The Truth About Stephen Colbert's Children: Did He Adopt A Child? An Inside Look At His Family Life

The widespread curiosity surrounding Stephen Colbert’s family life, particularly the question of whether he and his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, adopted a child, has persisted for years, especially as his fame has soared as the host of The Late Show. As of the current date, December 10, 2025, all available and verifiable public records indicate that Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee-Colbert have three children, all of whom are their biological children, and there is no evidence or public statement to suggest they have an adopted child.

The beloved comedian and political commentator is known for keeping his family relatively private, but details about his children—Madeleine, Peter, and John—have emerged over the years, painting a picture of a dedicated family man behind the late-night desk. The couple has been married for over 30 years, building their life and raising their family primarily in Montclair, New Jersey.

Stephen Colbert's Complete Family Profile and Biography

To fully understand the context of his family and personal life, a detailed biography of Stephen Colbert, a man known for his sharp wit and deep Catholic faith, is essential. This profile provides the key details of his life and career.

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• Full Name: Stephen Tyrone Colbert
• Date of Birth: May 13, 1964
• Place of Birth: Washington, D.C.
• Raised In: Charleston, South Carolina
• Parents: James William Colbert Jr. and Lorna Colbert
• Siblings: The youngest of 11 children, a detail he often references.
• Wife: Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert (Married 1993)
• Daughter: Madeleine Colbert (Born 1995)
• Sons: Peter Colbert (Born 1998) and John Colbert (Born 2002)
• Education: Porter-Gaud School, Hampden-Sydney College (transferred), Northwestern University (Theater Degree, 1986)
• Early Career: Second City comedy improv troupe in Chicago, *Exit 57*, *Strangers with Candy*
• Breakthrough Role: Correspondent on *The Daily Show* (1997–2005)
• Iconic Shows: Host of *The Colbert Report* (2005–2014) on Comedy Central and *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* (2015–Present) on CBS

The Three Colbert Children: Madeleine, Peter, and John

Stephen and Evelyn McGee-Colbert’s decision to keep their children out of the relentless media spotlight has been a conscious one, allowing them to grow up with a semblance of normalcy. However, as the children have reached adulthood, some details about their lives and their relationship with their famous father have been shared publicly.

1. Madeleine Colbert (Daughter, Born 1995)

Madeleine Colbert is the oldest child and the couple’s only daughter. She was born in 1995, during the early stages of her father’s career when he was still working on sketch comedy and before his rise to fame on *The Daily Show*. Madeleine has occasionally appeared with her father at public events, and she has pursued her own creative interests. She notably appeared in a 2017 episode of *The Late Show* alongside her father and mother.

2. Peter Colbert (Son, Born 1998)

Peter Colbert is the middle child, born in 1998. Like his siblings, Peter has been kept largely out of the public eye. Stephen Colbert has shared anecdotes over the years that touch on the challenges and joys of fatherhood, often weaving these personal stories into his comedy. The family’s commitment to their Catholic faith and their life in suburban New Jersey provided a grounding environment away from the New York City media frenzy.

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3. John Colbert (Son, Born 2002)

John Colbert is the youngest of the three children, born in 2002. His birth coincided with a period when Stephen Colbert's career was rapidly ascending toward the launch of *The Colbert Report*. The family dynamic, with three children spanning a seven-year age range, has been a central, private pillar of the comedian’s life. The family’s tight-knit nature was recently highlighted when Evelyn McGee-Colbert and Stephen co-authored the cookbook *Does This Taste Funny?* in 2024, offering a rare glimpse into their home life and shared passions.

The Origins of the Adoption Rumor and Family Privacy

The question "Did Stephen Colbert adopt a child?" often stems from the natural public curiosity surrounding the private lives of major celebrities, especially those who maintain a level of privacy about their family. In Colbert’s case, the lack of extensive, detailed information about his children’s early lives has likely fueled speculation.

However, the consistent reporting by reputable sources, including biographical sites and interviews, confirms that all three children were born to Stephen and Evelyn McGee-Colbert. There has never been a public announcement, interview, or news report from the family or their representatives suggesting an adoption. The Colbert family’s decision to protect their children’s privacy is the most probable reason for the limited information, which in turn leads to the kinds of speculative questions frequently searched online.

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It is important to note that Stephen Colbert himself is the youngest of a very large family, having grown up with 10 siblings. This experience of a large, bustling family environment may have shaped his own views on family, but he and Evelyn chose to raise a smaller, though still large by modern standards, family of three children.

Evelyn McGee-Colbert: The Woman Behind the Late Show Host

No discussion of Stephen Colbert’s family would be complete without highlighting his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, often affectionately called "Evie." Their relationship is a cornerstone of his public persona, as he frequently speaks about their enduring marriage and how they met.

The couple met in 1990 at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, a moment Colbert has described as love at first sight. They were married in 1993, two years before the birth of their first child, Madeleine. Evelyn McGee-Colbert is an actress and producer in her own right, and she is also a prominent figure in the New Jersey arts community. Her co-authorship of the 2024 cookbook, *Does This Taste Funny?*, further cemented her public presence alongside her famous husband, offering a new, intimate look at their life together.

Ultimately, while the question of adoption is a valid inquiry into the family's background, the evidence points firmly to the fact that Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee-Colbert are the biological parents of Madeleine, Peter, and John, and their focus remains on maintaining a private, supportive, and loving environment for their three adult children.