Oprah Winfrey Gives Heartfelt Thanks to Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show”
On Tuesday, Oprah Winfrey expressed her gratitude towards Stephen Colbert during a special segment on “The Late Show.” As they exchanged seats, she offered an emotional “thank you” for the laughter Colbert has brought into many lives.
“I just want to say thank you so much,” she said, taking a moment in Colbert’s chair. “He’s given us a space to find joy and has been a part of our lives, hasn’t he?”
It’s worth noting that Colbert’s tenure as host is coming to an end, with CBS announcing that his show will wrap up in 2025, officially concluding by mid-May.
The audience, energized by their interaction, started chanting “Steven” in unison.
Winfrey also acknowledged Colbert for stepping away from his usual role to engage in this meaningful conversation, telling him how proud she is of him. “I really had to come back to say goodbye and to remind you that I’m proud of you,” she emphasized.
In a lighthearted moment, when Winfrey took on the role of interviewer, she asked Colbert if there was anything he wanted to release as he steps away from hosting duties. His response was reflective. “I don’t want to let go of anything just yet,” he said, “because I’m still holding on to all these amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years, including everyone here.”
Winfrey took a moment to celebrate the audience, calling them a “mirror” reflecting shared experiences. She reminisced about her early days in broadcasting, sharing a story about her first show “AM Chicago,” which was shaped by the audience’s presence. “Back then, we had only twelve chairs! I had to run out into the streets to invite people in. The audience plays such an important role in our connection,” she shared with fondness.
Colbert agreed wholeheartedly, noting that the audience empowers him to express his genuine feelings. “Honestly,” he said, “I really rely on the audience to help me articulate what’s truly on my mind.” He added that sometimes, even in professional settings, having people around can influence what he decides to say.
Several guests also took the opportunity to commend Colbert before the finale of his show. The final episode of “The Late Show” is set to air on May 21, after which Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” will take over the time slot.
