CBS has just announced Stephen Colbert as David Letterman‘s successor as host of the “Late Show.”
The network clearly didn’t wast any time in making the announcement since Letterman’s own announcement he would retire next year, just one week ago.
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” CBS Chairman and CEO Les Moonves said in a statement Thursday. “David Letterman’s legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today’s announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night.”
Following the announcement, Colbert releases his own statement regarding his new gig.
“Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career. I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead. I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”
In case you’re wondering, Colbert, 49, is the writer, producer and host of The Colbert Report on Comedy Central.
As per the network, “Comedy Central is proud that the incredibly talented Stephen Colbert has been part of our family for nearly two decades. We look forward to the next eight months of the ground-breaking ‘Colbert Report’ and wish Stephen the very best.”
Colbert has not only earned several Emmy Award nominations and wins for the show he’s appeared on “The Dana Carvey Show,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” has written for “Saturday Night Live” and voiced characters in the films “Mr. Peabody and Sherman” and “Monsters vs. Aliens.”
Congrats Stephen Colbert!
(Photo: Scott Gries/PictureGroup/CBS)
