Inside Stephen Colbert’s 35-Year Love Affair With Evie McGee Colbert

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Stephen Colbert has said he wasn’t prepared for a major television role, or even late-night comedy, when he first met Evelyn McGee.

“We first met in college,” the Northwestern alum recalled on SiriusXM’sAndy Cohen Live in 2024. “A friend from Charleston introduced us at a party and I was chemically impaired and Evie was a distant frost queen on a mountain top.”

He didn’t pay much attention to it at first. He described their initial interaction as brief – a conversation that lasted only about thirty seconds and seemed to lead nowhere.

You know, I’ve met a lot of people in my line of work, and everyone has a first impression. I recently heard from Evie, a UVA grad from the class of ’85, and she shared hers of a very famous personality – a certain 11-time Emmy winner! She actually described him as a bit of a scrawny, immature young man when they first met. It just goes to show you, even success stories have humble beginnings, right?

It wasn’t love at first sight for the couple from Charleston, South Carolina. They didn’t meet until 1990, when they ran into each other at a local theater. As Stephen later shared on the Today show in 2024, he instantly knew she was the one, saying a voice inside him told him, ‘That’s your wife. You’re going to marry her.’

Meanwhile, Evie was “intrigued.”

She described her husband as a very romantic and idealistic man when she appeared on The Late Show last Valentine’s Day. This was just one of several times she’s been on the show since Stephen Colbert became host in 2015. However, she admitted she was much too down-to-earth to experience such a passionate romance herself.

Evie admitted she found him very handsome, intelligent, and appealing, but she added, with a shrug, that she just couldn’t explain what was holding her back.

Still, she quipped, “It worked out.”

Let’s go back to May 1990, the night Stephen and she truly connected. He was thinking about a difficult decision – his girlfriend had given him an ultimatum: propose or break up. Around that time, his mother, Lorna Colbert, asked him to go to the theater with her.

Evie remembered seeing a very attractive man enter the theater and immediately thinking, ‘He must really love his mother.’ She explained on Today that he was with his mother, and she was literally on his arm.

Despite feeling a connection, Stephen and Evie didn’t go on a date for several months. They finally had dinner together the day after Christmas while both were visiting family in their hometown.

The night before, he had a strange dream: he was riding a horse without a saddle through the streets of Spain and playing chess with a famous player named Ballotine, but the pieces were enormous.

Stephen recently remembered having a dream about Evie McGee, and he wasn’t sure what prompted it. He shared this on The Late Show in 2023 while celebrating their 30th anniversary.

When they opened their menus, the first item was ballotine of duck, which he promptly ordered.

“I told her the dream,” Colbert said, “and she handled it.”

Evie added, “I remember thinking, he’s either really interesting, or really crazy.”

After dinner, they took a walk around the city and shared their first kiss on the porch of Stephen’s mom’s house. Two years later, Stephen proposed just before Christmas, rather than on the anniversary of their first kiss, because he wanted her to be able to show off her ring to friends and family during the holidays.

I was so thrilled when they got married on October 10th, 1993! Their family started growing quickly, and I was delighted to hear about the arrival of their daughter, Madeleine, in 1995. Then came their sons, Peter in 1998, and John in 2002 – it’s been wonderful watching their family grow over the years.

You know, when I think back to my wedding, even though I was still performing with Second City in Chicago at the time, I remember feeling this incredible sense of stability. It was like, finally, something consistent in a life that was otherwise all about improvisation and change. I really needed that anchor, and I was so grateful for it.

He experienced more panic attacks—jokingly referencing one on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast in 2019 by asking, “What kind of wedding gift is that?”—which made him understand he needed to constantly be working on new projects. And his wife, Evie, continues to support him through it all.

This couple has been married for nearly as long as The Late Show has been on television. But while the Colberts’ love story is inspiring, The Late Show is coming to an end on May 21st after 33 years, including the last 11 years hosted by Stephen Colbert.

Evie last appeared on the Late Show on May 20th, where she hosted an interview with her husband as part of his farewell to the show.

In a 2021 interview with NJArts.com, she explained that she and her husband balance each other out, offering support and humor. She described laughter as a vital way to cope with life’s challenges, emphasizing how they help each other find the funny side even during tough times.

Although they knew each other, Evie and Stephen didn’t begin working together professionally until 2020. During the pandemic, Evie became his sole camera operator when he continued filming The Late Show from their home in Charleston.

After winning an Emmy in 2021 for his election night special, Stephen Colbert said he planned to celebrate with his wife, calling her his “absolute rock” and saying he couldn’t have done it without her. He even joked that one positive thing to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic was that she was able to participate in the show.

Their successful teamwork led them to create the 2024 cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?, which Evie described as a new and exciting venture for the pair.

She told People magazine that her family is very private and has always kept their children out of the public eye. However, she explained that her children are now adults and all chose to be involved with the book.

