Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Ben and Jerry's

Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central's news parody show "The Colbert Report," has just been given something very few people have, his own ice cream.

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc. is notorious for naming their products after musicians with flavors such as "Cherry Garcia," "Phish Food" and "Dave Matthew's Band Magic Brownies." But now, they have scooped up another bite, adding TV stars to their list of flavors.

Ben and Jerry's have a new flavor based on comedian and television news anchor Colbert named, "Americone Dreams."

The rumor surfaced that the ice cream would be released through one of Colbert's fan based websites, www.nofactzone.com. A Wegman's corporate employee and fellow Colbert Report fan leaked the news to the site and also included a photo of the package.

"Americone Dreams" is vanilla ice cream with fudge covered waffle cone pieces and caramel. Colbert said in a statement that he believes dessert has a well known liberal agenda and that he hopes to bring balance to the freezer.

"I think it's funny, and funny is good. I haven't tried it yet but I can't wait," Shelly Beaser, an adjunct professor of history and political science, said.

Colbert originally intended to be a dramatic actor but became interested in improv theater while attending Northwestern University.

While serving as an understudy for comedian Steve Carell at Second City Chicago, Colbert, alongside comedians Paul Dinello and Amy Sedaris, formed a short-lived critically acclaimed sketch comedy show called "Exit 57."

Colbert also spent time writing for "The Dana Carvey Show" and co-starred on the Comedy Central cult TV show "Strangers with Candy." He got his big break while serving as a news correspondent to Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."

On October 17, 2005 "The Colbert Report" aired. The show, a spin-off of "The Daily Show" parodies the conventional news program, especially political talk show host Bill O'Reilly.

"Yeah I'll try it, not because of Colbert but because of the flavors in it, the reason why most people eat food. But seeing Colbert on there does pique my interest." Kevin Connolly, a senior graphic design and philosophy major, said.

Through his Americone Dream Fund, Colbert will be donating his proceeds to various charities. Although no specific charities have been named yet, it is believed that the proceeds will benefit disadvantaged children, veterans and their families and environmental causes.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools