Stephen Colbert
Biography of Stephen Colbert
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Stephen Tyrone Colbert
Common Aliases: Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report's Stephen Colbert
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: May 13, 1964
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Comedian, Television Host, Writer, Producer, Actor
Early Life and Background
Stephen Tyrone Colbert was born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C., and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the youngest of eleven children in a devoutly Catholic family. His father, James William Colbert Jr., was a prominent immunologist and academic administrator, while his mother, Lorna Elizabeth Colbert, was a homemaker. Tragedy struck the Colbert family in 1974 when Stephen's father and two of his brothers died in a plane crash, an event that profoundly affected him and shaped his perspective on life.
Colbert attended Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, where he developed an early interest in acting and theater. He later enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia before transferring to Northwestern University in Illinois, where he graduated with a degree in theater. It was at Northwestern that Colbert honed his skills in improvisational comedy, a talent that would become a cornerstone of his career.
Major Accomplishments
Stephen Colbert's career took off when he joined the cast of "The Second City," a renowned improvisational comedy troupe in Chicago. This experience led to his involvement with "The Dana Carvey Show" and "Strangers with Candy," a cult-favorite television series that he co-created, wrote, and starred in. However, it was his work on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" that catapulted him to national fame. As a correspondent, Colbert's satirical take on news and politics resonated with audiences, earning him critical acclaim and several awards.
In 2005, Colbert launched "The Colbert Report," a spin-off of "The Daily Show," where he portrayed a fictionalized version of a conservative pundit. The show was a massive success, earning multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Colbert's unique blend of satire, wit, and political commentary made "The Colbert Report" a cultural phenomenon and solidified his status as a leading figure in American comedy.
Notable Works or Actions
Beyond "The Colbert Report," Stephen Colbert has made significant contributions to television and entertainment. In 2015, he succeeded David Letterman as the host of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS. Under his stewardship, the show has continued to thrive, blending traditional late-night comedy with Colbert's signature political satire.
Colbert has also ventured into writing, co-authoring several books, including "I Am America (And So Can You!)" and "America Again: Re-becoming The Greatness We Never Weren't," both of which became New York Times bestsellers. His work extends to voice acting, with roles in animated films such as "Monsters vs. Aliens" and "The Simpsons."
Impact and Legacy
Stephen Colbert's impact on comedy and political discourse is profound. Through his work, he has redefined the role of satire in media, using humor to engage audiences in critical discussions about politics and society. His ability to blend entertainment with insightful commentary has influenced a generation of comedians and writers.
Colbert's legacy is also marked by his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, including fundraising for educational causes and supporting veterans' organizations. His commitment to social issues and his ability to use his platform for positive change have further cemented his place in the cultural landscape.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stephen Colbert is widely quoted and remembered for his sharp wit, incisive satire, and ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible and humorous manner. His quotes often reflect his keen understanding of political and social dynamics, making them relevant and thought-provoking. Colbert's influence extends beyond comedy; he has become a trusted voice in American media, known for his integrity and commitment to truth.
His memorable quotes, such as "Truthiness" and "I don't see race. People tell me I'm white, and I believe them because I own a lot of Jimmy Buffett albums," capture his unique approach to comedy and commentary. These quotes, along with his body of work, ensure that Stephen Colbert remains a significant figure in both entertainment and public discourse.
Quotes by Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert's insights on:
I'm not a fan of the government doing anything. But I've got to ask: Why isn't the government doing anything? Maybe this Ag jobs bill will help. I don't know. Like most members of Congress, I haven't read it.
When I first started paying $4 a gallon a gas, I didn't mind; I thought I was just getting better gas.
Thankfully dreams can change. If we'd all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses. So whatever your dream is right now, if you don't achieve it, you haven't failed, and you're not some loser. But just as importantly—and this is the part I may not get right and you may not listen to—if you do get your dream, you are not a winner.
Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don't learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us.
Vodka eyeballing sounds great, but it's a slippery slope. Next, you'll be scotch nostriling, tequila nippling and, before you know it, Jager tainting.
I would say laughter is the best medicine. But it's more than that. It's an entire regime of antibiotics and steroids. Laughter brings the swelling down on our national psyche and then applies an antibiotic cream. You gotta keep it away from your eyes.
You seem cynical because you’re always talking about that selfish behavior that’s dressed up as altruism. It doesn’t mean there isn’t altruism. It just means that it’s harder to make jokes about altruism.