Renowned across America, Stephen Colbert stands as a prominent and influential comedian.
Notably, he helmed the satirical Comedy Central show, The Colbert Report, from 2005 to 2014, and since 2015, he has graced the stage of the CBS talk show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
However, an aspect that might surprise you is that he claims the position of the youngest among his 11 siblings.
Within this piece, we shall acquaint you with Stephen Colbert’s family, delving into the lives of his siblings, whose unwavering support and inspiration have accompanied him throughout his journey in life and his career.
Stephen Colbert’s Early Life and Tragedy
Born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C., Stephen Colbert entered the family of James William Colbert Jr. and Lorna Elizabeth Tuck Colbert.
His father held positions in immunology and medical education at Yale University, Saint Louis University, and the Medical University of South Carolina. His mother was a homemaker and skilled artist.
Stephen grew up in a devout Catholic household with 10 older siblings.
Raised in Bethesda, Maryland, he later moved to James Island, South Carolina, at age six.
He attended the Episcopal Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, engaging in school plays and nurturing a passion for acting.
Books, especially fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, became his refuge.
Tragedy struck Stephen’s childhood when, on September 11, 1974, his father and two brothers died in a plane crash near Charlotte, North Carolina.
Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 crashed due to dense fog, leaving only 10 survivors among 72 on board.
At 10 years old, Stephen coped by retreating into books and distancing from reality.
His trust in adults waned.
As his mother raised the family alone, they moved to Charleston, where she became a source of strength.
Encouraging resilience and passion, she also fostered Stephen’s humor and language affinity.
Stephen Colbert’s circle of siblings
Stephen’s circle of siblings comprises eight survivors, including six brothers and two sisters:
James William Colbert III (born 1948)
Holding the mantle of the eldest sibling, he practices as a lawyer in Charleston.
An alumnus of Yale University and Harvard Law School, he is wed to Mary Anne Barnette Colbert and embraces three children:
- James IV
- Margaret Anne
- John Barnette.
Edward Tuck Colbert (born 1951)
Following suit as the second eldest, he practices law in New York City.
His academic journey encompassed Yale University and Columbia Law School.
He is in matrimony with Mary Jane McAlister Colbert, and their family includes Edward Jr. and Katherine.
Mary Colbert (born 1952)
Occupying the third position among siblings, she formerly pursued a teaching career but now thrives as a real estate agent in Charleston.
She graduated from Converse College and holds a master’s degree in education from The Citadel.
Her partnership with William Mendenhall Jr. bore three children:
- William III.
- Lorna Elizabeth (named after their grandmother),
- Mary Catherine.
William George Colbert (born 1954)
The fourth sibling in line, he practiced law in Washington, D.C., following degrees from Yale University and Georgetown Law School.
Tragically, he succumbed to cancer at the age of 45 in 1999, while working as a treasury lawyer for the U.S. Department of Justice.
His union with Susan Kantrowitz Colbert brought forth two sons:
- William Jr. and Ryan.
Margo Colbert (born 1955)
Occupying the fifth position, she transitioned from teaching to becoming an educational consultant in Charleston.
Like her sister Mary, she graduated from Converse College and completed her education at The Citadel.
She and Robert Keane Jr. enjoy a partnership blessed with three children:
- Robert III
- James Edward (honoring their grandfather).
- Margo Elizabeth.
Thomas Albert Colbert (born 1957)
Among the siblings, he stands sixth in line and practices law in Los Angeles.
His educational path incorporated Yale University and Harvard Law School.
His family comprises Kristin Donnelly Colbert and their children, Thomas Jr. and Claire.
Jay Peter Colbert (born 1961)
Emerging as the seventh sibling, he pursues radiology as a career in Atlanta.
He navigated the educational journey through Yale University and Emory University School of Medicine.
Married to Amy Colbert, their family consists of Jay Jr. and Caroline.
Elizabeth Colbert Busch (born 1954)
The eighth sibling and the youngest sister, she carves her path as a politician and businesswoman in Charleston.
Clemson University and The Citadel contributed to her academic foundation.
As the director of business development at Clemson University’s Restoration Institute, she ventured into the political arena as a Democrat candidate in 2013, albeit losing to Republican Mark Sanford.
Her marriage to Claus Wyman Busch III adds to her story, and her prior marriage brought forth Mary, Robert Walker, and Catherine Ann.
Conclusion
Within the realm of comedy, writing, production, acting, and television hosting, Stephen Colbert has etched his success.
As the youngest among 11 siblings, he has been a recipient of unflagging familial support and inspiration, which have propelled him in both his personal and professional pursuits.
His union with Evelyn McGee-Colbert, established in 1993, resulted in three children: Madeleine, Peter, and John.
Overcoming a tumultuous childhood marked by the loss of his father and two brothers, Stephen has employed humor and optimism as tools to navigate through this adversity.
His platform has not only showcased his comedic prowess but also served as a vehicle to advocate for causes spanning education, veteran support, healthcare, and environmental concerns.
Stephen Colbert enjoys widespread recognition as a preeminent figure, commanding reverence in the panorama of American comedy and culture.
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Table of Facts about Stephen Colbert
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Stephen Colbert’s Birthdate | May 13, 1964 |
| Parents’ Names | James William Colbert Jr. and Lorna Elizabeth Tuck Colbert |
| Father’s Profession | Immunologist and medical school dean (Yale, Saint Louis Univ., Medical Univ. of SC) |
| Mother’s Roles | Homemaker and accomplished artist |
| Siblings | 10 older siblings: James III, Edward, Mary, William, Margo, Thomas, Jay, Elizabeth, Paul, and Peter |
| Early Life | Born in Washington, D.C., raised in Bethesda, Maryland, later moved to James Island, SC |
| Education | Attended Episcopal Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, developed interest in acting |
| Reading Interests | Enjoyed books, especially fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis |
| Tragic Event | September 11, 1974: Father and two brothers died in a plane crash near Charlotte, NC |
| Coping Mechanism | Stephen turned to books and fantasy for solace after the tragedy |
| Family Strength | Stephen’s mother took on the responsibility of raising eight remaining children |
| Mother’s Impact | Mother’s support and encouragement fostered resilience, optimism, humor, and language love |
| Stephen’s Career | Successful comedian, writer, producer, actor, and host of The Late Show |
| Marital Status | Married to Evelyn McGee-Colbert since 1993 |
| Children | Has three children: Madeleine, Peter, and John |
| Advocacy Efforts | Utilizes his platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes |
| Influence and Recognition | Regarded as an influential figure in American comedy and culturel |
