Gina Heslop
Amy Cole, a beloved member of Stephen Colbert’s team, passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 53. She had been a part of Colbert’s show for many years, working behind the scenes and building strong bonds with the cast and crew. On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Stephen paid tribute to his late friend, making the end of the show an emotional and heartfelt moment.
At the end of the show, a title card appeared on the screen with a picture of Amy and the words, “Dedicated to our dear friend Amy Cole, 1970–2024.” This dedication marked the moment when the audience and viewers at home realized how much Amy meant to Stephen and the rest of the staff.
According to reports, the atmosphere in the studio that night was different from the usual light-hearted and humorous tone of the show. Audience members noticed the shift when Stephen, who usually interacts with the crowd, asked them to stop cheering. As the show came to an end, Stephen announced with a smile, “That’s all for the Late Show.” He seemed to be holding back his emotions as he wished everyone “good night” and quietly left the stage. The studio audience, unaware of Amy’s passing, didn’t understand why Stephen left so suddenly.
After the show, many of Stephen’s coworkers took to social media to share their grief and honor Amy’s memory. Writers and producers who had worked with Amy described her as a source of joy and positivity. Brian Stack, a writer on the show, expressed his deep admiration for her, saying that working with Amy was one of the best experiences of his life. Opus Moreschi, a producer, shared how Amy brought light and calm to the often chaotic work environment. He encouraged people to donate to one of Amy’s favorite charities, Radio Lollipop, which supports children with cancer.
Jake Plunkett, the show’s director, also paid tribute to Amy, stating how much she would be missed. He added that words couldn’t fully express the loss and frustration caused by her passing, ending his message with “F*ck cancer.” He too encouraged people to donate to support children with cancer, something Amy cared deeply about.
Amy’s career spanned several roles in television, including being a talent booker, coordinator, executive assistant, and production assistant. She worked on a variety of projects, including A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! and Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News. Amy’s contributions to the entertainment world were widely appreciated, and her colleagues saw her as a bright spot in their lives.
Amy was married to Paul Dinello, and while details of her cancer have not been publicly shared, the announcement of her passing came as a shock to many. Her loss has left a deep impact on those who knew her, and she will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and the joy she brought to those around her.
