Stephen Colbert Biography 2026: Age, Height, Wife, The Late Show, Net Worth & Facts

Stephen Colbert is one of the most recognizable and influential American comedians, television hosts and writers of his generation. Best known as the host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS since 2015, he previously created and hosted the groundbreaking satirical news program The Colbert Report on Comedy Central from 2005 to 2014. His blend of sharp political satire, improvisational comedy and genuine intellectual curiosity has earned him multiple Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award and a spot in the Television Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Related Names: Jon Stewart, Jon Batiste, John Oliver, Bill O’Reilly (satire target), Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman.

Early Life & Education

Stephen Tyrone Colbert was born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, as the youngest of eleven children. His father, James William Colbert Jr., was a medical doctor and academic; his mother was Lorna Elizabeth Colbert. The family faced tragedy when Stephen’s father and two older brothers died in a plane crash when Stephen was ten years old. That loss profoundly shaped his worldview and later comedic voice.

Colbert attended Hampden–Sydney College in Virginia before transferring to Northwestern University’s School of Communication, where he studied theatre. At Northwestern he developed a passion for improvisational comedy, performing with The Second City in Chicago shortly after graduating.

Career Journey

Early Career: Second City & Strangers with Candy

After Northwestern, Colbert moved to Chicago and joined The Second City, the legendary improvisational comedy troupe. There he met future collaborators including Steve Carell, with whom he would work on several projects. His sharp writing and quick wit led him to co-create and co-star in the cult Comedy Central series Strangers with Candy (1999–2000), a dark parody of after-school specials.

The Daily Show (1997–2005)

In 1997, Colbert joined the writing staff of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and quickly became a beloved on-air correspondent. His deadpan delivery and absurd character work — most notably the self-important conservative pundit he would later develop into a full persona — made him a standout.

The Colbert Report (2005–2014)

In 2005, Comedy Central launched The Colbert Report, a satirical talk show in which Colbert played a fictional conservative pundit — also named Stephen Colbert — who parodied right-wing media hosts like Bill O’Reilly. The show became a cultural phenomenon, earning multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. It ran for nine years and 1,447 episodes.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015–Present)

In September 2015, Colbert succeeded David Letterman as the host of CBS’s The Late Show. Unlike his satirical persona, he hosts as himself, blending political commentary, sharp monologues, musical performances and in-depth celebrity interviews. The show has won multiple Emmys and remains a major voice in American late-night television in 2026.

Other Work

Colbert has authored best-selling books including I Am America (And So Can You!) and its companion audiobook. He narrated the audiobook version of Lord of the Flies, voiced characters in animated films, and produced and appeared in documentaries. He also co-founded the production company Spartina Productions.

Personal Life

Colbert married Evelyn “Evie” McGee in 1993. They have three children: Madeleine, Peter and John. The family lives in New Jersey. Colbert is a devout Roman Catholic and has spoken openly about how his faith has guided him through grief, especially after the death of his father and brothers.

Dating History and Affairs

Colbert has been married to Evelyn McGee-Colbert since 1993. There are no public reports of other significant relationships or affairs.

Controversies

Colbert’s political satire has generated frequent controversy. His 2017 #FireColbert campaign followed a joke about President Donald Trump; CBS investigated and cleared him. Some conservative commentators have accused him of liberal bias, while progressive critics have occasionally argued he does not go far enough. In 2026, he continues to face both praise and criticism for his sharp monologues on current events.

Awards & Achievements

• Emmy Awards — Multiple wins for The Colbert Report and The Late Show
• Peabody Award — The Colbert Report
• Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
• Grammy Award — A Christmas Carol audiobook
• Best-selling books: I Am America (And So Can You!) and America Again
• Television Hall of Fame (inducted)

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg)
• Hair Color: Dark brown with grey
• Eye Color: Brown
• Distinguishing Features: Sharp features, expressive facial expressions, quick wit

Quotes

“Truthiness is what you want the facts to be, rather than what they actually are.”

“I’m an American. I want the best for this country. I also think that sometimes the best way to love something is to make fun of it.”

Sources: The Colbert Report, The Late Show monologues, CBS interviews.

Favorites

• Favorite Activity: Reading, playing video games, playing the guitar
• Favorite Writer: J.R.R. Tolkien
• Favorite Music: Lord of the Flies soundtrack, classic rock, classical music
• Favorite Sport: Basketball, running
• Favorite Hobby: Collecting fantasy literature, gaming

Earnings

Stephen Colbert’s estimated net worth is approximately $100 million USD (reported by multiple sources, including Celebrity Net Worth and Forbes estimates). His income sources include:

• CBS Salary: Estimated $20+ million annually for The Late Show
• Production Company: Spartina Productions
• Books & Audiobooks: I Am America, America Again, Lord of the Flies narration
• Television Syndication & Streaming: Past shows, specials
• Live Performances & Speaking Engagements

Interesting Facts

• He has an identical twin named Peter Colbert.
• He was the youngest of 11 children.
• He is a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and has mentioned The Lord of the Rings many times on his show.
• He played the character “Chuck Noblet” in Strangers with Candy.
• He met his wife, Evelyn McGee, when they were both students at Northwestern University.
• He is a practicing Roman Catholic and has spoken about his faith on the air.
• He is deaf in his right ear from a childhood surgery.

Did You Know Already?

• Colbert’s satirical persona on The Colbert Report was a parody of conservative pundits, not his real self.
• He has interviewed U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
• He voiced a character in the animated film Mr. Peabody & Sherman.
• His Late Show bandleader is Jon Batiste, a Grammy-winning musician.
• He narrated the audiobook version of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @stephenathome
• Twitter / X: @StephenAtHome
• Official Site: colbertlateshow.com
• IMDb: Stephen Colbert

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Stephen Colbert has built one of the most distinctive careers in American television. From improvisational comedy in Chicago to the satirical heights of The Colbert Report and the nightly stage of The Late Show, he continues to shape American comedy and commentary in 2026. If you found this biography helpful, please share it with fans of late-night television and political satire!