Even in the recent months, fans have seen Stephen Colbert start off the late show with a somber message. That was the case following Donald Trump’s rally shooting. Stephen Colbert pre-recorded a message prior to the show, addressing the matter. He felt pain for the country and encouraged change.
Four years ago, The Late Show started off under similar circumstances. Stephen and Jon Batiste kicked things off by discussing Kobe Bryant’s death at the time. Stephen felt especially connected to the situation given that he had lost his brothers and father in a plane accident back in the ’70s.
Let’s recap how it all went down, and the fan reaction to The Late Show host showing his different side.
Stephen Colbert Showed His Emotional Side By Bringing Up His Dad And Brothers’ Deaths Following Kobe Bryant’s Plane Crash
Four years ago, in late January of 2020, Stephen Colbert opened up The Late Show with a different agenda. Fans are accustomed to seeing him standing up in front of the camera, reciting an epic monologue filled with sarcastic one-liners. However, in this instance, Stephen showed his serious side and remained seated at the desk, discussing Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s shocking passing at the time following the devastating plane crash.
Stephen Colbert struggled with depression and anxiety growing up.
Although Stephen never met Kobe and his family, he felt connected to them.
He said on The Late Show, “I feel a strange connection to… those who’ve gone through this particular tragedy, including not only the family and friends of Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant but also the families of John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan.”
Stephen went on to discuss his concern over helicopters not having black box recorders. The host says he was at least given a sense of closure following the death of his brothers and dad. Sadly, Kobe’s family could not have the same sense of relief.
“While nothing will possibly improve this tragedy, while nothing will take away this heartbreak and this pain from this family that will be living for this with the rest of their lives … [I hope] that perhaps someone could take action to make sure that there are some ways to record what is happening in these helicopters so that it doesn’t happen as often,”
The host continued, “To do nothing after helicopters go down like this and we lose greats like this, or we lose any person whose family is now in agony and in ignorance of what happened to their loved one, I think, is unconscionable.”
Stephen Colbert has a net worth of $75 million.
Stephen also revealed the personal details of losing his dad, James, and older brothers, Paul and Peter, in the 1970s. The plane crash happened due to heavy fog, Stephen bravely revealed to fans.
“I lost my father and two of my brothers when I was a boy to a plane crash that was also in heavy fog.”
Although it was a somber moment on The Late Show, fans showed an outpouring of love for the host. He can make fans laugh, but he can also make them cry with raw emotions from a devastating past.
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“To see Stephen like this with his pain, his sorrow, and his passion is something I will always respect and appreciate him as a human being.” |
“Why compound misery with mystery?” Colbert is absolutely right.” |
“Stephen not just honored Kobe and his daughter but the 7 other people lost in the crash. He said he never got the chance to meet Kobe but he certainly understands grief and the pain that the families of those who died will endure for the rest of their lives.” |
“Stephen understands too well how losing a father and sibling suddenly, violently can impact your family. Prayers for everyone who lost a loved one in this crash. I have been waiting for someone to mention the names of the other members of that flight. Pure class from Colbert.” |
“Those rare moments when Stephen makes me cry, rather than laugh. I love him even more for it. Ditto on recognition of the others who perished. Bless you, Stephen Colbert.” |
Jon Batiste also shared his experience with Kobe Bryant prior to Stephen Colbert’s emotional speech. Jon also received heavy praise from fans for displaying his genuine emotions about the tragedy, and what Kobemeant to him.
Stephen Colbert Had Anderson Cooper In Tears Discussing His Approach On His Dad And Brothers’ Passing
In this instance, Stephen Colbert was the one in the hot seat. Stephen was interviewed by Anderson Cooper. Anderson had to stop one of his questions and was holding back tears. Anderson asked Stephen how he was still able to see his dad and brothers’ death with gratitude. Stephen issued the perfect response back.
Anderson asks, “You told an interviewer that you have learned to, in your words, love the thing that I most wish had not happened. You went on to say, What punishments of God are not gifts? Do you really believe that?”
Anderson Cooper inherited $1.5 million following the passing of his mom, Gloria Vanderbilt.
The Late Show host responds, “Yes. It’s a gift to exist. And with existence comes suffering. There’s no escaping that. But if you are grateful for your life. Then you have to be grateful for all of it. And so, at a young age.”
“I suffered something so that by the time I was in serious relationships in my life with friends or with my wife or with my children, is that I have some understanding that everybody is suffering and however imperfectly.”
Stephen concluded with some deep words.
“I want to be the most human I can be, and that involves acknowledging and ultimately being grateful for the things that I wish didn’t happen because they gave me a gift.”
Stephen clearly overcame a lot of battles in his lifetime. His late father and brothers are definitely smiling from up above at his success.