She explained that sharing this was just a small glimpse into their family life. They weren’t planning on becoming a reality TV family, but wanted to offer a casual look at everyday moments, like hanging out in the kitchen.

Though we’d obviously watch that show, and not least because Stephen is leaving late night.

It’s a mix of happy and sad feelings for the 62-year-old comedian. With The Late Show coming to an end, he says he’ll finally have the time and energy to pursue other projects, as he told People magazine before the final episode. One of those projects is working with Peter Jackson on a new Lord of the Rings movie.

And his material will always have an audience.

Evie’s “the best laugh,” Stephen said. “She’s the laugh I want to get more than anybody else.”

Read on for more secrets behind the most enduring celebrity marriages:

In their book What Makes a Marriage Last, Hermann explained that he never expected so much laughter in his marriage of over 20 years with Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue. He believes his wife’s consistent pursuit of joy is essential to who she is and to their relationship. He also shared that their marriage thrives because they love each other unconditionally, which he defines as grace.

He emphasized the importance of finding happiness, even during disagreements. Hermann described how, after a heated argument, one of them would try to lighten the mood with a joke about the very thing they were fighting about. “It’s about finding a way back to connection,” he explained, adding that acknowledging imperfection and seeking common ground is a good sign that they’re on the path to resolving the issue.

They’ve avoided need for any major renovation by sticking to the same advice they got in premarital counseling ahead of their 2003 vows. Even five kids in, Tuesday date nights are a must and they’ve held off on purchasing a TV, instead finding other ways to connect. 

But if Chip were to offer any tip to follow, it’d be to pursue the person you love “like a hornet.” Some two decades in, he said, he still feels like the guy hoping to get a second date. “I’m not saying she’d never cheat on me,” he explained, “but it’s not going to be because I never told her I loved her or because I didn’t send her flowers or I forgot our anniversary.” 

Kevin Bacon jokingly advises against taking marriage advice from celebrities, reflecting the couple’s playful approach to keeping their 36-year union private. They famously shut down questions about their relationship with the phrase, “Keep the fights clean and the sex dirty.” But in all seriousness, they prioritize resolving disagreements quickly and avoiding prolonged arguments. As Bacon’s wife explained, they focus on finding solutions rather than ‘winning’ a fight, because they simply don’t enjoy conflict. Ultimately, they’re committed to making things right, as there’s no backup plan – they always want to work through any issues together.

After over 37 years of marriage, the actors have learned how to argue constructively. As the Family Ties alum explained, Tracy and he avoid bringing up past hurts. Many couples, he says, target their partner’s weaknesses, almost as a game, but they don’t do that.

They do still disagree sometimes. He admits he often tries to take back things he says when he realizes he’s been foolish, but that doesn’t solve anything. Instead, he lets his wife take the lead and give him space. She, in turn, practices understanding, reminding herself, ‘He said something silly that hurt my feelings, but he’s a good person, and I’m going to assume he didn’t mean to upset me.’

In December 2024, ahead of their 40th wedding anniversary, Curtis shared on Today that her husband still makes her laugh more than anyone else. She playfully added that he must find something to like about her, even if she’s not sure what it is.

Neil Patrick Harris believes the key to his long-lasting relationship is accepting that relationships are always changing and hard to define. After 21 years together, including career changes – his husband, Burtka, published a cookbook in 2019 – raising twins Gideon and Harper, and navigating difficult times, Harris explained that marriage is never static. He noted that even intimacy evolves, and couples need to find new ways to reconnect as they age. Eventually, he shared, attraction shifts from physical to emotional, and then back again. “It’s always changing,” he said. “So, in a way, we keep falling in love with each other differently, over and over.”

Oh my gosh, these two are just everything. Seriously, they genuinely believe laughter keeps them alive! It’s not just some cute saying for them, either. Melissa told me – okay, I read it, but it feels like she was telling me – that whenever they have a really huge, gut-busting laugh, the kind that makes you weak, they actually calculate how much time it adds to their lives! And she’s always keeping a running total! She’ll be like, ‘That one was a good two months!’ It’s the sweetest, most adorable thing. They’re so intentional about joy!

And get this – they even put a time limit on fights! They always say don’t go to bed angry, and apparently, they live by that rule. Falcone explained that one time she tried to let something simmer overnight, and she completely forgot what she was even upset about! She says you’re never going to resolve anything when everyone’s tired and maybe had a little wine. She’s never had one of those late-night arguments that ends with a satisfying resolution and a truce. It’s just
 perfect. They’ve figured it all out!

Both having been married previously, the couple met in 1995 and quickly found themselves blending families, each with two children. The Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist actor explained, “I realized right away that the kids already had mothers—and I wasn’t one of them. So, I asked myself, what could I offer?” She decided to be a supportive presence. “Everyone needs a cheerleader, and I figured that’s what I could be. I didn’t try to discipline them or teach them right from wrong—they already had parents for that.”

