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, and television host. He gained prominence as the host of the satirical news program *The Colbert Report* on Comedy Central (2005-2014), where he portrayed a conservative pundit. Since 2015, he has hosted *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* on CBS, a more traditional late-night talk show. Colbert's work is characterized by his sharp wit, political satire, and engaging interview style, often incorporating elements of improvisation and character work.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Emmy Awards for The Daily Show

In 2000, Stephen Colbert and the other Daily Show writers received three Emmy Awards as writers for The Daily Show.

2004: Coverage of the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election

In 2004, Stephen Colbert filed reports from the floor of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions as a part of The Daily Show's award-winning coverage of the 2004 U.S. presidential elections. Many of these reports were later included in 'The Daily Show: Indecision 2004' DVD release.

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2005: Emmy Awards for The Daily Show and Satellite Award Nomination

In 2005, Stephen Colbert and the other Daily Show writers received Emmy Awards as writers for The Daily Show, and he was also nominated for a Satellite Award for his performance on The Colbert Report.

2005: Won an Emmy as a Writer

In 2005, Stephen Colbert won an Emmy as a writer for The Daily Show.

May 2006: Listed as Influential Person in Media

In May 2006, New York magazine listed Stephen Colbert (and Jon Stewart) as one of its top dozen influential persons in media.

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.

September 2006: 2nd Sexiest TV News Anchor

In September 2006, Stephen Colbert was named the 2nd Sexiest TV News Anchor by Maxim.

November 2006: Named a "Sexy Surprise"

In November 2006, Stephen Colbert was named a "sexy surprise" by People in the Sexiest Man Alive honors.

December 2006: 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, Colbert was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.

2006: Won an Emmy as a Writer

In 2006, Stephen Colbert won an Emmy as a writer for The Daily Show.

2006: Colbert's White House Correspondents' Dinner Performance

In 2006, Stephen Colbert's performance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner became a political and cultural touchstone, although it initially received a chilly reception from the audience. Ratings for 'The Colbert Report' rose by 37% following the speech.

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March 3, 2007: Person of the Year by U.S. Comedy Arts Festival

On March 3, 2007, Stephen Colbert was named Person of the Year by the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado.

March 20, 2007: Stephen Colbert Day Declared

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.

March 24, 2007: 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, Stephen 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 by Virgin America

In August 2007, Virgin America named an airplane, "Air Colbert", in Stephen Colbert's honor.

December 20, 2007: Celebrity of the Year

On December 20, 2007, Stephen Colbert was named Celebrity of the Year by The Associated Press.

2007: Emmy Nomination Loss

In 2007, Stephen Colbert lost in the Best Performance in a Variety, Musical Program or Special category to Tony Bennett at the Emmy Awards.

2007: Peabody Award

In 2007, Stephen Colbert received a Peabody Award.

2007: I Am America Bestseller

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.

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April 2, 2008: Peabody Award for The Colbert Report

On April 2, 2008, Stephen Colbert received a Peabody Award for The Colbert Report.

2008: Emmy Nomination Loss

In 2008, Stephen Colbert lost in the Best Performance in a Variety, Musical Program or Special category to Don Rickles at the Emmy Awards.

January 2010: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album

In January 2010, Stephen Colbert received the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his album A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!.

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2011: Peabody Award

In 2011, Stephen Colbert received a Peabody Award.

2011: Vanity Fair's "New Establishment List"

In 2011, Stephen Colbert was placed at number 28 in Vanity Fair's "New Establishment List".

2011: Northwestern University Commencement Speaker

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

2012: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2012, Colbert was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.

2012: Listed on Maxim Magazine'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: Named One of the 100 Most Influential People by Time

In 2012, Stephen Colbert was named as one of the 100 most influential people by Time.

January 2013: Named One of the Funniest People

In January 2013, Rolling Stone named Stephen Colbert number 2 in their "The 50 Funniest People Now" list.

December 2014: Twitter Account Ranked

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 contributions to the U.S. Army community.