Comedian returns to TV after hiatus
Stephen Colbert is returning to late-night television tonight after a brief hiatus. Fans will be happy to hear that “The Colbert Report” is going back to its regular schedule this week.
Taping of “The Colbert Report” was suspended last week due to the ailing health of Stephen Colbert’s 91-year-old mother. The TV host reportedly halted the show to travel to Charleston, South Carolina to visit his mother, Lorna. Colbert. Stephen, the youngest of 11 children, lost his father, James William Colbert Jr., and two of his brothers Peter and Paul in a plane crash in 1974.
An email was sent to audience members of “The Colbert Report” last Wednesday and Thursday saying the shows had been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Comedy Central aired reruns of the show both nights (the show is not aired on Fridays).
Colbert has not officially commented on the situation, but he thanked his fans for their support on Twitter. “My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers,” the star tweeted, “We are grateful and touched by your concern.” He is expected to address the absence on tonight’s show.
The actor is reported to resume taping the late-night comedy show tonight with Ann Patchett, author and owner of Parnassus Books. Patchett will discuss independent book stores. Tuesday’s guest will be adviser to the Mitt Romney Campaign and author of “The World America Made,” Robert Kagen. Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of the House of Representatives, is scheduled to appear on Wednesday’s episode. Pelosi recently played a prank on Stephen Colbert, placing a satirical political ad on YouTube attacking his super PAC. Opera star Placido Domingo will appear on Thursday.
Colbert is most well known as the host of “The Colbert Report,” a parody of political opinion and news broadcasts. Colbert hosts the show in character as an extremely right-wing pundit. The show is one of Comedy Central’s highest rated series and has earned the comedian three Emmy Award nominations. In 2006 Colbert was named on the Time’s 100 most influential people. Colbert’s satirical book, “I Am America (And So Can You!),” made the New York Times Bestseller List.
Tune in to Comedy Central tonight at 11:00 for a new episode.
