Stephen Colbert transforms into Donny Franks at the 2024 DNC

At the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), Stephen Colbert made a memorable appearance, channeling his comedic alter ego, Donny Franks, from a 2016 “Late Show” sketch. Colbert, known for his sharp wit and humorous antics, turned the convention into a stage for his unique brand of entertainment.

In a playful nod to his past comedy, Colbert dressed up as Donny Franks, a character he had previously portrayed as a quirky hot dog vendor. Sporting a shaggy brown wig, fake goatee, sunglasses, and a hat, Colbert embraced the role with gusto. He roamed the DNC floor, handing out hot dogs and drinks, much to the delight of attendees. One notable interaction was with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was spotted enjoying a hot dog from Colbert while donning a stylish pink dress.

Colbert’s humorous presence extended beyond his Donny Franks persona. He showed his support for various figures at the convention with custom-made shirts. One shirt read, “Do Dougs, Not Drugs,” in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff. Another shirt bore the phrase, “Ballz to the Walz,” a playful tribute to Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. These shirts, like his hot dog stand, added a touch of levity to the convention proceedings.

The character of Donny Franks first appeared in a comedic sketch on Colbert’s show in September 2016. In that skit, Colbert, under the guise of Franks, went undercover at a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field, humorously lamenting his life choices while selling hot dogs. “All I got is hot dog,” Colbert’s character declared in the sketch. “Literally. It’s all I have in my life. I’ve driven away everyone who loved me.” The sketch was a fan favorite and showcased Colbert’s talent for blending humor with everyday scenarios.

Colbert’s appearance at the DNC is part of his broader engagement with political events. This week, he is taping “The Late Show” live at Chicago’s Auditorium Theater, strategically timed to coincide with the DNC, which is being held at the United Center. The show’s lineup this week is star-studded: Monday’s episode features former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus. On Tuesday, Colbert will welcome former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Wednesday’s guests include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and a performance by Chance the Rapper. While the guest list for Thursday’s show remains unannounced, it’s expected to be equally engaging.

Colbert’s decision to broadcast from Chicago this week is a nod to his roots, as he began his career in the city. He expressed his excitement in a statement, saying, “I am very excited to broadcast from the beautiful Auditorium. I started my career in Chicago, let’s see if I can end it there.” This move follows his previous convention coverage, including his live broadcasts during the 2016 and 2020 political conventions.

Last month, Colbert covered the Republican National Convention (RNC) from his usual studio at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, rather than traveling to Milwaukee, where the RNC was held. He humorously referenced this decision, saying, “Donald Trump — he is gearing up for next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, and ‘The Late Show’ will be live, right there!” His coverage provided a blend of satire and insightful commentary on the political landscape.

Colbert’s approach to political events, combining comedy with commentary, continues to captivate audiences. His unique style, exemplified by his Donny Franks character and his engaging interviews, underscores his ability to bring humor to the forefront of political discourse. As “The Late Show” and Colbert’s coverage of political conventions evolve, his role in shaping public dialogue through comedy remains a significant and influential one.