How much is Stephen Colbert's Net Worth?
Stephen Colbert’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be approximately $75 million. As one of America’s most respected comedians and television hosts, Colbert has built his wealth primarily through a successful career in late-night television, as well as ventures in writing, production, and publishing.
Name |
Stephen Colbert |
Estimated Net Worth |
$75 million |
Profession |
American comedian and writer |
Date of Birth |
13 May 1964 |
Who is Stephen Colbert?
Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host, born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C. He gained national prominence as a correspondent on The Daily Show, and later became widely known for hosting The Colbert Report (2005–2014), where he portrayed a satirical conservative pundit.
Since 2015, Colbert has hosted The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, further cementing his status as one of America's most influential comedic voices. Colbert began his career after studying theatre at Northwestern University, joining the famed Second City improv troupe in Chicago, where he met longtime collaborators Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. Early in his TV career, he helped create the sketch comedy show Exit 57 and the cult sitcom Strangers with Candy.
Real Name | Stephen Tyrone Colbert |
---|---|
Date of Birth | May 13, 1964 |
Age | 60 years old (as of 2025) |
Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 73–82 kg |
Birth Place | Washington, D.C., USA |
Gender | Male |
Profession | American comedian and writer |
Nationality | American |
Education | Graduate of Northwestern University |
Parents | James William Colbert Sr., Lorna Colbert |
@stephenathome |
How did Stephen Colbert become famous?
Comedy Roots and Improv
After studying theater at Northwestern University, Colbert began his career in Chicago's legendary Second City improv troupe, where he met future collaborators Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello.
Early Television Projects
Working with Sedaris and Dinello, Colbert co-created and starred in innovative comedy shows like Exit 57 (1995–96) and Strangers with Candy (1999–2000), gaining cult followings on Comedy Central.
Breakout as a Correspondent on The Daily Show
In 1997, Colbert joined The Daily Show as a correspondent. His deadpan, satirical reporting and recurring segments made him a fan favorite, establishing his reputation for sharp, character-driven satire.
Creation of The Colbert Report
In 2005, Colbert launched The Colbert Report, a satirical news show where he portrayed a caricatured conservative pundit. The show’s innovative format and Colbert’s distinctive persona became a cultural phenomenon, earning him critical acclaim, high ratings, and multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards.
National Recognition
The success of The Colbert Report propelled Colbert into mainstream celebrity. Memorable moments, like his performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, further cemented his influence in American comedy and political discourse.
Late-Night Stardom
In 2015, Colbert became the host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, solidifying his place among the top figures in late-night television.
How old is Stephen Colbert?
Stephen Colbert was born on May 13, 1964. As of July 2025, he is 61 years old. Colbert’s distinguished career in comedy, television, and writing has spanned several decades, and at 61, he remains a prominent and influential figure in American entertainment.
How tall is Stephen Colbert?
Stephen Colbert stands 5 feet 11 inches tall (approximately 1.80 meters). He has addressed his height publicly, often humorously clarifying it when sources listed him slightly shorter. Most reliable biographies, interviews, and official records confirm this measurement.
Physical Attributes | Measurements |
Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 73–82 kg |
Stephen Colbert Nationality
Stephen Colbert is American. He was born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C., United States. Colbert holds American citizenship and is widely recognized as one of the most influential comedians and television hosts in the country. He became a household name as the host of The Colbert Report (2005–2014), where his satirical persona offered sharp, incisive political commentary.
Since 2015, Colbert has hosted The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, solidifying his status as one of the most respected and influential personalities in American entertainment. His contributions have earned him multiple Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody Awards, and he continues to shape the cultural conversation through his humor, intellect, and engaging presence on late-night television.
Stephen Colbert Early Life
Childhood and Family Tragedy
- Colbert spent his early years in Maryland before the family relocated to James Island, a suburb of Charleston, South Carolina, when his father accepted a position at the Medical University of South Carolina.
- Tragedy struck in 1974 when Stephen was just 10 years old: his father and two closest brothers, Paul and Peter, died in a plane crash (Eastern Air Lines Flight 212). This devastating event deeply affected young Stephen and his mother, leading him to become more introverted and finding solace in reading, especially science fiction and fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien.
- The loss shaped his worldview and philosophy on grief, with Colbert later sharing that learning to accept suffering became an important part of his approach to life and humor.
Growing Up and Education
- Colbert grew up in a house that valued intellect, curiosity, and faith. His parents encouraged questioning and intellectual exploration, even within their religious beliefs.
- He attended Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, where he participated in school plays and contributed to the school newspaper, but he was not especially motivated academically during these years.
- Initially aspiring to become a marine biologist, Colbert’s plans changed after a surgery left him deaf in his right ear, making a marine career impossible.
Stephen Colbert Career
Early Career:
- Studied acting at Northwestern University.
- Worked at Second City and appeared in shows like "Exit 57" (1994).
- Joined "The Daily Show" as a correspondent in 1996.
The Colbert Report (2005-2014):
- Hosted "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central.
- Satirical right-wing pundit persona.
- Emmy Awards and Peabody Award for outstanding political satire.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015-present):
- Succeeded David Letterman on CBS in 2015.
- Political and social satire with interviews and monologues.
- Multiple Emmy Awards and critical acclaim.
Film and Other Projects:
- Acted in films like "Strangers with Candy" (2005) and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" (2013).
- Published the bestselling book "I Am America (And So Can You!)".
Legacy:
- Considered a major figure in American comedy and late-night television.
- Active in charitable causes and advocacy for social change.
Stephen Colbert Achievement and Awards
Emmy Awards
- 9 Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on The Colbert Report and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Golden Globe Award
- Won 1 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a TV Series Musical or Comedy for his role on The Colbert Report in 2005.
Peabody Award
- Received the Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting for The Colbert Report in 2008.
Grammy Award
Won 1 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2010 for A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
Writer's Guild of America Award
- Won Writer's Guild of America Award for Outstanding Comedy/Variety Special in 2012.
Television Critics Association Award
- Won Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy in 2006.
Time 100
- Named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2006.
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
- Awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2017 for his contributions to American humor and culture.
Critics' Choice Television Awards
- Won Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Talk Show for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Television Hall of Fame Inductee
- Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2018.
Webby Awards
- Received multiple Webby Awards for his digital content and online presence, especially through his comedic contributions on social media.
Humanitarian and Political Contributions
- Awarded honorary degrees for his cultural impact and advocacy, including from William & Mary and Dartmouth College.
Stephen Colbert – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Stephen Colbert’s net worth in 2025?
Stephen Colbert’s net worth is estimated at approximately $75 million as of 2025, reflecting his successful career in television, comedy, writing, and production.
2. How did Stephen Colbert become famous?
Stephen Colbert gained fame as a correspondent on The Daily Show, then achieved national recognition hosting The Colbert Report, where his unique satirical take on political commentary made him a household name. His subsequent role as the host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert further cemented his status in American entertainment.
3. How old is Stephen Colbert?
Stephen Colbert was born on May 13, 1964, making him 61 years old as of 2025.
4. What are Stephen Colbert’s main achievements?
Colbert has won numerous Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody Awards for his work in television and comedy. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential satirists and has hosted several acclaimed TV shows, including The Colbert Report and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
5. Where is Stephen Colbert from, and what is his background?
Stephen Colbert is American, born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He is of Irish descent, the youngest of eleven children, and his early life was shaped by both family tragedy and a strong intellectual upbringing, which have influenced his perspective and comedic style.
Image Credit: Stephen Colbert/Instagram