Stephen Colbert Releases New Cookbook for His Birthday

Family cooking together in a cozy kitchen

News Summary

Stephen Colbert, the popular television host, recently celebrated his 61st birthday by launching a new cookbook titled ‘Does This Taste Funny?’. Co-authored with his wife, the book shares family recipes infused with humor and personal stories from their culinary adventures, especially during the pandemic. Reflecting Colbert’s South Carolina roots, the cookbook offers traditional coastal dishes and aims to engage readers in both cooking and laughter.

Washington, D.C. – Celebrated television host Stephen Colbert marked his 61st birthday on May 13, 2025, with the release of a new cookbook titled Does This Taste Funny?. The cookbook, which Colbert co-authored with his wife, Evie McGee-Colbert, highlights their shared passion for cooking and features a collection of family recipes alongside humorous anecdotes related to their culinary experiences.

Colbert, who has been a prominent figure in American entertainment for nearly two decades, is currently best known for hosting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a position he has held since 2015 after gaining fame as the host of The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014. The comedian’s vibrant career has included various performances, including his time with a Rolling Stones cover band, and he is recognized for his satirical portrayal of a cable news pundit.

The couple’s new cookbook emerged from their time at home during the pandemic, as they rediscovered their love for cooking while spending time together on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina. The cookbook is not just a collection of recipes; it aims to provide an engaging experience for readers by combining culinary instructions with funny stories that reflect their private family life.

Does This Taste Funny? includes traditional coastal South Carolina dishes, influenced by the area’s culinary heritage and West African flavors. The cookbook was dedicated to Evie’s late mother, Patti McGee, who passed away in November 2022, making it a heartfelt tribute as well. The book is designed to be interactive, allowing readers to savor both the food and the humor that comes with culinary adventures.

Stephen Colbert’s roots in South Carolina are well-documented and have been a recurring theme throughout his career. He was born in Washington, D.C., but raised on James Island, South Carolina, where he attended Porter-Gaud School. It was during these formative years that he began his journey into performance and theater, showcasing his natural talent for entertainment.

The couple has been married for 30 years and has three adult children: Madeleine (28), Peter (26), and John (22). Throughout the years, Colbert has referenced his Southern upbringing in various interviews and shows, often blending personal experiences with comedy.

Some entertaining stories in the cookbook allude to humorous disputes Colbert and McGee-Colbert had early in their marriage, specifically regarding cooking methods involving a metal spoon and non-stick cookware. These personal anecdotes not only add charm to the book but also serve to deepen the connection with readers who appreciate the complexity and joy of cooking as a shared experience.

Colbert’s father, James Colbert, was a notable figure in South Carolina’s academic landscape, serving as the first vice president of academic affairs at the Medical University of South Carolina before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1974. This connection to South Carolina heritage also plays a significant role in both Colbert’s life and his work, including the recipes featured in the new cookbook.

In addition to his entertainment career and culinary endeavors, Colbert has made contributions to community events, notably participating in a gathering in Charleston aimed at healing following the 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting. His engagement with the community reflects a commitment to social issues that resonate with many of his fans.

Overall, Does This Taste Funny? is a celebration of family, food, and humor, encapsulating the essence of the Colbert family’s journey through cooking and the laughter shared along the way. As Colbert continues to entertain audiences with his sharp wit on television, this cookbook adds another layer to his legacy, inviting readers to engage in the love and laughter that cooking brings into families.