Stephen Colbert, Pro-Vaccine Advocate, Halts Show Production on Doctor’s Advice
Late-night host Stephen Colbert recently announced he contracted COVID-19 for the second time, leading to a temporary halt in the filming of his CBS show, “The Late Show.”
Initially, he planned to record from his home while recovering. However, due to doctor’s orders, Colbert revealed that he would be taking the rest of the week off to rest and recuperate. He assured viewers that he was focused on delivering the high-quality, personalized talk show experience they’ve come to expect.
To aid in his recovery, Colbert humorously mentioned a mixture of Paxlovid (a COVID-19 treatment) and placing onions in his socks, a nod to fellow late-night host Jimmy Fallon. He shared an image of a get-well box featuring socks and onions along with his message. This candid update provided fans with a glimpse of Colbert’s resilience and sense of humor, even in the face of illness.
This isn’t the first time Colbert has battled COVID-19. He previously contracted the virus in April 2022, leading to the cancellation of several shows. Just a month later, he experienced symptoms consistent with a recurrence, prompting another production hiatus for “The Late Show.” These incidents underline the challenges even high-profile figures face in navigating the ongoing pandemic.
Colbert’s public stance in support of COVID-19 vaccination has been unwavering. He used his platform to present an “educational segment” called “The Vax-Scene,” where he creatively encouraged viewers to get vaccinated. This involved reworking iconic songs to promote the vaccine. For instance, he playfully modified the lyrics of the 1954 song “Mr. Sandman” to emphasize the importance of vaccination.
Furthermore, Colbert injected humor into the iconic “Tequila” dance from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” originally performed by Paul Reubens.