Net Worth Ranker
What Is Stephen Colbert’s Net Worth?
Stephen Colbert, a multifaceted American entertainer, boasts a net worth of $75 million as of 2025. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a comedian, writer, actor, author, and, most notably, as a talk show host.
Sources of Stephen Colbert’s $75 Million Net Worth
Colbert’s financial success stems from diverse avenues within the entertainment industry:
“The Colbert Report”: From 2005 to 2014, Colbert hosted “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central. While specific salary figures for this period are not publicly available, the show’s popularity and critical acclaim undoubtedly contributed significantly to his income.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”: Since 2015, Colbert has hosted “The Late Show” on CBS. During the initial seasons, his annual salary was reportedly $6 million. A contract extension signed in October 2019 secured his position until at least 2023 and increased his annual salary to $15 million. In mid-2023, Colbert signed a three-year contract extension, solidifying his role and ensuring continued substantial earnings.
Early Career: Before achieving mainstream success, Colbert honed his skills in improv and sketch comedy. His work with Second City and the sketch comedy show “Exit 57” laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Though financial details are not available from this period. He also worked as a script consultant for VH1 and MTV, this also contributed financially to his success.
“The Daily Show”: Colbert’s time as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” also played a significant role. In 2004, 2005, and 2006, he won three Emmys as a writer for “The Daily Show”.
Other Television Roles: Stephen had roles in “The Dana Carvey Show,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “Good Morning America,” either as a cast member or writer, expanding his reach.
Writing and Authoring: Colbert co-authored the satirical novel “Wigfield: The Can-Do Town That Just May Not” (2003) with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. While the exact royalties earned from the book are not public, it added to his income streams. He also worked as a writer for the popular hit TV show “The Daily Show,” winning him three Emmys.
Acting: Colbert has made guest appearances in shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Spin City,” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” as well as a small supporting role in the film “Bewitched” (2005). Colbert has voiced characters on shows like “The Venture Bros.,” “Crank Yankers,” “American Dad!” and “The Simpsons.” Additionally, he released a Christmas comedy special on Comedy Central, “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!” (November 2008), all which added to his wealth.
Public Speaking: Colbert was the featured entertainer for the 2006 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The widespread attention and media coverage increased ratings for “The Colbert Report” by 37% in the week after the event.
Stephen Colbert’s Contract Details and Career Highlights
Stephen Colbert’s career has been marked by significant milestones and strategic contract negotiations that have solidified his financial standing. His initial contract with CBS for “The Late Show” paid him an annual salary of $6 million. However, recognizing his value and the show’s success, CBS extended his contract in October 2019, boosting his annual salary to $15 million and securing his presence on the network until at least 2023. In mid-2023, Colbert signed a three-year contract extension.
“The Daily Show” (1997-2005): Colbert’s role as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” was pivotal in shaping his comedic persona and gaining national recognition. He developed a character that was a little foolish. As a writer on “The Daily Show,” he won three Emmys in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
“Strangers with Candy” (1999-2000): Colbert co-created and starred in “Strangers with Candy”.
“The Colbert Report” (2005-2014): The success of “The Colbert Report” elevated Colbert to a household name and cemented his reputation as a leading comedic voice. The show won an Emmy Award and Peabody Award.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (2015-Present): Colbert succeeded David Letterman as host of “The Late Show” on September 8, 2015. His first guest was George Clooney.
2006 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner: Stephen’s performance was generally met with silence at the event itself, the video of his performance became an internet and media sensation, and ratings for “The Colbert Report” rose by 37% in the week after the event.
Stephen Colbert’s Personal Life
Stephen Colbert’s personal life offers insight into his values and influences. He was born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, D.C. His father, James William Colbert Jr., and his brothers Peter and Paul died in the Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 crash on September 11, 1974. After the crash, his mother relocated the family to downtown Charleston.
Colbert attended the Episcopal Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, where he participated in several school plays. He initially wanted to study marine biology but sustained inner ear damage during surgery to repair a perforated eardrum. As a result, he became deaf in his right ear and was unable to pursue a career that required scuba diving. He eventually enrolled at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia in 1982, where he majored in philosophy and continued to act in plays. Colbert transferred to Northwestern University in 1984 as a theater major, where he studied performance, graduating in 1986. While at Northwestern, Stephen began performing improvisation, both on campus as part of the No Fun Mud Piranhas team and at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago.
Colbert has been married to Evelyn “Evie” McGee-Colbert since 1993. Together, they have three children, Madeleine (born 1995), Peter (born 1998), and John (born 2002). The family lives in Montclair, New Jersey. Stephen is a self-identified Democrat and a practicing Roman Catholic. He is also an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church Monastery.
