Stephen Colbert Says He Learned ‘Things About My Father I Didn’t Know’ While Interviewing Union Organizer Who Worked with Him

In a poignant reflection shared during an interview, Stephen Colbert recounted his personal connection with Andrew Young, an esteemed civil rights leader, congressman, and former ambassador to the United Nations. The conversation forms part of a broader discussion as Colbert prepares to conclude his tenure on The Late Show later this month.

Colbert, who has been a prominent figure in late-night television since transitioning from Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report to CBS’s The Late Show, engaged with Young during his previous show. This interaction took on added significance for Colbert as it allowed him to learn more about his father, James Colbert Jr., who passed away when Stephen was just ten years old.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colbert reminisced about how Young recalled working alongside his father during a significant civil rights-related event in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1969. At that time, Young was assisting civil rights activist Ralph Abernathy and Coretta Scott King while Colbert’s father managed a local hospital. The story underlines the collaborative efforts of two remarkable figures dedicated to labour rights during a strike involving Black workers at the medical institution.

Colbert reflected on the atmosphere of those years, noting the inability of the university’s president, who hailed from South Africa, to engage with the strikers. James Colbert Jr. had a history of involvement with unions in New York and asserted, “I can talk to the unions.” It was this initiative that paved the way for Young and Colbert to mediate the strike effectively.

The significance of this bond was accentuated for Colbert years later, when he was faced with challenges in maintaining the show’s continuity during the Writers Guild of America strikes in 2007-2009. With uncertainty hanging over the programme, Colbert turned to Young for insight. The ambassador, now 94, graciously offered his experiences and perspectives, revealing memories of Stephen’s father that the comedian had never known.

“Your father understood to always keep talking, because if you’re talking, there’s hope,” Young shared with Colbert, a sentiment that left a lasting impression on him. The wisdom from a figure who had navigated significant social change resonated deeply with Colbert.

In a heartwarming tribute, following The Colbert Report’s conclusion in 2014, Young returned as a special guest for a finale that celebrated Colbert’s career and influence. He entered the stage declaring, “I am here representing Steven’s father,” a moment described by Colbert as both touching and humorous.

Young’s remarks during that finale reflected on Colbert’s impact on younger audiences, describing it as part of the “Colbert phenomenon.” He articulated how Colbert effectively used humour to address the anxieties and challenges of contemporary society, showcasing a unique ability to engage with pressing issues through satire.

The final days of The Late Show, which is set to air its last episode on May 21, have triggered a wave of reflective nostalgia as Colbert revisits his journey in late-night television. The legacy he has crafted over the years has included encounters with influential figures like Young, whose life has been a testament to resilience and the ongoing struggle for equality.

As Colbert prepares to close this chapter, the memories shared with Young and reflections on his family’s history serve as a powerful reminder of the connections fostered through shared commitments to justice and hope. Colbert’s journey, interwoven with these poignant moments, speaks to the enduring impact that conversations around hope and activism can have on both individuals and the wider world.