Arts & Entertainment

Montclair's Stephen Colbert to Replace Letterman as 'Late Show' Host

Comedian signed a five-year contract to lead CBS show starting in 2015.

It was only a few months ago when Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon shared the stage at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Now the pair will soon go head-to-head on the two biggest late-night shows.

Colbert, who lives in Montclair, will replace David Letterman as host of the "Late Show" sometime next year, CBS announced Thursday.

The 49-year-old host, writer and executive producer of "The Colbert Report" signed a five-year contract with CBS.

"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."

When Letterman first announced his retirement last week, Los Angeles Eric Garcetti publicly asked CBS to move the popular program from New York to Los Angeles. No word on that, although New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio wasn't pleased with the invitation.

Colbert has hosted "The Colbert Report," which has earned two Peabody Awards and 27 Emmy nominations, since 2005.

"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," Colbert said in a statement. "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."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here