Watch John Lithgow Hail Stephen Colbert as ‘Beloved National Treasure’

Lithgow explained that he wanted Colbert to hear the poem on TV live “in front of everybody.” He titled it “The Mighty Colbert.” “The time has arrived/ For us all to prepare/ For the doleful departure of Stephen Colbert,” Lithgow read. “How will we last in the gaping black hole/ That’s left in the absence of his merry soul?” In the poem, Lithgow commented on the show’s impending end, set for May 21, and Donald Trump’s involvement in its cancellation.

“So why is he canceled?/ Why trash all the pleasure?/ Why yank off the air this beloved national treasure?” Lithgow read. “Stephen’s tale is a lesson for all who come after/ Beware of a boss with thin skin and no laughter.” He concluded, “But don’t mourn for Stephen/ He’s going to be fine/ He’ll only get better/ Like aging fine wine/ With a talent so rich and discernment so rare/ There’s much more to come from the mighty Colbert.” Lithgow appeared on The Late Show to promote his Broadway play, Giant , in which he portrays problematic author Roald Dahl....