Stephen Colbert Addresses New Beard, Facial Hair

Stephen Colbert might officially be entering his Hobbit era in more ways than one.

The former Late Show host showed up to the 2026 Emmys looking noticeably scruffier than usual with a distinct, full goatee of gray hair. (See every star on the Emmys red carpet here.)

So, what’s the story behind the 62-year-old’s newfound fondness for facial hair?

“This is all A.I.” Colbert joked during an exclusive interview with E! News backstage at the Emmys inside Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. “This isn’t actually on my face. This could transform at any moment into a robot or something.”

The comedian even nicknamed his new look.

“This is a beard-bot,” he added. “I’ve got to deal with Michael Bay and Gillette.”

Jokes aside, Colbert was over the moon after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series months after The Late Show ended on CBS this past May after 33 years on TV.