Additional Coverage:
- Stephen Colbert reveals the moment he went into a ‘deep panic’ about his career choice (themirror.com)
Stephen Colbert Opens Up About Career Anxiety as The Late Show Nears Its End
Stephen Colbert, the veteran late-night host, recently reflected on a rare moment of “deep panic” during his long-standing comedy career. The 62-year-old has been a staple in the comedy world for over four decades and has helmed The Late Show on CBS since 2015, taking over from David Letterman. The iconic program originally launched in 1993 with Letterman as its first host.
This week marks the final episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, culminating with the series finale airing Thursday, May 25. CBS has announced a special lineup of guests and segments for the send-off, including a memorable moment where David Letterman joins Colbert to smash the CBS logo, and a humorous nod to former President Trump’s infamous handshake.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Colbert shared that his most significant bout of anxiety came shortly after marrying Evelyn McGee in 1993. The couple, who have three grown children-Madeleine, Peter, and John-prompted Colbert to question whether a career in comedy could provide the stability needed to support a family.
“I thought, ‘Oh, wait, I kind of want to have children and was this going to work out? I’ll never be able to afford a house or a family or a car.
Am I good enough to do this?’” Colbert recalled candidly.
At one point, Colbert was briefly medicated to manage his anxiety, describing it as a way to “put out the fire in my gearbox.” He credits his friend Stephen Conley with helping him through the tough period, offering simple but powerful reassurance: “Just lie down and give up if you feel like you have to give up, because we all love you. We’ll take care of you.”
Colbert’s journey into comedy began during his time at Northwestern University, where he shifted from dramatic theater to improv. After graduating, he worked at Second City’s box office, toured with the troupe, and served as an understudy for Steve Carell. He also contributed as a freelance writer on sketch shows including Exit 57 and Saturday Night Live.
In 1996, he joined the cast and writing team of The Dana Carvey Show before becoming a correspondent on The Daily Show in 1997. Alongside collaborators Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello, Colbert co-created the cult comedy series Strangers with Candy, which aired from 1999 to 2000 and later inspired a film adaptation.
Colbert remained with The Daily Show until 2005, when he launched The Colbert Report, a satirical spin-off where he portrayed a fictional conservative pundit. The show ran for nine successful seasons, ending in 2014. The following year, he stepped into the role of The Late Show’s host, succeeding Letterman.
In July 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show, citing financial challenges. The decision came shortly after Colbert publicly criticized Paramount, CBS’s parent company, regarding a $16 million settlement related to a lawsuit filed by former President Trump against CBS’s 60 Minutes.
Trump claimed the network deceptively edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. At the time, Paramount was seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission for a merger with Skydance, a process requiring sign-off from the Trump administration.
As The Late Show concludes its run, Stephen Colbert’s career stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the ability to navigate the pressures of fame and family with humor and honesty.