT treadmill is expected to remain in operation for the duration of the International Space Station's (ISS) lifespan, potentially until 2024 or even later, racking up an estimated 38,000 miles of running.
2028: COLBERT Treadmill Designed for Extended Use in Space
The COLBERT treadmill was built by NASA with a lifespan of 150,000 miles, indicating its potential use until 2028 or even beyond if needed.