On 10 June 2023, Montclair Film hosted a memorable tribute event at Joe’s Pub in New York City, celebrating the exceptional contributions of Evelyn McGee-Colbert. The occasion marked the presentation of the inaugural Evelyn McGee Colbert Visionary Tribute Award, established to honour her dedication to the arts and her leadership within the nonprofit sector.
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Evelyn’s husband, Stephen Colbert, renowned for his former role as the host of “The Late Show,” took to the stage to deliver a heartfelt tribute to his wife. With a strong sense of pride, he expressed, “I am so proud to be Evie’s husband,” as he shared a kiss with her amidst applause from the audience.
Throughout his speech, Stephen highlighted Evelyn’s impactful journey over the last 15 years, noting how her contributions often went unrecognised. “I don’t understand why you do it. No one’s chanting your name,” he admitted, illustrating the humility that characterises Evelyn’s work. He acknowledged her considerable discomfort with the spotlight yet emphasised how deserving she was of the recognition being bestowed upon her.
Reflecting on Evelyn’s upbringing, Stephen poignantly remembered her late parents, Joseph H. McGee Jr. and Evelyn “Patti” McGee, stating that they would have been immensely proud of their daughter’s achievements. His heartfelt remarks were met with a characteristically warm smile from Evelyn, who appeared visibly touched, occasionally holding back tears.
Evelyn’s commitment to community building and the arts echoed in the sentiments shared by other esteemed guests at the event. New Jersey Governor Mickie Sherrill, Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell, and Montclair Film’s Executive Director, Tricia Haggerty Wenz, contributed their tributes, all underscoring her nurturing spirit and the impact she has had on others.
Though their sons, Peter and John, were travelling in Europe at the time, they sent a video tribute for their mother. In addition, various celebrities, including Steve Carell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jon Bon Jovi, Jimmy Fallon, and Conan O’Brien, also shared messages of congratulations, further celebrating Evelyn’s legacy.
During her own address, Evelyn expressed her profound gratitude, jokingly comparing her emotional response to that of Sally Field’s iconic Oscar speech. “You like me. You really like me,” she quipped. With a charming self-deprecation, she remarked on the peculiarity of receiving the award that bore her name, asserting with humour, “Who else were you going to give [the Evelyn McGee Colbert Visionary Award] to?”
The evening was not without nostalgia as she recounted feeling nervous, likening it to an experience from her teenage years when she awaited a surprise party from a friend. This light-hearted reminiscence also included a playful nod to her husband, noting his absence from her historical surprise party; “He’s a year younger than I am, so when you’re 16, a 15-year-old boy cannot cross that ocean of awkwardness.”
Evelyn ultimately expressed her heartfelt appreciation for Stephen, acknowledging his unwavering support: “Years ago, he said to me, ‘This sounds like a really fun idea. Why don’t you do it? And let me help you.’ And 20,000 interviews later, you have helped us.”
The love that Stephen has for Evelyn, which he has articulated in recent interviews, is evident in every word of his tribute. He fondly reminisced about their early companionship, expressing disbelief at the thought of being with someone so special.
Their love story began in May 1990, blossoming through letters exchanged before their first date on 26 December that same year. The couple married in October 1993 and are proud parents to three children: Madeleine, 30, Peter, 28, and John, 24. Over the years, Evelyn has made numerous appearances on “The Late Show,” where Stephen has praised her wit and companionship, stating that she often brings laughter and unique perspective to their relationship.
As the evening concluded, it was clear that the inaugural Evelyn McGee Colbert Visionary Tribute Award not only celebrated Evelyn’s significant achievements but also encapsulated the profound love and respect shared within their family. The event served as a reminder of the positive impact one individual can have on their community and those around them, as celebrated by friends, family, and peers alike.