Emily Zemler
View all posts by Emily Zemler May 22, 2026
Stephen Colbert on 'The Late Show' Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images The Late Show took its final bow on CBS last night, bringing Stephen Colbert‘s 11 years as host to an emotional end. Many of Colbert’s contemporaries, former guests, staff, and admirers paid tribute to the beloved host as the show concluded.
“America needs to give a standing ovation for this man tonight,” White wrote on Instagram. “God Bless Stephen, it is absolutely ridiculous that we live in a country where a President’s ego can vindictively censor network television…..and nobody stops him. Carry on down your new paths with your head held high sir. You’ve told the truth and given us so much to laugh at, and we’re expecting even more in the future. Thank you.”
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Barack Obama remembered his 10-year relationship with Colbert, writing, For more than a decade, Stephen @Colbert has been one of the top voices of late night — making us laugh and, even more importantly, reminding us who we are and what America stands for. Michelle and I enjoyed being Stephen’s guests — even when the games were rigged — and we’re grateful to call him a friend.”
Conan O’Brien wrote on the Team Coco Instagram page, “Here’s to Stephen Colbert, a man of great integrity and wit. Onward, friend, to bigger and better things.”
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Lin-Manuel Miranda called Colbert “the kindest hero.” “We’re all here to follow you to your next act, just like we followed you here from The Colbert Report and The Daily Show and Strangers w Candy,” he wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for the laughs and the kindness and the Peach Bourbon hot sauce. (And Fuck Paramount/ CBS/ Globochem/ whateverelse for real for this one).”
Helen Hunt wrote, “Your talent, truth-telling and Faith have meant and keeps meaning so much to me. We’ll follow you whenever you go and can’t wait to see what you do next. With so much Gratitude…”
Seth Meyers has already shared memories about Colbert and his thoughts about The Late Show‘s demise, but added on Instagram, “For as great as he is on screen, Stephen is an even better person when the cameras stop rolling. A truly generous, kind and thoughtful man who elevates those around him. Can’t wait for his next chapter and grateful to know him.”
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The Lord of the Rings actor Sean Astin paid tribute to Colbert and his love of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. He quoted on Instagram: “It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness, and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end, because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it’ll shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something. (What are we holding on to, Sam?) That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo…and it’s worth fighting for.”
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Jimmy Fallon shared part of the same quote ahead of Colbert’s finale episode alongside a painting of his fellow host.
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The Daily Show host Desi Lydic remembered, “Getting to be on @colbertlateshow was a dream come true. Thank you for sharing your brilliance, your heart, and your unmatched wit with us. You are an inspiration to us all. We love you.”
