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."

"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.

"So happy for everybody tonight, for the six teams that won last week at the Creative Arts Emmys, especially the writers, the director, the digital people," he told E!. "A great, lovely cherry on top for the 11 years that we were able to be together. The whole thing was a gift and this is just the bow at the end of it."

Colbert shared similar sentiments while onstage giving his acceptance speech.

"Thank you so much on behalf of the over 200 people who threw themselves at this show for 11 years to try to do the best show they possibly could for you," he shared. "The thing about these late shows is that besides being a really good steady job is that they require so many people that they’re a fantastic incubator for young people to come into work professionally on a deadline in cooperation, in collaboration, and that is the future of our business that we have to look after."

Colbert concluded with an important reminder for the showbiz folks in the audience: "I want you to know I’ve got some great news. They’re all tech avail. Hire them: they will make your show better and your day easier."

Keep reading to see Colbert and every other star who won an Emmy tonight.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Sarah Pidgeon, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Constance Zimmer, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program

WINNER: Jimmy Kimmel, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?