Stephen Colbert touched the hearts of many during his recent acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmy Awards. As he received the award for Outstanding Talk Series for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” the renowned late-night host took a moment to honour his late assistant, Amy Cole. Colbert remembered Cole, who had been his colleague for 16 years, as he expressed his gratitude and paid tribute to the significant contributions she made to the show.
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Amy Cole, who sadly passed away in March 2024 at the age of 53 after a brief illness, was described by Colbert as a young woman who should have been present at the ceremony. According to Deadline, Cole worked closely with Colbert not only on The Late Show but also on previous projects like Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. Her impact on the team was profound, with her work being recognised and appreciated by all those she worked with. Her dedication and passion for her job were evident to everyone who knew her.
Colbert’s emotional speech also highlighted the personal challenges he faced, especially with the recent news of the conclusion of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” after ten seasons. He expressed his gratitude towards his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, and their three children, acknowledging their support and love during this challenging time. Additionally, Colbert shared a heartfelt message of love for his country, emphasising the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
The loss of Amy Cole was deeply felt by the entire team at The Late Show, with her memory being honoured in various ways. A memorial card dedicated to her was shown on screen at the end of an episode, and she was also recognised in the “In Memoriam” segment at the 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Colleagues and friends described Cole as more than just an assistant, highlighting her incredible teamwork and the positive impact she had on everyone around her.
Colbert’s speech resonated with audiences, not just for his professional achievements but also for his sincere and heartfelt tribute to Amy Cole. His words served as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of those who work behind the scenes to make projects successful. The emotional moment captured at the Emmy Awards showcased Colbert’s genuine gratitude and respect for his late assistant’s dedication and hard work.
As Colbert accepted the prestigious Emmy Award, he used the platform to not only celebrate the success of the show but also to honour the memory of a dear friend and colleague. The poignant and moving tribute to Amy Cole touched the hearts of many and served as a reminder of the impact that individuals like her have on the lives of those they work with. Colbert’s words resonated with authenticity and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on all those who witnessed his heartfelt acceptance speech.