Stephen Colbert, the celebrated host of CBS’s “The Late Show,” is currently recuperating from an emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. This unexpected health issue has led to the temporary halting of the show’s production this week. The news broke via a light-hearted statement from Colbert himself, shared on the show’s official social media, where he humorously attributed the break to a possible “Turkey overdose” or a “Gravy boat capsize.”
Colbert, aged 59, humorously assured fans of his recovery and thanked his medical team, along with his family, for their support during this time. He even quipped about his appendix in his typical style, stating that future correspondence to it would be redirected to his pancreas. The specifics regarding the timing of his illness, the surgery, and his current condition weren’t disclosed, and further details were not immediately available from his representatives.
This interruption is the second major disruption to “The Late Show’s” schedule since its return to broadcast in early October, following a hiatus due to a strike by the Writers Guild of America. Previously, Colbert had conducted one episode from his home after testing positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of the week’s remaining episodes.
The show, which is known for its engaging guest lineup and is filmed in front of a live audience at Manhattan’s Ed Sullivan Theater, had an impressive list of celebrities scheduled for this week. The roster included names like Jennifer Garner, Baz Luhrmann, Jon Batiste, Patrick Stewart, Barbra Streisand, and Kelsey Grammer. These cancellations come as a disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting these appearances.
Stephen Colbert has established himself as a leading figure in late-night television, consistently drawing the highest viewership in his segment for several years. His absence from “The Late Show” is felt deeply by viewers who tune in for his unique blend of humor, insight, and political satire.
As fans and the entertainment community wish Colbert a speedy recovery, the show’s production team is likely working on adjustments to their schedule and future episodes. Colbert’s health and well-being remain the top priority, and viewers are hopeful for his swift return to the late-night scene, where his presence has become an integral part of their nightly routine.
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