Stephen Colbert appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss his Emmy wins and shave off his beard, marking a fresh chapter.
In a humorous and heartfelt appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 16, 2026, former Late Show host Stephen Colbert not only discussed his recent Emmy wins but also shaved off his iconic beard. This moment, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, marks a significant transition for Colbert, who has been absent from the late-night scene since his show was canceled earlier this year.
The segment featured Colbert reflecting on The Late Show’s victory at the 2026 Emmys, where the show won a total of seven awards during its final season. Colbert's lively banter with Kimmel highlighted shared experiences in late-night television and set the stage for a nostalgic yet entertaining dialogue about their careers.
The interview opened with Kimmel inquiring if Colbert missed his late-night routine, to which he joked, "Nope!" He relished the chance to step away from the daily news grind, bringing levity in a poignant moment that many late-night fans might resonate with, especially given the evolution and uncertainty surrounding the landscape of late-night television today.
During the conversation, they humorously discussed the status of late-night hosts following Colbert's cancellation and the ongoing speculation regarding the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Kimmel revealed that a photographer had labeled Colbert and his fellow Emmy-winning peers as the “endangered table” due to the declining landscape of late-night shows, drawing laughter and reflection on the changing tides in their industry.
A significant point of discussion was Colbert’s upcoming project—the Lord of the Rings movie, tentatively titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past. While specifics on the project remain unannounced, Colbert shared a humorous anecdote about a lunch he had with famed director Steven Spielberg, who had inquired about the film. Colbert narrated a fictional scenario about Frodo's collaboration with a time-traveling dinosaur, highlighting the whimsical creativity often associated with his comedic style.
Although he did not provide any concrete updates about the movie, Colbert mentioned that his son, who is co-writing the film, possesses extensive knowledge of Rings lore, which he found surprising. This hint of involvement underscores the personal significance and creative gravity this project holds for him.
The decision to shave off his beard served as a symbolic act marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Colbert humorously pointed out that this transformation was a promise made to his wife, Evie, that he would shave it if he won an Emmy. This detail added a personal narrative to the appearance, allowing audiences to relate more intimately to Colbert’s journey.
As a sweet moment, Colbert gifted Kimmel a memorable keepsake from his late-night career: a replica of Captain America’s shield, previously featured on his shows. Kimmel expressed his intent to display the shield prominently, signifying the camaraderie and legacy they both share, contributing to the warmth of the evening.
Stephen Colbert’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! serves as a celebratory marker for both his past achievements and his evolving future, particularly with the anticipation surrounding his new movie. His candid conversations regarding the Emmy wins and personal anecdotes engage fans, reinforcing his longstanding connection to the late-night world. As late-night shows face mounting changes, Colbert’s return—albeit briefly—reminds audiences of the humor, emotion, and creativity that define these platforms.
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