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 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

2008: Oliver meets Kate Norley at the Republican National Convention

In 2008, John Oliver met Kate Norley at the Republican National Convention. He was reporting for *The Daily Show*, and she was campaigning with Vets for Freedom. She and other veterans hid Oliver and his crew from security.

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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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October 2011: Oliver marries Kate Norley

In October 2011, John Oliver married Kate Norley in New York City. Norley is an Iraq War veteran who served as a medic in the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division.

2015: Oliver and Norley welcome their first son

In 2015, John Oliver and Kate Norley welcomed their first son who was born prematurely.

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.

May 2018: Russell Crowe donates to the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital and names the "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward"

In May 2018, actor Russell Crowe donated approximately $80,000 to the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital to establish "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward." This came after Oliver bought Crowe's film props at auction, including Crowe's jockstrap from *Cinderella Man*. The auction proceeds were then used to fund the ward.

2018: Oliver and Norley welcome their second son

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

December 2019: Oliver is naturalized as a US citizen

On December 13, 2019, John Oliver was naturalized as a US citizen. Since moving to the United States, he has been a fan of the New York Mets.

August 2020: Danbury mayor announces plan to rename sewage plant after Oliver

In August 2020, the mayor of Danbury, Connecticut, Mark Boughton, announced his intention to rename the Danbury Water Pollution Control Plant as the "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant." This comedic response was in reaction to Oliver's hyperbolic insult to the city during a segment concerning racial disparities in jury selection.

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.

2020: Crowe visits "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward"

In early 2020, Russell Crowe visited "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward" at the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital, posing with the nameplate that bears Oliver's name. This event followed Crowe's donation in 2018.

2021: Oliver receives the Great Immigrants Award

In 2021, John Oliver was honored with the Great Immigrants Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, recognizing his contributions and achievements as an immigrant to the United States.