Stephen Colbert will ditch his signature buffoonish character when he replaces David Letterman on the “Late Show” — killing off the very persona that earned him fame in the first place.
The move may be risky because viewers have rarely seen — and may not like — the real Stephen Colbert.
“We’ll all get to find out how much of him was me,” Colbert said Thursday through his publicist. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Colbert, who stars in “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central, signed a five-year deal to take over “Late Show” after Letterman retires, CBS announced on Thursday.
“Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career. I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead . . . I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me,” Colbert said in a statement.
He added, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”
Colbert, 49, is saying farewell to the “truthiness”-based commentator persona that earned him laughs for nine years — but CBS honchos aren’t worried.
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” said CBS Chairman Les Moonves.
“David Letterman’s legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today’s announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night,” he added.
Letterman praised Colbert as the right person for the job.
“Stephen has always been a real friend to me. I’m very excited for him, and I’m flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses,” he said.
CBS has not yet revealed whether the “Late Show” will be taped at its current home at the Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway between 53rd and 54th.
But since Colbert is already based in Manhattan, it’s likely he will stay in the Big Apple. He will probably earn roughly $7 million per year, on par with what Jimmy Fallon makes hosting “The Tonight Show,” insiders estimated.
Fans and celebrities took to Twitter to cheer the choice.
“Nobody on television right now is more talented than Stephen Colbert. CBS is lucky to have him,” tweeted @julieklausner.
Comedian Kristen Schaal gushed, “@StephenAtHome! You will be the best at the desk! But I will deeply miss the Colbert Report.”
It remains to be seen how the news will impact Craig Ferguson, who hosts the “Late Late Show,” which follows “Late Show.”
Ferguson’s contract with CBS, which expires in June, automatically gives Letterman’s empty chair to Ferguson if he wants it, awarding him $5 million if he is passed over.
Comedy Central has not yet said how it will fill the hole left when Colbert leaves the satirical show he has hosted since 2005.