Stephen Colbert

Yeah, there's a confessional aspect to wearing a mask.

You know, the same reason why it's easier to confess behind a screen to a priest than face to face.

And so by the character was a 10 year confession, perhaps of, you know, indulging ego and appetite through the through the person of this character.

Then you go on stage as yourself and you're responsible for everything you say.

And there's a natural I think there's a natural inclination to pull your punch.

Because you have to be responsible for what you're saying.

You cannot hide behind the mask.

And also that if you talk about politics all the time, well, isn't that what that other guy did?

Why would I – or talk about the news all the time.

Well, isn't that what – then how am I changing in any way?

And it took me – oh, gosh.

I would say it took me almost half a year to realize that those two aren't mutually exclusive.

That you can have a highly opinionated, highly topical show as yourself and not essentially –

fall back into the basket of the Colbert report and now I have no qualms about being sharp and satirical and highly opinionated and saying whatever is on my mind as quickly as I can.

and not worrying about that I'm playing the same game.

I know I'm not playing the same game.

But it took me a little while to realize that the character was not in danger of reemerging.

Yeah, me too.

It's much more enjoyable.

And the audience enjoys it.