Stephen Colbert Through The Years, From 'Second City' To 'Late Show' Appointment

Stephen Colbert Through Through The Years
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Television personality Stephen Colbert, winner of the Best Writing for a Variety Series Award and the Variety Series Award for 'The Colbert Report' attends HBO's Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Post Award Reception at The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Television personality Stephen Colbert, winner of the Best Writing for a Variety Series Award and the Variety Series Award for 'The Colbert Report' attends HBO's Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Post Award Reception at The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)

It’s official: Stephen Colbert will be replacing David Letterman on the “Late Show.

In honor of this accomplishment, let’s take a look back at some of the 49-year-old comedy legend’s career highlights -- from early commercial work to his current digs at “The Colbert Report.”

"Exit 57"
YouTube/Wolfgang Minneapolis
Back in the mid-90s you could catch Colbert on the sketch show "Exit 57." Though the show was short-lived, Colbert would again work with his "Exit 57" co-stars -- and fellow Second City Chicago teammates -- Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, Mitch Rouse on the show "Strangers With Candy."
"Strangers With Candy"
ASSOCIATED PRESS
"Strangers With Candy" ran for three seasons on Comedy Central from 1999 through 2000. The show was adapted to a film in 2005 and was co-produced by Worldwide Pants, the production company of Colbert's "Late Show" predecessor, David Letterman.
"Even Stevphen"
YouTube/Liviu U.
What would a look back at Colbert's past be without taking a trip to his time at "The Daily Show." While he made his mark on the show in many ways (so much so he got his own show following Jon Stewart), we're partial to his work with Steve Carrell. Do you think people knew at the time that both of these guys would eventually be comedy legends?
Mr. Goodwrench
YouTube/Dean H
Before Stephen Colbert was deriding General Motors on "The Colbert Report," he was the face of their Mr. Goodwrench campaign.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm"
YouTube/Philucipher
Ten years ago Colbert appeared on Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as an argumentative husband. The result is the stuff of every "Curb" and Colbert fan's dreams. (WARNING: This video does contain some mild language.)
White House Correspondents' Dinner
YouTube/OcularPolitics
This one's a long one, but it's totally worth it. Is there anything better than watching Colbert roast George W. Bush to his face?
"The Colbert Report"
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Though we'll miss "The Colbert Report," we're pretty sure Stephen will be awesome as the host of the "Late Show."

Before You Go

A Lively Discussion With Stephen Colbert And His Writers - 2013 New York Comedy Film Festival

Behind 'The Colbert Report'

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