From the moment they met, Stephen Colbert felt a strong connection to Evelyn McGee-Colbert, knowing she was the one he wanted to marry. Their first encounter took place at a musical showing, where they later reunited at the afterparty food line. Colbert has shared that he instantly recognized Evelyn as his future wife, thinking to himself, “Her. That’s your wife. You’re going to marry her.”
Upon introducing himself, they discovered their childhoods were intertwined, as their families had known each other for years. Stephen reflected that he initially thought Evelyn was simply being polite because of their families’ history.
Evelyn was impressed by Stephen’s love for his mother when they met, recalling how he walked in with his mom on his arm
Evelyn noticed Stephen’s character on the night they met, particularly how he treated his mother. In a 2021 interview, she shared, “He walked in with his mother on his arm. I was thinking, ‘That man loves his mother.'”
Like her husband, Evelyn has made her mark in the entertainment industry with several acting credits, including appearances in the comedy series Strangers With Candy, which Stephen co-produced, as well as in Alpha House.
Currently, she serves as the vice president of Spartina Productions, the company Stephen founded. Evelyn also acts as an independent film producer and holds the position of president of the Montclair Film Board of Trustees.
During the pandemic, Evelyn played a crucial role in keeping The Late Show running. When accepting the Emmy Award for outstanding variety special in 2021, Stephen praised her contributions during that challenging year, stating, “I’m so glad the only good thing that came out of COVID is that she got to be part of the show.”
Together, Stephen and Evelyn are the proud parents of three children: daughter Madeline and sons Peter and John. A neighborhood source noted in 2015 that “Stephen and his family are very happily entrenched,” highlighting his commitment to family and community.
The couple actively participates in their Montclair, New Jersey community. Evelyn has been integral to the Montclair Film Festival since its inception, with founder Bob Feinberg recalling her as his “first call” when launching the festival. Over the years, they have helped raise publicity and funds for the annual event.
In response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, they also raised money for the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund, emphasizing the importance of supporting the arts. “Stephen and I know the value of a creative outlet — for ourselves, for our families, and for our community,” Evelyn stated. “Every contribution makes a difference.”
In September 2024, the couple released their joint cookbook, Does This Taste Funny? Evelyn described the book as “a little peek into our family,” showcasing their kitchen experiences together. Celebrating the culinary traditions of coastal South Carolina, the cookbook features recipes for dishes such as red rice and crab cakes.
