Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert is a household name in the world of late-night television. The former host of “The Colbert Report” and current host of CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has been making audiences laugh for over two decades. But how did this comedian, writer, and actor become the legend he is today?

Colbert was born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C. His love for comedy started at an early age when he would listen to comedy albums with his mother. He attended Northwestern University where he studied theater and went on to join the Second City Improv group in Chicago, which also launched the careers of comedy legends like John Belushi and Tina Fey.

In 1995, Colbert joined the cast of “The Dana Carvey Show” as a writer and performer alongside other comedy greats such as Steve Carell and Louis CK. Despite the show’s short-lived run, it was the jumping-off point for Colbert’s career.

He then went on to work as a correspondent for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” from 1997 to 2005, where he gained a following for his unique brand of humor and biting political satire. It was during this time that Colbert developed the persona that would become his signature character.

“The Colbert Report” debuted on Comedy Central in 2005 and quickly gained a cult following. The show was a mock news program in which Colbert played a conservative news anchor, often taking on controversial issues and politicians with his satirical wit. It was a huge success, earning Colbert nine Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

After nine years of hosting “The Colbert Report,” Colbert took over David Letterman’s spot as host of “The Late Show” on CBS in 2015. This move marked a change in tone for Colbert’s comedy, as his new show was less politically focused and more geared towards interviews and pop culture.

Despite the change, Colbert has maintained his place as one of the top late-night hosts in the industry. His ratings have continued to increase, and his interviews with guests such as Michelle Obama, Bill Gates, and James Franco have gone viral, reaching millions of viewers.

Aside from his work on television, Colbert is also a prolific author, having released several books, including “I Am America (And So Can You!)” and “America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t.”

As a devout Catholic, he has also established the “Colbert Nation” fund to support education initiatives in schools in South Carolina, where he spent part of his childhood.

In 2017, Colbert made headlines again when he hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards. His opening monologue was a highlight of the evening, highlighting the power of television in today’s political climate.

“Television has the power to change the world,” he said. “What we need now more than ever is to come together and try to think of how to create a more perfect union.”

Colbert’s impact on the world of comedy cannot be understated. He has pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable in mainstream entertainment, and his comedic voice has become an instrumental part of the national conversation on politics and culture.

As he continues to host “The Late Show” and make audiences laugh, one can only wonder what other comedy gold Stephen Colbert has up his sleeve. One thing is for sure – we’re all here for the ride.