The friendship between Stephen Colbert and George Clooney has become one of the most memorable relationships in modern late-night television. Over the course of a decade, the Emmy-winning host and the Oscar-winning actor built a connection based on humor, political discussions, philanthropy, and genuine mutual respect.
Their story began on September 8, 2015, when George Clooney became the very first guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, helping launch a new era following David Letterman’s retirement. More than ten years later, as The Late Show prepares to conclude its historic run in 2026, Clooney has once again found himself at the center of Colbert’s story by celebrating the host’s extraordinary legacy.
If you’re searching for Stephen Colbert and George Clooney interviews, their friendship, their funniest moments, the Biden controversy, or whether Clooney will appear on Colbert’s final show, here’s the complete 2026 guide.
George Clooney Became Stephen Colbert’s First-Ever Late Show Guest
When Stephen Colbert officially took over The Late Show on CBS after David Letterman retired, expectations were incredibly high.
To launch his new chapter, Colbert needed a guest who symbolized Hollywood, intelligence, and charisma.
He chose George Clooney.
The decision was especially meaningful because Clooney had also appeared among David Letterman’s final guests before Letterman ended his legendary run in May 2015. By opening Colbert’s version of The Late Show, Clooney became the perfect bridge between two generations of late-night television.
Colbert proudly announced the booking on social media:
“My first-ever guest will be George Clooney.”
The debut episode featured:
- George Clooney
- Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush
- Music from Jon Batiste and Stay Human
During their first interview, Clooney joked about his recent marriage to internationally renowned human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin.
When Colbert playfully referred to himself as the actor’s “arm candy,” Clooney responded:
“They said it wouldn’t last.”
The audience erupted in laughter.
Colbert then surprised Clooney with a humorous delayed wedding gift—a Tiffany’s box containing an engraved paperweight reading:
“I don’t know you.”
The running joke suggested they were pretending not to know each other despite instantly displaying remarkable chemistry.
That first interview established everything audiences would come to love about their relationship: self-deprecating humor, effortless conversation, and sharp political wit.
The Most Memorable Stephen Colbert and George Clooney Moments
Over more than a decade, George Clooney returned to The Late Show numerous times, becoming one of Stephen Colbert’s most frequent Hollywood guests.
Nearly every appearance generated viral clips and memorable television moments.
Ticket to Paradise (2022)
While promoting Ticket to Paradise alongside Julia Roberts, Clooney joked with Colbert about repeatedly being voted the world’s most handsome man.
The conversation eventually turned toward his long-running playful rivalry with Brad Pitt, with Clooney humorously suggesting they could both agree that George deserved the title.
The Colbert Questionert
One of Colbert’s most beloved recurring segments is The Colbert Questionert, where guests answer quirky personal questions.
Among the most talked-about exchanges came when Colbert asked Clooney whether Die Hard should be considered a Christmas movie.
Without hesitation, Clooney answered:
“No.”
The clip quickly became one of the most viewed interviews on The Late Show’s YouTube channel.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice
Not every appearance centered on comedy.
During a 2022 interview, Clooney discussed the work of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, including the inaugural Albie Awards, which recognize journalists, activists, and defenders of human rights around the world.
The discussion highlighted the causes Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney have championed for years, including freedom of the press and international justice.
The Batman Nipple Joke
Perhaps no topic generated more laughs than Clooney’s infamous role in Batman & Robin (1997).
Colbert repeatedly teased the actor about the movie’s famous Batsuit complete with molded nipples, affectionately calling him:
“Nipple man protecting Gotham.”
Rather than avoiding the joke, Clooney embraced it every time, proving why he remains one of Hollywood’s most likable and self-aware stars.
Stephen Colbert Defended George Clooney During the Biden Op-Ed Controversy
One of the biggest tests of their public friendship came during the heated political atmosphere of 2024.
In July of that year, George Clooney published a widely discussed New York Times opinion piece urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, arguing that Biden’s performance had raised concerns about his ability to continue campaigning.
The White House quickly responded by suggesting Clooney had left a Hollywood fundraiser early, implying the president had more stamina than critics claimed.
