Meet Stephen Colbert’s 10 Siblings

**Stephen Colbert’s Family Legacy: A Journey Through Grief and Laughter**

Stephen Colbert, best known for his sharp wit and satirical commentary, has recently announced that he will be concluding his 11-season run of *The Late Show*. The final episode, set to air on May 21, 2025, will be attended by a special audience—his family. Colbert, who hails from a large family, is the youngest of 11 siblings, and he expressed his delight that his brothers and sisters, along with their spouses, will be present to support him before they all gather for his brother Tommy’s upcoming wedding in Washington, D.C.

Colbert’s childhood was marked by the love and joy of growing up with a large family. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1964 to James and Lorna Colbert, he spent his formative years in a South Carolina suburb. Here, he shared a home with seven brothers and three sisters—James III, Edward, Mary, William, Margaret, Thomas, John, and Elizabeth. This close-knit family environment fostered a spirit of camaraderie and fun, with the children often engaging in activities like biking and fishing along the dirt roads of James Island.

However, tragedy struck when Colbert was just 10 years old. In an incident that would profoundly affect his life, his father and two older brothers, Paul and Peter, perished in a plane crash in 1974. The loss left a deep void in Stephen’s young life, and it took him years to come to terms with this tragedy. In the aftermath of their death, he found solace in books, while simultaneously discovering his talent for humour in school. Colbert later noted that the laughter of his classmates led him to consider a career in comedy.

Despite facing considerable grief, Colbert credits his mother, Lorna, with instilling in him and his siblings a strong sense of resilience. During her life, Lorna created a nurturing environment that encouraged expression and emotional growth. Upon her passing in 2013 at the age of 92, Stephen delivered a heartfelt eulogy that celebrated her affectionate nature and support of a vibrant family life. “No fight between siblings could end without hugs and kisses,” he recalled, emphasising the importance of love and bonding in their household.

Raised in the Catholic faith, the Colbert children were taught not only the tenets of their religion but also encouraged to think critically about their beliefs. Stephen has spoken candidly about his upbringing, noting, “I was raised to believe that you could question the Church and still be a Catholic.” His mother and father were both highly educated and cherished intellectualism, nurturing a sense of inquiry in their ten children.

Stephen’s siblings largely remain out of the public eye, with the exception of Elizabeth Colbert Busch, who made headlines in 2013 when she ran as a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st congressional district. Although she won a significant primary victory, she ultimately lost the general election to former Governor Mark Sanford. Throughout her campaign, Stephen expressed his unwavering support for Elizabeth, believing her to be the best candidate for representation in Congress.

Beyond their political ambitions, Colbert takes pride in the varied accomplishments of his siblings. While he entertains millions each night on television, Elizabeth has carved her own path, currently serving as president of the alumni association at the College of Charleston and participating actively in community organisations.

As Stephen prepares for his final farewell on *The Late Show*, he reflects on the journey that has shaped both his career and his identity. The upcoming broadcast promises to be an emotional occasion, blending the celebration of his achievements with the warmth of family support. “We’ll get drunk, and we’ll sing,” he foresees, capturing the spirit of his family gatherings that have always embodied joy despite their past sorrows.

As Colbert steps into a new chapter, he carries with him the rich legacy of a family steeped in love, resilience, and laughter—a testament to the power of comedy to heal and the enduring bonds that survive even the most profound losses.