Stephen Colbert's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Stephen Colbert. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, singer, and television host. He gained prominence hosting 'The Colbert Report' (2005-2014), a satirical news program on Comedy Central. Since 2015, he has hosted 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on CBS, showcasing his comedic and interviewing skills.
2000: Colbert Receives Emmy Awards
In 2000, Stephen Colbert and the other Daily Show writers were the recipients of three Emmy Awards as writers for The Daily Show.
2005: Colbert Nominated for Satellite Award and Emmy
In 2005, Stephen Colbert was nominated for a Satellite Award for his performance on The Colbert Report and again in 2006, also receiving an Emmy for The Daily Show.
2005: Emmy Award
In 2005, Stephen Colbert won an Emmy as a writer for The Daily Show.
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.
October 30, 2006: Manilow and Colbert Sign Custody Agreement
On October 30, 2006, Barry Manilow and Stephen Colbert jokingly signed and notarized a revolving biannual custody agreement for an Emmy on The Colbert Report.
November 2006: Colbert Named a "Sexy Surprise" by People
In November 2006, Stephen Colbert was named a "sexy surprise" by People in the Sexiest Man Alive honors.
December 2006: Colbert Named One of GQ's "Men of the Year"
In the December 2006 issue of GQ, Stephen Colbert was named one of GQ's "Men of the Year".
2006: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2006, Stephen Colbert was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.
2006: Emmy Award
In 2006, Stephen Colbert won an Emmy as a writer for The Daily Show.
2006: Colbert's White House Correspondents' Dinner Performance Gains Attention
In 2006, following Stephen Colbert's performance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, the video became an internet and media sensation. Ratings for The Colbert Report increased by 37%, and the performance was later called a "cultural primary" and "defining moment" of the 2006 midterm elections.
March 3, 2007: Colbert Named Person of the Year
On March 3, 2007, Stephen Colbert was named Person of the Year by the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
March 24, 2007: Colbert Receives Speaker of the Year Award
On March 24, 2007, Stephen Colbert was given the Speaker of the Year Award by The Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA).
June 13, 2007: Gutsiest Move Award
On June 13, 2007, Colbert was honored for the Gutsiest Move on the Spike TV Guys' Choice Awards, for his performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
August 2007: "Air Colbert" Named
In August 2007, Virgin America named an airplane "Air Colbert" in his honor.
December 20, 2007: Celebrity of the Year
On December 20, 2007, Colbert was named Celebrity of the Year by The Associated Press.
2007: Colbert Loses Emmy to Tony Bennett
In 2007, Stephen Colbert lost the Emmy for Best Performance in a Variety, Musical Program or Special to Tony Bennett.
2007: Colbert Receives Peabody Award
In 2007, Stephen Colbert received one of three Peabody Awards.
2007: Best Selling Book
In 2007, Stephen Colbert's book "I Am America (And So Can You!)" was listed No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
April 2, 2008: Peabody Award
On April 2, 2008, Colbert received a Peabody Award for The Colbert Report.
June 2, 2008: Princeton University Class Day Address
On June 2, 2008, Colbert delivered the Class Day address to the graduating class of Princeton University and accepted the Class of 2008 Understandable Vanity Award.
2008: Colbert Loses Emmy to Don Rickles
In 2008, Stephen Colbert lost the Emmy for Best Performance in a Variety, Musical Program or Special to Don Rickles.
January 2010: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
In January 2010, Colbert received the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his album A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!.
2011: Northwestern University Commencement Speaker
In 2011, Colbert was the commencement speaker for Northwestern University and received an honorary degree.
2011: Colbert Receives Peabody Award
In 2011, Stephen Colbert received one of three Peabody Awards.
2011: Vanity Fair's New Establishment List
In 2011, Stephen Colbert was placed at number 28 in Vanity Fair's "New Establishment List".
2012: Colbert Listed on Maxim's Hot 100
In 2012, Stephen Colbert was listed as No. 69 on Maxim Magazine's Hot 100, becoming the first man to be included on the list.
2012: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2012, Stephen Colbert was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.
January 2013: Rolling Stone's Funniest People List
In January 2013, Rolling Stone named Stephen Colbert number 2 in their "The 50 Funniest People Now" list.
December 2014: Best Twitter Accounts of 2014
In December 2014, Paste named Stephen Colbert's Twitter one of "The 75 Best Twitter Accounts of 2014" ranking it at number 7.
2015: Wake Forest University Commencement Speaker
In 2015, Stephen Colbert received an honorary degree from Wake Forest University as the commencement speaker.
2015: Outstanding Civilian Service Award
In 2015, Stephen Colbert was awarded the third highest honor within the Department of the Army Civilian Awards, the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, for substantial contributions to the U.S. Army community.
September 17, 2017: Colbert Hosts the Primetime Emmy Awards
On September 17, 2017, Stephen Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards, which was broadcast on CBS. This marked a significant hosting engagement for Colbert during his tenure as host of The Late Show.
December 2017: Most Powerful People in New York Media
In December 2017, Colbert was named one of "The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media" by The Hollywood Reporter.
2018: Vanity Fair's New Establishment List
In 2018, Colbert was placed at number 32 in Vanity Fair's "2018 New Establishment List".
2020: Colbert Receives Peabody Award
In 2020, Stephen Colbert received one of three Peabody Awards.
May 2021: Honorary Degree from Yale University
In May 2021, Colbert received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Yale University.
