His big break came at Chicago’s Second City, where he formed key creative partnerships that shaped his career. Colbert rose to national fame on The Daily Show, later launching The Colbert Report, and eventually taking over The Late Show from David Letterman in 2015. His sharp political commentary and classic late-night format helped him dominate ratings for years.

Despite his success, Colbert has faced health challenges, including a burst appendix and a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. He also endured the loss of his mother in 2013. Through grief and hardship, Colbert transformed tragedy into purpose — proving that even profound loss can shape extraordinary resilience.