During his opening monologue on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert defended Clooney while still delivering one of his trademark jokes.
He quipped:
“Most people would leave early too if they knew they were going home with George Clooney. Plus, George Clooney is really busy. He’s out protecting Gotham as nipple man.”
The audience laughed, but the message was clear.
Colbert publicly supported his longtime friend while maintaining the show’s trademark combination of satire and political commentary.
The moment reinforced the idea that their relationship extends well beyond celebrity interviews and reflects shared values and mutual loyalty.
George Clooney Honors Stephen Colbert’s Legacy as The Late Show Ends
In 2026, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would conclude after 11 successful seasons, making Colbert’s farewell one of the biggest television stories of the year.
As preparations began for the show’s final episodes leading to May 15, 2026, George Clooney became one of the earliest celebrities to publicly celebrate Colbert’s career.
During an Associated Press interview in New York on May 6, 2026, a reporter reminded Clooney that he had been Colbert’s very first guest.
Clooney smiled before responding:
“That’s right. He’s been speaking out for a long time. He’s a good man. He’s a decent man. I’m excited about his next chapter because he’s done really extraordinary work.”
The heartfelt tribute reflected the respect Clooney has maintained for Colbert throughout their decade-long friendship.
Other celebrities including Jon Hamm, Common, Andy Serkis, and Chris Perfetti also praised Colbert’s influence on late-night television.
Jon Hamm even suggested that political attempts to silence comedians such as Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel had only increased their cultural relevance.
For many fans, Clooney’s comments created a poetic full-circle moment.
The first guest had become one of the first voices honoring the final chapter of Colbert’s remarkable television journey.
Why Stephen Colbert and George Clooney’s Friendship Has Lasted More Than a Decade
Many celebrity friendships fade over time.
The relationship between Colbert and Clooney has remained remarkably consistent because it is built on several shared qualities.
Shared Values
Both men have long supported humanitarian causes and spoken openly about politics.
Clooney has devoted significant work to issues including Darfur, human rights, and press freedom, while Colbert has become one of America’s most influential political satirists.
A Shared Sense of Humor
Neither celebrity takes himself too seriously.
Clooney happily laughs about his failed Batman movie and his reputation as Hollywood’s handsome leading man.
Colbert regularly pokes fun at his own awkwardness and inability to appear effortlessly cool.
That willingness to laugh at themselves makes every interview feel authentic rather than promotional.
Respect for Each Other’s Work
Colbert clearly admires Clooney not only as an actor but also as an accomplished director and Academy Award winner behind films such as Syriana and Argo.
Likewise, Clooney has repeatedly praised Colbert’s intelligence, integrity, and ability to balance comedy with thoughtful political commentary.
A Shared Television History
Their friendship also represents an important chapter in CBS history.
Clooney helped close the David Letterman era before helping launch Stephen Colbert’s.
Very few guests have been present during such significant moments in late-night television history.
Will George Clooney Be Stephen Colbert’s Final Guest?
As The Late Show with Stephen Colbert approaches its final episode in 2026, one question continues to dominate fan discussions:
Will George Clooney become Colbert’s final guest just as he was his first?
CBS has not officially confirmed the lineup for the final episode, and no announcement has been made regarding the last guest. However, industry speculation has frequently mentioned Clooney alongside other notable names such as Jon Stewart, Julia Roberts, and Joe Biden as possible farewell guests.
If Clooney were to close the series, it would provide a symbolic bookend to Colbert’s entire tenure—beginning and ending with the same Hollywood friend who helped define the show’s identity.
Whether or not that ultimately happens, the bond between Stephen Colbert and George Clooney has already secured its place in television history. From the unforgettable premiere on September 8, 2015, to heartfelt tributes during Colbert’s final season, their decade-long friendship has delivered laughter, meaningful conversations, political insight, and countless unforgettable moments.
As The Late Show prepares to take its final bow, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Stephen Colbert cannot be fully told without George Clooney, just as one of George Clooney’s most memorable late-night partnerships will always be with Stephen Colbert.
