Rise to Success: Career Highlights of John Oliver

Discover the career path of John Oliver, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

John Oliver is a British-American comedian and television host, best known for hosting *Last Week Tonight with John Oliver* on HBO. He rose to prominence as a correspondent on *The Daily Show with Jon Stewart* from 2006 to 2013, winning three Primetime Emmy Awards for writing. He guest-hosted *The Daily Show* for eight weeks in 2013. Oliver co-hosted the podcast *The Bugle* and hosted *John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show* on Comedy Central. He has also acted in the NBC sitcom *Community* and provided voice work for animated films like *The Smurfs* and *The Lion King* remake.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2006: Oliver joins The Daily Show

In 2006, John Oliver joined *The Daily Show*. His immigration status at the time placed constraints on his activities in the United States, which also provided him with comedy material.

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2007: Oliver participated in picketing protests during the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike

In 2007, John Oliver participated in picketing protests during the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike, which temporarily stopped production of The Daily Show.

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January 2008: Oliver participates in The Daily Show after strike resumes production

In January 2008, John Oliver participated in *The Daily Show* after it resumed production following the 2007-08 Writers Guild of America strike. During a sketch, he mentioned that his visitor visa required him not to strike, as it would be grounds for deportation.

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November 2009: Oliver is approved for his US green card

In November 2009, John Oliver announced his approval for a US green card, mentioning that he could now "get arrested filming bits for *The Daily Show*."

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2012: Miss America Organization spent $482,000 in cash scholarships

In 2012, the Miss America Organization and Miss America Foundation spent only $482,000 in cash scholarships at the national level, according to John Oliver's research. The revelation was part of a segment on *Last Week Tonight* that investigated the actual distribution of scholarship funds by the organization.

February 2016: Oliver's segment on Donald Trump gets 62 million views on Facebook

In February 2016, John Oliver's segment on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump garnered significant attention, receiving 62 million views on Facebook and 23 million on YouTube within a month. It became the "most watched piece of HBO content ever" at the time.

June 2016: Oliver forgives over $15 million of medical debt

In June 2016, John Oliver forgave over $15 million of medical debt owed by more than 9,000 people. He purchased the debt for $60,000 and forgave it on his show on June 4, 2016.

2018: Oliver presents the children's book A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo

In 2018, John Oliver presented *A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo* on Last Week Tonight. It is a children's book, a parody of *Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President*, and it depicts Marlon Bundo, Mike Pence's pet rabbit, in a gay relationship.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo (HBO)

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October 2020: Oliver attends unveiling ceremony of John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant

In October 2020, John Oliver visited Danbury, Connecticut, to attend the unveiling ceremony of the newly renamed "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant." He complied with Mayor Boughton's condition that he personally attend the ceremony, and he wore a hazmat suit for the occasion. The event followed Oliver's promise to donate $55,000 to Danbury charities if the city renamed the sewage plant after him.

2022: Study shows Oliver's "calls for action" raised over $5 million for charities

In 2022, a study found that "calls for action" made by John Oliver on *Last Week Tonight* during seasons seven and eight helped raise over $5 million for various charities and other causes. This showcases the significant impact of his show on fundraising and social awareness.

October 2024: Oliver's Miss America segment viewed over 24 million times

As of October 2024, the official YouTube video of John Oliver's segment on the Miss America organization has been viewed more than 24 million times. The segment investigated the organization's scholarship distribution and impact.