Late-night TV icon Stephen Colbert is taking an unexpected hiatus as he recovers from surgery for a ruptured appendix, a health setback that prompted the cancellation of this week’s episodes of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on CBS.
The beloved host shared the news with his audience via social media, injecting his trademark humor into the situation: “I’m sure you’re thinking, ‘Turkey overdose, Steve? Gravy boat capsize?’ Actually, I’m recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix,” he wrote.
He also expressed gratitude to his medical team and his family, stating, “I’m grateful to my doctors for their care and to Evie and the kids for putting up with me. Going forward, all emails to my appendix will be handled by my pancreas.”
A ruptured appendix, also known as a burst appendix, poses serious health risks as it releases infection into the abdomen, a condition referred to as peritonitis. Immediate surgical intervention is necessary to remove the appendix and cleanse the abdominal cavity, making Colbert’s recovery a priority.
The abrupt change in Colbert’s health has led to the cancellation of this week’s scheduled episodes. While there was no new show set for Monday night, the rest of the week’s lineup included notable guests like Jennifer Garner, director Baz Luhrmann, guitarist John Scofield, Patrick Stewart, Jon Batiste, Barbra Streisand, and Kelsey Grammer.
Stephen Colbert has been a fixture in the late-night talk show scene since 2015 when he took over as the host of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” on CBS. Prior to that, from 2005 to 2014, he earned widespread acclaim as the host of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”
The unexpected health episode serves as a reminder that even the most resilient entertainers face health challenges. Colbert’s ability to address his condition with humor and maintain a positive outlook has resonated with fans, who are undoubtedly wishing him a swift recovery.
As Colbert takes the necessary time to heal, fans eagerly await his return to the late-night stage, where his wit and charm have become a staple in the world of television comedy.
As Colbert takes a break to recover from a ruptured appendix, what are your favorite memories from “The Late Show”?
