Stephen Colbert, the veteran talk show host known for his sharp wit and willingness to challenge those in power, receives an outpouring of support from Hollywood's biggest names as 'The Late Show' concludes its 11-year run. Many of Colbert's famous supporters are saluting the broadcaster for exercising his First Amendment right nightly on CBS, even if it may have cost him his position on the network.
Committee for the First Amendment Tribute
According to reports, the Committee for the First Amendment, a collective of artists in defence of 'free expression against repression, industry complicity, and intimidation,' creates a video compilation featuring its esteemed members ahead of Colbert's final show on May 21. Each member takes a line from the group's heartfelt send-off message.
'He called out CBS for paying off Trump. CBS canceled his show,' begins 'West Side Story' actress Ariana DeBose in the tribute video. 'For over a decade on 'The Late Show', Stephen has used humour to bring us joy while holding power accountable,' continues 'Community' actress Yvette Nicole Brown.
'He has made us laugh, and he has never flinched,' adds Jane Fonda, founder of Committee for the First Amendment. Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo says he misses Colbert, but more so, 'I'm disturbed by what it means that he'll be gone.'
Actress Sally Field points out, 'authoritarians need to get rid of those voices, voices of the people.' According to the Committee, Colbert is not the first to suffer the consequences of speaking his mind freely. 'Jimmy Kimmel suspended. NPR defunded. The AP, 'The View', and now, 'The Wall Street Journal' sued, threatened, pressured,' they state in the video.
Politicians Join Tributes
In the hours before Colbert's 1800th and final show, politicians also join the conversation. 'There aren't many who can make people think and laugh at the same time,' former president Joe Biden writes in an Instagram post. 'For years, Stephen brings wit, heart, and honesty to late night television. America can always count on a laugh and sometimes a needed reality check.'
Hillary Clinton, three-time 'Late Show' guest, highlights Colbert's 'deep thoughtfulness, empathy, and humility' in addition to 'his great wit' in her own Instagram tribute. 'Here's to a next chapter as brilliant as the last,' she writes.
Committee Vows to Continue Legacy
As the late night host exits after 11 years on air, the committee of actors, directors, comedians, and journalists vow to carry on 'the torch Stephen has held so high.' 'You stood up courageously, even when it cost you something,' the video concludes. 'That courage is contagious. And we won't stop fighting.'
CBS has said that the Colbert cancellation is 'purely a financial decision,' though the timing and circumstances surrounding the show's conclusion spark significant conversation about free speech and corporate accountability in media.
