Tonight, Stephen Colbert will close the curtain on the ludicrous, yet wholly enjoyable persona he created as the conservative host of “The Colbert Report.”

As the nation prepares to say goodbye, Mother Jones pays tribute to everyone’s favorite right-wing blowhard with a round-up of some of our favorite moments from the show’s stellar nine year run.

1. In which Colbert takes on Mitt Romney’s infamous 47 percent video by throwing shrimp at poor people: “We job creators know there is no such thing as a free lunch. Lunch is $50,000 a plate!”

2. In which Colbert becomes a migrant worker for a day: “Are there any beans that are in the shade?”

3. In which Colbert cites our study on income disparity to propose the rich starting their own country, America Plus: “We already live in gated communities, I say we just connect them all with really long driveways. To visit, you just need a green card!”

4. In which Colbert repeatedly stabs his Karl Rove substitute, “Ham Rove,” with a large knife, a segment that prompted the political operative to question Colbert’s mental state: “Ham Rove, my salted and trusted advisor.”

5. In which Colbert and Buddy Cole take on Russia’s anti-gay laws through the lens of the U.S. speed skating team: “Is speed skating a choice or were you born a speed skater?”

6. In which Colbert hypnotically dances with Bryan Cranston, Jeff Bridges, and even Henry Kissinger to “Get Lucky”: “This is Colbchella goddammit!”

7. In which Colbert breaks character to pay a moving tribute to his mother, Lorna Colbert: “If you also like me, that’s because of my mom.”