Stephen Colbert’s wife has long remained out of the spotlight, yet her presence has quietly shaped much of the life fans see on screen. While Colbert’s sharp wit and charm have made him a household name, the person who’s shared his world away from the cameras holds a story just as fascinating—one that deserves a closer look.
This article peels back the curtain on a relationship that began far from the glow of television studios. Without giving too much away up front, expect to learn more about the woman who stood beside Colbert long before late-night fame, someone whose influence extends beyond the role of a supportive partner.
Whether you’re curious about their early days, her professional life, or how she became a steady force through some of Colbert’s most public moments, you’ll find the full picture in the sections ahead. If you’ve only seen one half of this long-standing partnership, it’s time to meet the other.
Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee-Colbert Have Built a Strong Marriage
Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee married in October 1993 and have remained steady partners ever since. They first met at a performance of the musical Hydrogen Jukebox. Stephen spotted Evelyn in the theater lobby and immediately knew she was someone he couldn’t ignore. Later that evening at the afterparty, he saw her again in the food line and forced himself to say hello.
Their conversation revealed a surprising connection: both had grown up in the same area, and their families already knew each other.
Evelyn later recalled noticing Stephen because he arrived with his mother, which she saw as a quiet sign of his character. That moment stuck with her, and it marked the beginning of a lasting relationship.
Professionally, Evelyn has kept her own footing. She has a few acting credits, including appearances in Strangers with Candy and Alpha House. She now works as vice president of Spartina Productions, Stephen’s company, and serves as president of the Montclair Film Board of Trustees.
During the pandemic, she played a critical role in producing The Late Show from home. Stephen publicly credited her during his Emmy acceptance speech in 2021, calling her “a huge part of this past year.”
The couple released their joint cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?, in September 2024. “It’s a little peek into our family,” Evelyn told PEOPLE. “It’s just a teeny little bit of hanging out with us in the kitchen.” The cookbook celebrates the tastes of coastal South Carolina, where Stephen and Evelyn are both from, and includes recipes for dishes such as red rice and crab cakes.
Stephen Colbert’s Children Keep Him Grounded Off-Camera
Colbert and his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, have three children: Madeleine, Peter, and John. The family lives in Montclair, New Jersey, where Colbert intentionally kept his work separate from home life. He didn’t allow his kids to watch The Colbert Report, explaining that his on-screen persona might confuse them.
Madeleine, the eldest, was born around 1995. She graduated from Yale and pursued a career in journalism under the name Madeleine Carlisle. She has worked at TIME, The Atlantic, and currently serves as an associate producer at 60 Minutes. During the pandemic, she was credited as Colbert’s makeup artist for a remote episode of The Late Show.
Peter, born around 1998, has taken an interest in filmmaking. He directed the short At the Crossroads Down Yonder, co-executive produced the series Where’s Noah?, and worked in sound for the short Those Who Move Mountains. He also acted briefly alongside his father and brother in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and is set to appear in an upcoming short film, The Virgin.
John, the youngest, was born in 2002. Like his siblings, he has appeared in short films, including Cardboard by Your Name. He also made a brief appearance on The Late Show during its remote tapings in 2020.
Throughout interviews, Colbert has described parenting as unpredictable but rewarding. He once said that witnessing his children’s character gives him hope for the future, crediting them as a constant source of motivation and perspective.
