A turning point came when he joined Second City’s touring company as an understudy for Steve Carell. It was here he formed lasting collaborations with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello, friendships that would influence his future projects.
Breaking Into Late-Night
Colbert’s early TV work included The Daily Show, followed by his own satirical spin-off, The Colbert Report. But his ultimate milestone came in 2015 when he succeeded David Letterman as host of The Late Show on CBS. Free from his satirical persona, Colbert blended sharp political commentary with interviews, music, and pop culture insights — a formula that quickly propelled him to the top of late-night ratings.
During his tenure, Colbert became not only a household name but also a wealthy entertainer, with a net worth of around $75 million. Off-screen, he has enjoyed a full family life with his wife, Evelyn “Evie” McGee-Colbert, and their three children, living in Montclair, New Jersey.
Battling Personal Challenges
Colbert’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. He once suffered a burst appendix while filming multiple episodes, endured strong painkillers, and even experienced vivid hallucinations during recovery. He also manages benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition causing dizziness that requires ongoing exercises.
Loss has also touched him deeply. In 2013, he mourned his mother, Lorna Elizabeth Colbert, reflecting on her resilience and the way she instilled gratitude in her family. Colbert has openly spoken about grief, noting that it is “its own thing” that must be acknowledged rather than ignored.
Looking Ahead
With The Late Show set to conclude in May 2026 after a 33-year run, Colbert’s influence isn’t ending. In 2023, he became executive producer of After Midnight, a new late-night series hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, continuing his legacy of mentoring new comedic voices.
From unimaginable childhood loss to the bright lights of late-night TV, Stephen Colbert’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and resilience — a reminder that even the deepest tragedies can give rise to extraordinary achievements.
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