While Colbert the character may be gone, Stephen Colbert, the man, lives on, and so do his fandom interests. Take a look back at Colbert’s best moments in fandom!
Last night the world bid farewell to The Colbert Report. While we will miss his topical commentary on world news and especially his coverage of the upcoming 2016 election, perhaps we will miss his inner geek the most. For years Stephen Colbert has made it known that when it comes to Lord of the Rings knowledge, not many can surpass him. The Colbert Report has hosted guests from the movies, and even had an entire week dedicated to The Hobbit in 2012. While his interests lie mostly in the Shire, Colbert also appreciates a good bit of musical theater, another franchise by the name of Star Wars, and television series about drug dealers.
Take a look back at The Colbert Report‘s geekiest moments!
1. Aragorn entices Colbert to run for President
Way back in 2007, Stephen Colbert asked for a sign that would prove once and for all that Stephen Colbert should throw his name into the 2008 Presidential race. Who better to show up than Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) to present Colbert with a replica of Anduril, the sword of King Elessar. While Stephen brushes off the question of whether to run or not, he does ask the audience to keep their eyes out for more signs and to write in letters. He did just receive a pretty great letter opener.
2. ‘Breaking’ Vince Gilligan
Like most fans of Breaking Bad, Colbert wanted more Jesse, Walt, and those magic blue crystals. In an interview with Vince Gilligan, Colbert asks the hard questions, such as, “Why stop? Are you allergic to cash?” Colbert is known for poking fun at creators, actors, and politicians, but his interview with Vince Gilligan is sincere and very telling of his invested interest in Walter White and Breaking Bad. For those of you who have not seen Breaking Bad, this interview is full of spoilers, but Colbert does suggest watching a video of a goat taking a bath for the first time to get you through those moments!
At the end of The Report Gilligan is chained up in Colbert’s sprinkler room where he will remain until he comes up with more to the series. (Spoilers!)
3. From Sondheim to ‘Company’
The Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim visits The Colbert Report and gives a glimpse into his life with the Hammerstein family, and gets a bit of criticism for his lyrics in West Side Story and A Little Night Music. Where are the clowns, Sondheim? Beyond the studio session with Sondheim, the next year Colbert would perform in the Lincoln Center production of Sondheim’s Company with Neil Patrick Harris in the lead role and a smattering of stars including, Patti LuPone, Anika Noni Rose, Jon Cryer, and Christina Hendricks.
Watch Colbert’s performance of “Sorry/Grateful” here:
4. ‘The Pundit: Or Colbert and Back Again’ (Hobbit Week 2012)
The most elaborate of Colbert fandom expression came in 2012 ahead of the first Hobbit movie. The studio was transformed into the Shire, the opening title sequence had a map of New York City set to reflect “Middle America,” and even a few props from the movie set. In the opening to the week, Colbert addresses his former middle school self, saying, “Buddy, just hang in there for another 35 years.” As “King Geek” of Tolkien lore, Colbert’s guests during the week included Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, and Peter Jackson.
But far beyond 2012, Colbert found himself on the cover of Entertainment Weekly dressed as Legolas, Gandalf, and Bilbo to promote the final movie and the ending to his show. Luckily, the real Stephen Colbert cares as much about Tolkien as the character and we will not be cut off entirely from Colbert’s appreciation for long.
Watch the Hobbit week line up here!
5. Yeah, sure ‘Happy Feet 2’
When you have Frodo sitting right in front of you, how can you be expected to talk about Happy Feet 2? Colbert did manage to get through a few penguin related questions in his 2011 interview with Elijah Wood, but ultimately the two brought out stings from the movie and had a bit of duel. But not too crazy, after all, they are valuable props. Wood started talking about his time back on The Hobbit set, but Colbert had to cut him off with questions because he was not allowed to speak about his own visit.
6. ‘Any Padawan knows that’
The new Star Wars trailer premiered over Thanksgiving and sent fans into a tizzy. But not everyone was a fan of the new lightsaber with metal hilts and two extra beams. Well, Colbert explains that the lightsaber actually makes perfect sense and he should know, as he is the original Star Wars fan. Having seen the first movie two weeks prior to its wide release, Colbert’s fascination with heavily breathing men in masks and Jedis began. And for those who cannot seem to understand how awesome the new lightsaber is, he will give you two weeks to catch up!
Watch Colbert break down the science of the lightsaber here!
7. Smaug pays Colbert a visit
Back once more to the Tolkien universe, Colbert was paid a special visit by Smaug for one of his final interview segments. Along with a clip from the movie, Colbert and Smaug poke fun at the motion capture process and the ultimate fate of the dragon in the book. (Spoiler alert: Smaug has not read The Hobbit.) Jackson’s CGI team and Benedict Cumberbatch came together to make the segment a reality for the host’s final weeks on air. What resulted was a comedic blend of dragon trash talking, Sherlock smashing, and a lesson in pronunciation of the fire drake of the Third Age’s name.
Watch the interview with Smaug here!
Stephen Colbert will take over The Late Show in 2015.