7 Surprising Facts About Evelyn McGee-Colbert: The Woman Who Anchors Stephen Colbert’s Empire
As of December 22, 2025, the enduring partnership between late-night host Stephen Colbert and his wife, Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert, remains one of the most stable and fascinating relationships in Hollywood. While Stephen Colbert is a household name as the host of The Late Show, Evie is far more than just a supportive spouse; she is a successful actress, producer, and a powerful force in the arts community, particularly in New Jersey.
Their marriage, which spans over three decades, is often cited by Colbert as the bedrock of his career, from his days on The Colbert Report to his current role. This deep dive uncovers the latest updates on her life, her independent career achievements, and the surprisingly rocky start to their iconic love story, including her recent high-profile appearances at the 2025 Emmy Awards.
Evelyn McGee-Colbert: Complete Biography and Profile
Evelyn McGee-Colbert, affectionately known as "Evie," has carved out a significant career in the entertainment and non-profit sectors, separate from her husband's fame. Her background as a performer and her dedication to arts advocacy define her professional identity, making her a formidable entity in her own right.
- Full Name: Evelyn McGee-Colbert
- Nickname: Evie
- Date of Birth: July 23, 1963
- Age (as of 2025): 62
- Place of Birth: Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
- Father: Joseph McGee
- Spouse: Stephen Colbert (m. 1993)
- Children: Three—John Colbert, Peter Colbert, and Madeleine Colbert
- Profession: Actress, Producer, Arts Advocate, Non-profit Executive
- Notable Roles: Actress in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) and Strangers with Candy (1999)
- Key Role: Founding Board Member and current President of the Board of Trustees for Montclair Film
The Unexpected Love Story: How Evie Met Stephen
The story of how Stephen and Evie met is a romantic narrative that Stephen Colbert has frequently shared, often emphasizing its serendipitous nature. It’s a tale that began in their shared hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, though their paths didn't cross until much later in life.
A Fateful Meeting in the Lobby
In 1993, Stephen Colbert was struggling with a personal crisis. He was considering proposing to his then-girlfriend but was deeply uncertain about the relationship. To clear his head, he traveled home to Charleston and attended a performance of the musical Hydrogen Jukebox at the Spoleto Festival U.S.A.
It was in the lobby of the festival that he saw Evelyn. He has described the moment as instantly knowing she was "the one." The feeling was so intense that he nearly backed away, believing he couldn't handle the emotional weight of a relationship that felt so profoundly right.
From Reluctant Acquaintances to Lifelong Partners
The initial interaction was, surprisingly, awkward. Colbert confessed that when they were first introduced, they actually disliked each other. They had a brief, rocky exchange before realizing they were both from the same area and shared a similar sense of humor.
They spent the next two hours talking, primarily about their mothers and their Catholic faith. By the end of the evening, Colbert knew he would marry her. He broke up with his then-girlfriend the following day, and he and Evie were married later that year in 1993. This rapid, life-altering shift cemented their bond, which has now lasted for over 30 years.
Evelyn McGee-Colbert’s Powerful Role in the Arts and Film
While many know Evie for her cameos on The Late Show, her most significant professional contributions are in the non-profit arts world. She is a powerhouse in the New Jersey cultural scene, particularly through her dedication to Montclair Film.
The Montclair Film Festival Leader
Evelyn McGee-Colbert is a founding board member of Montclair Film, an organization dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the art of filmmaking. She currently serves as the influential President of the Board of Trustees.
Her role is pivotal, focusing heavily on fundraising, strategic planning, and community building. Montclair Film hosts the annual Montclair Film Festival, which has grown into a major cultural event, attracting high-profile guests and showcasing a diverse range of independent cinema.
Career as an Actress and Producer
Before her executive role in non-profit theatre, Evie began her career as an actress. Her filmography includes a small but memorable appearance in the 2013 blockbuster, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Perhaps her most notable acting credit is her appearance in the cult Comedy Central series, Strangers with Candy (1999), where she played the mother of Stephen Colbert’s character, Chuck Noblet. This early collaboration highlights their shared history in comedy and performance.
Latest Updates: Evie in the Spotlight (2025)
The year 2025 has seen Evelyn McGee-Colbert step into the public eye more frequently, often alongside her husband, reinforcing her status as an arts advocate and a key figure in his success.
Following a significant Emmy win for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Evie was a prominent figure on the red carpet. When interviewed by Zuri Hall, she spoke about the resilience and optimism that defines their partnership, especially during challenging times in the entertainment industry.
Furthermore, in late 2025, she made an appearance on a PBS News Hour segment alongside Stephen, where they discussed their family life, shared love of food, and their new cookbook. These recent appearances underscore her continued, active role in both her husband’s career and their shared family narrative.
Evelyn McGee-Colbert's enduring presence as an actress, producer, and the President of the Board of Trustees for Montclair Film, combined with her role as a mother to their three children—John, Peter, and Madeleine—demonstrates a life rich with professional and personal achievement. She is, by all accounts, the essential anchor that allows the late-night host to thrive, a true testament to a successful and long-lasting partnership.
Detail Author:
- Name : Sydney Klein
- Username : cayla64
- Email : russel.francis@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1976-08-22
- Address : 63099 Wilson Burgs Suite 651 Lake Jadenborough, NY 29790
- Phone : 223.597.6567
- Company : Raynor-Hudson
- Job : Bartender
- Bio : Sequi non quis tenetur suscipit et fugiat earum. Ducimus ipsa nam quasi quia. Aut ut ut modi.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/cali_dev
- username : cali_dev
- bio : Dolore accusantium dolorem voluptatem explicabo sit. In quaerat sed modi sed nostrum culpa. Sequi autem omnis quasi earum.
- followers : 6468
- following : 2944
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/caltenwerth
- username : caltenwerth
- bio : Iusto quas in animi labore consequatur asperiores corrupti amet.
- followers : 2361
- following : 2241
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/caltenwerth
- username : caltenwerth
- bio : Repellat sit ratione dolor voluptas.
- followers : 3368
- following : 2663
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/cali3194
- username : cali3194
- bio : Dicta vitae corrupti quae. Officia quod ea autem vel ducimus.
- followers : 1485
- following : 1102
