What Is Stephen Colbert's Net Worth and Salary?
Stephen Colbert, an accomplished American comedian, writer, actor, author, and talk show host, boasts a net worth of $75 million. Colbert gained widespread fame as the host of "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central from 2005 to 2014 and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS since 2015. His earlier roles include being a correspondent on "The Daily Show" and co-creating and starring in the series "Strangers with Candy" on Comedy Central.
Salary and Contract
In the initial seasons of "The Late Show," Colbert's yearly salary was $6 million. However, an October 2019 contract extension with CBS boosted his annual earnings to $15 million. In mid-2023, Colbert further solidified his position with a three-year contract extension.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Stephen Tyrone Colbert on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C., he is the youngest of 11 siblings. His early years were spent in Bethesda, Maryland, before moving to James Island, South Carolina. Tragedy struck when his father and two brothers died in a plane crash in 1974, leading his mother to relocate the family to downtown Charleston.
Colbert attended the Episcopal Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, where he participated in numerous school plays. Initially aspiring to be a marine biologist, Colbert's plans changed due to inner ear damage from surgery that left him deaf in his right ear. He then studied philosophy at Hampden-Sydney College before transferring to Northwestern University to major in theater, graduating in 1986.
At Northwestern, Colbert's passion for improvisation blossomed. He performed with the No Fun Mud Piranhas team and at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago. Post-graduation, he joined Second City, a renowned improvisational theater, where he met collaborators Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello.
Together, they moved to New York to create "Exit 57" for HBO Downtown Productions. Although short-lived, this opportunity led Colbert to work on several other shows, including "The Dana Carvey Show," "Saturday Night Live," and "Good Morning America."
Television Career
Colbert's television breakthrough came with "The Daily Show." Initially hired on a trial basis in 1997, he quickly became a staple, particularly for his character as a slightly foolish correspondent. His work on "The Daily Show" earned him three Emmy Awards between 2004 and 2006.
In October 2005, Colbert launched "The Colbert Report," a satirical spin-off in which he portrayed a conservative pundit, expanding on his "Daily Show" character. "The Colbert Report" was co-created with Jon Stewart and Ben Karlin and won both an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award.
In April 2014, CBS announced Colbert as the successor to David Letterman for "The Late Show." He debuted as host on September 8, 2015, with George Clooney as his first guest. Under Colbert's leadership, "The Late Show" has taken on a more politically charged focus.
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Other Projects
Beyond television, Colbert has participated in various projects. He notably performed at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, where his satirical portrayal of a conservative commentator sparked widespread attention and increased the viewership of "The Colbert Report" by 37%.
Colbert co-authored the satirical novel "Wigfield: The Can-Do Town That Just May Not" with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. He has also made guest appearances in shows such as "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and lent his voice to animated characters in "The Venture Bros.," "Crank Yankers," and "The Simpsons." His holiday special, "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" aired on Comedy Central in 2008.
Personal Life
Colbert has been married to Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert since 1993. They have three children: Madeleine, Peter, and John. The family resides in Montclair, New Jersey. Stephen is a practicing Roman Catholic and identifies as a Democrat. Additionally, he is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church Monastery.
