Early Life and Education of John Oliver: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of John Oliver. A timeline of key moments.

John Oliver is a British-American comedian best known as the host of HBO's Last Week Tonight. His career began in the UK as a stand-up comedian, before gaining prominence as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his writing on The Daily Show and guest-hosted the show in 2013. Additionally, he co-hosted the podcast The Bugle and hosted John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show. Oliver also has acting credits, including a role in the sitcom Community and voice work in animated films like The Smurfs and The Lion King.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

April 1977: John Oliver's Birth

In April 1977, John William Oliver was born in Birmingham, England, to Carole, a music teacher, and Jim Oliver, a school headmaster and social worker.

1997: Vice President of Cambridge Footlights

In 1997, John Oliver became the vice president of the Cambridge Footlights comedy club, marking an important step in his early comedy career.

1998: Graduated from Cambridge

In 1998, John Oliver graduated from Christ's College, Cambridge, with a degree in English, concluding his formal education.

2006: Immigration Constraints

In 2006, when John Oliver joined The Daily Show, his immigration status placed constraints on his activities in the United States, which he used as comedy material.

2007: Participated in Writers Guild Strike

During the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike, John Oliver participated in picketing protests, which he humorously addressed due to his visitor visa restrictions.

January 2008: Daily Show Resumed Production

On 7 January 2008, The Daily Show resumed production after the Writers Guild of America strike, with John Oliver humorously addressing his visa restrictions during a sketch.

November 2009: Approved for US Green Card

In November 2009, John Oliver announced that he was approved for his US green card, allowing him to "get arrested filming bits for The Daily Show".

2015: Birth of First Son

In 2015, John Oliver and Kate Norley had their first son, who was born prematurely, marking a significant event in their family life.

June 2016: Medical Debt Forgiveness

On 4 June 2016, John Oliver forgave over $15 million of medical debt owed by over 9,000 people, purchasing the debt for $60,000 on his show, demonstrating significant philanthropy.

May 2018: Russell Crowe Donates to "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward"

In May 2018, Russell Crowe donated approximately $80,000 to the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital for the creation and naming of "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward".

2018: Birth of Second Son

In 2018, John Oliver and Kate Norley welcomed their second son, expanding their family.

December 2019: Naturalized as a US Citizen

On 13 December 2019, John Oliver was naturalized as a US citizen, marking the end of a lengthy immigration process.

2019: Became an American Citizen

In 2019, John Oliver became an American citizen, marking a significant milestone in his life and career in the United States.

August 2020: Danbury Mayor Announces "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant"

In August 2020, the mayor of Danbury, Connecticut, announced his intention to rename the Danbury Water Pollution Control Plant as the "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant" as a comedic symbol of his displeasure at Oliver's hyperbolic insult to the city.

October 2020: Oliver Attends Unveiling Ceremony for "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant"

In October 2020, John Oliver visited Danbury to attend the unveiling ceremony for the "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant" after the city council voted in favor of the renaming.

2020: Russell Crowe Visits The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward

In early 2020, Russell Crowe visited the John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward, posing with the nameplate bearing Oliver's name.

September 2022: Declined OBE

On a September 2022 edition of Late Night with Seth Meyers, John Oliver said he declined an OBE because he did not want his name being associated with the words "British Empire" and expressed distaste for the British class system.