Robert De Niro and A-List Legends Surprise Stephen Colbert in an Unforgettable Late Show Event
The atmosphere was electric on the second-to-last episode of The Late Show on Wednesday, May 20, as host Stephen Colbert turned the tables on himself. In a breathtaking display of industry respect and comedic timing, Colbert didn’t just close out his tenure; he did it surrounded by some of the biggest names in entertainment, including the legendary Robert De Niro.
The Ultimate ‘Colbert Questionert’
For years, Colbert has used his signature “Colbert Questionert” to grill his guests with a series of quirky, revealing questions. However, in a twist of fate, the host found himself in the guest chair, facing a relentless parade of celebrity interrogators.
The segment featured a staggering lineup of cameos, with stars appearing one after another to ask Colbert a single question. The star-studded guest list included:
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- Robert De Niro
- Billy Crystal
- “Weird Al” Yankovic
- Josh Brolin
- Martha Stewart
- Mark Hamill
- Ben Stiller
- Aubrey Plaza
- James Taylor and many more.
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Introduced by former CBS Evening News anchor John Dickerson, the celebrities didn’t just ask questions; they brought their own signature flair to the stage. Billy Crystal joked about “looking for something to take” from the set, while a pregnant Aubrey Plaza delivered a hilarious quip about her water breaking backstage, insisting she still had a couple of hours to make her appearance.
Heartfelt Revelations and Personal Moments
Between the laughs, the episode offered a rare, intimate look at the man behind the monologue. When asked about his favourite things, Colbert revealed his culinary preferences: pastrami on rye for most of the year, but a classic tomato sandwich on white bread during the Canadian and American summers.
The emotional peak of the night arrived when Colbert’s wife, Evelyn McGee, stepped onto the stage. When she asked him to name his favourite smell, Colbert’s answer was a touching tribute to her, specifically the rose-scented lotion she wears when they prepare for an evening out.
A Political Punchline and a Rock Legend
The evening wasn’t complete without a powerful musical performance. Bruce Springsteen took the stage, adding a layer of political commentary to the festivities. Springsteen noted that he was there to support Colbert, jokingly suggesting that the host was the first person in America to lose a show because of a president who “can’t take a joke.”
Closing Thoughts on a Legacy
As the show neared its end, Dickerson asked Colbert to describe the rest of his life in just five words. His simple, poignant response—“My family, my friends, fun”—perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.
With the series finale scheduled for May 21, fans are left wondering who else from the A-list circle will make an appearance to bid farewell to one of late-night’s most influential voices.
