NEWSStephen Colbert Looks Unrecognizable in Rare Appearance
Stephen Colbert debuted a new unrecognizable look on Instagram.
Aug. 27 2026, Updated 8:11 a.m. ET
Stephen Colbert looks pretty unrecognizable in his latest rare appearance.
In a clip he shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the former late-night host donned a white beard as he urged fans to cast their ballots for Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the Outstanding Variety Series category at the upcoming Emmy Awards, even though his own canceled show is among the nominees.
Stephen Colbert Debuted His Bearded Look Last Week
Stephen Colbert debuted his latest bearded look in an Instagram video.
Though he mostly preferred staying clean-shaven previously, Colbert actually debuted his bearded look last week at the Television Critics Association Awards.
At the ceremony, the former talk-show host accepted the award for Outstanding Achievement in Variety, Talk or Sketch on behalf of The Late Show, as well as his own TCA Career Achievement Award.
His Career Achievement Award makes him the third late-night host to have received the award, placing him among other late-night legends like Johnny Carson and David Letterman.
Colbert's 'The Late Show' Has 9 Emmy Nods
Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' earned nine Emmy nods in 2026.
“Oh, hi. Stephen Colbert here at the end of the world,” he said in the video, perched at an overlook with the ocean stretching out behind him.
“You know, there’s 24 hours left in Emmy voting, and if you’re anything like me, you haven’t even started yet. So let’s get going. First up, we have, oh, Outstanding Variety Series,” he added.
The Late Show itself scored nine Emmy nods - including one for the Outstanding Variety Series - which are the most of his 11-year tenure behind the desk.
Colbert Urged Fans to Vote For 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
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Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' earned an Emmy nod for Outstanding Variety Series.
Noting that the Emmys have “kind of a weird voting system this year,” Colbert continued in his clip, “But, you know, I think we can all agree that Jimmy Kimmel deserves an Emmy. I don’t care if you’ve never even seen his show. You know he deserves an Emmy.”
Colbert went on to flash a photo of Kimmel on his tablet, adding, “Besides, look how cute he is.”
Stephen Colbert urged fans to vote for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' at this year's Emmys.
He then concluded, “Anyway, please consider thinking that Jimmy deserves an Emmy. I do. I love you.”
While this year's nominees have a little head-to-head competition for Outstanding Variety Series, any nominee receiving at least 90% "yes" votes will take home the award.
Kimmel Backed Colbert Up During Emmys 2025
Jimmy Kimmel showed his support for Stephen Colbert after CBS canceled 'The Late Show.'
Last year, when CBS announced it would cancel The Late Show (a decision some linked to political pressure from Donald Trump), Kimmel backed Colbert during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards race.
As reported by Variety, "The official Emmys FYC ad for Jimmy Kimmel Live! says 'I'm voting for Stephen' after CBS canceled #TheLateShow and Stephen Colbert."
In fact, when Colbert confirmed that Paramount was axing The Late Show, Kimmel wrote on Instagram, “Love you Stephen,” adding, “F--- you and all your Sheldons CBS.”
