The Woman Who Saved Stephen Colbert: 7 Surprising Facts About His Wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert (Updated 2025)
Evelyn McGee-Colbert, often simply called Evie, is far more than just the wife of late-night host Stephen Colbert; she is a powerful force in her own right—a talented actress, a dedicated arts advocate, and, by her husband’s own admission, the woman who saved him from a terrible mistake. As of late 2025, the couple continues to be a fixture on the entertainment scene, recently turning heads with their glamorous appearances at high-profile events, showcasing a partnership that has successfully navigated the pressures of Hollywood for over three decades.
Their enduring marriage, which began in 1993, is the bedrock of Stephen Colbert’s public persona, a source of stability and humor that he frequently references on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. From organizing major film festivals to collaborating on a family cookbook, Evie’s life is a fascinating blend of Southern charm, theatrical training, and executive leadership, making her one of the most respected, yet private, figures in the entertainment industry today. This deep dive uncovers the most current and surprising facts about the woman behind the comedy legend.
Evelyn McGee-Colbert: A Complete Biography and Profile
Evelyn McGee-Colbert, known professionally as Evie, has maintained a multi-faceted career that spans acting, film advocacy, and executive leadership, all while raising a family with one of the most recognizable faces in television. Her profile is marked by a deep commitment to the arts, particularly in her home state of New Jersey.
- Full Name: Evelyn McGee-Colbert
- Nickname: Evie
- Date of Birth: July 29, 1963
- Birthplace: Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Education: University of Virginia (B.A.), Circle in the Square Theater School
- Occupation: Actress, Film Festival Executive/Advocate, Producer
- Spouse: Stephen Colbert (m. October 1993)
- Children: Three—Madeleine Colbert, Peter Colbert, and John Colbert
- Notable Film Role: Cameo as a Laketown Spy in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
- Key Role: President of the Board of Trustees for the Montclair Film Festival (now Montclair Film)
- Recent Activity (2024/2025): Organizing the 2024 Montclair Film Festival; Red Carpet Appearances at the 2025 Emmys and 2025 GQ Men of the Year event; Co-authoring the cookbook Does This Taste Funny?
1. The Fateful 'Southern Belle' Encounter That Changed Everything
The story of how Stephen and Evelyn met is the stuff of romantic comedy legend, a narrative Stephen Colbert has recounted numerous times, often with tearful emotion. The encounter took place in 1990 in their shared hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.
At the time, Stephen was facing a personal crisis. He had traveled home to seriously contemplate whether he should propose to his then-girlfriend. While at the Spoleto Festival U.S.A., waiting outside a showing of a musical, he spotted Evelyn across the lobby.
He was immediately struck by her, describing her as a "Southern belle" in a beautiful dress.
Stephen overheard a woman nearby say, "I wish I knew more people here," to which he quickly offered to introduce her to his friends. The woman turned out to be Evelyn.
They spent two hours talking on the steps of the theater, discovering they had grown up in the same area, knew the same people, and shared a deep connection.
In a twist of fate that he credits with changing his life, Stephen realized during that conversation that he was not meant to marry the other woman. He told his mother he had met his future wife, and they were married three years later in October 1993.
2. She is a Powerful Force in the Independent Film World
While Stephen Colbert is a titan of late-night television, Evie has carved out a significant, influential career in the world of independent film and arts advocacy. Her primary focus is on the Montclair Film Festival (MFF), a major cultural event in Montclair, New Jersey, where the couple resides.
Evelyn serves as the President of the Board of Trustees for the organization.
Her leadership is crucial to the festival's success, which is known for showcasing a diverse array of new films and hosting esteemed guests. In 2024, for example, she played a key role in organizing the festival, which featured over 120 films.
This work highlights her commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community and supporting filmmakers, cementing her status as a genuine executive and arts patron, not just a celebrity spouse. Her dedication to the MFF is one of the most current and important aspects of her professional life.
3. Evelyn's Acting Career Includes a Peter Jackson Blockbuster Cameo
Before focusing on her executive and advocacy roles, Evelyn trained as an actress. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the prestigious Circle in the Square Theater School, setting the stage for a career in performance.
While her credits are fewer than her husband’s, one stands out: a cameo role in the 2013 blockbuster film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Both she and Stephen Colbert are massive fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, and Stephen himself had a cameo as a Laketown Spy. Evie appeared alongside him, also as a spy, a fun nod to their shared passion and a unique entry on her resume.
She has also made numerous, often hilarious, cameo appearances on The Late Show, frequently joining her husband for sketches and interviews, especially during the pandemic-era shows filmed from their home.
4. She is a Co-Author of a Family Cookbook
In a recent and more personal venture, Stephen and Evie collaborated on a cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?
The book is a collection of their favorite recipes, rooted in their South Carolina heritage and the meals they share with their three children: Madeleine, Peter, and John.
The book’s concept grew out of their family life, where cooking together became a major source of entertainment and connection, particularly during the time they spent at home.
The cookbook offers a rare glimpse into the Colbert family's home life, showcasing Evie's role in maintaining their traditions and her own culinary flair. This project is a fresh piece of content and a testament to their strong, collaborative partnership.
5. The Couple Has Been Shining on the Red Carpet in 2025
Despite their long-standing career success, the Colberts maintain a relatively private family life. However, they have made several high-profile public appearances in late 2024 and 2025, providing a current update on their life together.
In November 2024, they stepped out together for the GQ Men of the Year event, where Stephen was noted for his 'new man' suave look, with Evie by his side.
More recently, they attended the 2025 Emmys red carpet. Evie and Stephen posed for the E! Glambot, with Stephen giving his wife a loving kiss—a moment that quickly went viral and highlighted the genuine affection between the two.
These appearances in 2025 confirm their status as one of Hollywood's most enduring and stylish power couples, with Evie's presence always garnering significant attention.
6. She is a Graduate of the University of Virginia
Evie’s background is one of intellectual and artistic rigor. She attended the University of Virginia, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree.
This academic foundation, combined with her specialized training at the Circle in the Square Theater School, provided the tools for her diverse career path, from acting on stage to her current executive role in film advocacy.
Her educational background reflects the deep-seated Southern intellectualism and arts appreciation she shares with Stephen, who also has a strong liberal arts background from his training at Northwestern University.
7. Evie is the Inspiration Behind Stephen’s Signature Emotional Moments
Stephen Colbert has often spoken candidly about the profound impact Evie has had on his life, particularly in helping him navigate the intense pressures of fame and the emotional toll of his past.
He has credited her with providing the support and stability necessary for his transition from the satirical character on The Colbert Report to the more authentic, emotional host of The Late Show.
Evie’s influence is frequently seen when Stephen breaks character to share a moment of genuine emotion or vulnerability. Their relationship is a key entity in understanding his career trajectory, as she is consistently described as his biggest supporter and collaborator.
Their collaborative spirit, whether on a red carpet, a family cookbook, or in supporting the arts, is the essence of their long-lasting partnership, proving that behind the comedy legend is an equally impressive and influential woman.
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