The Cheers actor completely agreed. “Offering yourself as a friend is a really smart approach,” he said. “It’s about saying, ‘I won’t discipline or judge you, I’ll just hang out and be there for you.’ And that’s exactly what you have to do: genuinely be present in their lives.”

When same-sex civil unions became legal in Britain, musician Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, had a civil union ceremony on December 21, 2005. Nine years later, on the same date, they were legally married. However, they celebrate their relationship beginning with a chance meeting at a dinner party in 1993 at John’s home in Windsor, England—a party arranged by a friend.

Every Saturday, no matter where they are, they write each other handwritten notes. Over the years, this has added up to around 1,352 letters. David Furnish explains that handwriting feels deeply personal and that the cards allow them to reflect on the past week and discuss the week ahead. Elton John agrees, saying that consistent communication is key to a long-lasting, successful relationship.

After quietly building a 40-year marriage, they’ve made a conscious effort to keep their relationship strong, even as their lives have changed. They both prioritize their marriage, actively working to reconnect when they feel distant. If she could offer one piece of advice, it would be to always put that bond first. He passionately affirmed his devotion, saying he would do anything for his wife, facing any challenge to ensure she feels his love. He emphasized that if you value your marriage and your long-term happiness, you must protect it at all costs.

ABC News reporter Roberts admits she doesn’t enjoy casual check-in calls. “I don’t like it when people call just to ask how I’m doing,” she said. However, a friend helped her change her perspective on frequent calls from someone she cares about.

This friend pointed out, “Maybe he just feels comfortable hearing your voice – it makes him feel like everything is okay.” Roberts realized this was a sweet thought she hadn’t considered before. If those calls meant something to him, she decided, they should matter to her too.

Now, she takes a moment to be kind and respond, saying something like, “I’m busy, but what’s new with you?” She lets him know she’s happy to hear from him before politely ending the call. She says those two minutes of kindness make all the difference to him, and are easy for her to give. The couple celebrated their 29th anniversary in September 2024.

Their almost 30-year marriage started building a strong foundation early on, even amidst disagreements. They recall one fight where the actor playfully tossed the talk show host’s ring out the window, but realized even such moments didn’t have to be dealbreakers. The talk show host explained that in the beginning of a marriage, small issues can quickly become major problems—whether it’s money troubles, work stress, or the challenges of raising children while exhausted. However, her husband taught her the importance of stepping away and taking a moment to calm down, realizing that not every disagreement needs to define the relationship. Now, as parents of three, they’re enjoying the rewards of that lesson. The actor believes that truly happy couples have overcome difficult times together, and that’s something to be celebrated.

She describes herself as an introvert, almost a loner, while he’s a social butterfly, always at the center of things. She’s a bit disorganized, and he’s a perfectionist, as she jokingly put it. But after being married since 2003, they’ve learned to accept each other’s differences.

That’s the advice the actress from How to Get Away With Murder gives to friends who are getting married. She believes marriage doesn’t begin at the wedding ceremony, but when you realize something about your partner – a personality trait – that you know will be challenging. It’s that moment when you think, ‘This might be difficult,’ but then immediately realize you love them anyway. That’s when the real work – and the real love – begins.

Maintaining a long-term relationship, like any lasting over 50 years, requires quickly resolving conflicts. Jane Fonda, star of Grace and Frankie, often takes the lead in smoothing things over. She explains it’s easy to apologize because she deeply loves her partner and hates to see them upset, even for a short time. Ideally, she avoids situations where apologies are needed altogether. Fonda’s biggest piece of advice is to remember that hurtful words spoken in anger will ultimately cause you more pain later. You’ll end up regretting what you said to someone you care about, causing a double dose of anger – which isn’t good for your health or the relationship.

It’s very fitting that Jerry, a former judge, says his long marriage to the famous Judge Judy works because he generally lets her have the final say. For her, the key is accepting that you won’t always get your way. Their marriage initially ended in 1990 because he couldn’t provide the emotional support she needed after her father passed away. However, after remarrying a year later, she understood he wouldn’t suddenly become a homemaker or take charge of planning events.

She explained simply that unhappiness in relationships often comes from trying to change someone, which ultimately leads to resentment. She believes you shouldn’t marry anyone hoping to change who they are.

The actor from Lost credits his wife with being the steady force in his life and career. He told TopMob News in April 2025 that she’s been incredibly supportive and patient throughout his travels and various jobs, and has kept their family grounded.

The actor described his wife as incredibly patient, and said she and their two sons help him stay grounded, no matter what challenges he faces.

“They shape my values,” he added. “It’s great to have that perspective and North Star.”

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2026-05-21 10:25