Meet the Colbert Clan: Inside Stephen Colbert’s Big Family Life
Meet the Colbert Clan: Inside Stephen Colbert’s Big Family Life
From his 10 siblings to his 30-year marriage with Evelyn, get an inside look at the family that shaped late-night legend Stephen Colbert.
Stephen Colbert is known for his sharp wit and late-night satire, but behind the scenes, the comedian leads a life deeply rooted in family. For those who only see him behind the desk on "The Late Show," his personal story is one of enduring love and a massive family tree that started in South Carolina.
At the heart of his world is his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert. The couple has been married for over 30 years, a true rarity in the world of show business. Their meeting was like something out of a movie—they actually grew up in the same town and met at a Spoleto Festival event. Since then, Evelyn has been a constant presence by his side, often mentioned fondly in his monologues.
Together, Stephen and Evelyn share three children: Madeleine, Peter, and John. While they mostly stay out of the Hollywood spotlight, Stephen has occasionally shared funny anecdotes about raising them. Madeleine, the eldest, has pursued a career in journalism and writing, while Peter and John have also explored their own creative paths. The Colbert kids grew up in a household where humor was likely a daily requirement.
Stephen’s own upbringing was even more crowded. He was the youngest of 11 children, growing up with seven brothers and three sisters in Charleston, South Carolina. Being the "baby" of such a large Irish-Catholic family undoubtedly helped hone the comedic timing and performance skills that he uses today. From his childhood in the South to his life as a father of three in the Northeast, family remains the most important part of Stephen Colbert’s story.