Stephen Colbert Shaves Off the "Colbeard" as His First Sacrifice to the Late Show Gods

Stephen Colbert

Good news, Stephen Colbert still exists!

Unfortunately, "The Colbeard's" days are numbered.

In his first video to promote his new gig as host of The Late Show, Colbert did what had to be done... and shaved off the bushy gray beard he had grown since signing off of The Colbert Report in December.

"When I premiered the Colbeard, the Internet burned to the ground," he says in the video. The facial hair has sparked many a discussion, though Colbert notes that he's enjoyed how it helps him look more incognito, and he's particularly fond of how it landed him on the cover of "Homeless Sea Captain Monthly."

7 times David Letterman thought he should leave The Late Show

Colbert says he needs to look a bit more like himself before taking over The Late Show..."Plus, CBS is making me shave it off because Tom Selleck's mustache has a non-compete clause."

As he gets closer and closer to his "Classic Clean Colbert" look, the host tries out some new styles including the "Un-Hitler," the "Amish" and a personal fave, the "half-Wolverine." Snikt! Check out all the madcap hilarity below:

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert premieres Sept. 8 on CBS.

(Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by CBS.)