John Lithgow is showering praises on Stephen Colbert in the new episode of The Late Show. The veteran actor had some warm words for the host ahead of the conclusion of the talk show in May 2026.
John Lithgow calls Stephen Colbert a ‘beloved national treasure’
John Lithgow dedicated a poem to Stephen Colbert months before the end of The Late Show. The Harry Potter star began, “It’s called. The Mighty Colbert.” He recites, “The time has arrived for us all to prepare for the doleful departure of Stephen Colbert. How will we last in the gaping black hole that’s left in the absence of his merry soul?”
Lithgow added, “For a decade of late-night and nine years before of satirical japes on The Colbert Report.” He continued, ” We’ve been lavished with laughter for twenty straight years from the genius between Stephen’s two mismatched ears.”
These lines ended up leaving Lithgow, and Colbert chuckled. Lithgow also said, “Why does his exit stir up such despair?” He also said, “What mysterious magic imbues late night’s air? Stephen’s wit is the source of his lunatic art. His intelligence, wisdom, compassion, and heart.” The 80-year-old continued, “These are the virtues that bring out the best in even his gravest, most humorless guest.”
The father of three further stated, “His monologues, though with their slaphappy quirks have clearly been Stephen’s sublime masterworks. Each one is a targeted rotten tomato bookended by music from Batiste and Cato. ” Additionally, Lithgow asked why Colbert is canceled. Why Trash all that pleasure? Why yank off the air this beloved national treasure? Stephen’s tale is a lesson for all who come after.”
Moreover, he warned everyone against the “boss with thin skin and no laughter.” The Golden Globe award winner further said, “But don’t mourn for Stephen. He’s going to be fine. He’ll only get better, like aging fine wine. Lithgow concluded, “With a talent so rich and discernment so rare, there’s much more to come from the mighty Colbert.”
Originally reported by Ritika Singh on ComingSoon.
