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*. 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 also guest-hosted *The Daily Show* for eight weeks in 2013. Additionally, Oliver co-hosted the comedy podcast *The Bugle* and hosted *John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show*. His acting credits include roles on the sitcom *Community* and voice work in films such as *The Smurfs* and *The Lion King* remake.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

April 1977: Born in Erdington

John William Oliver was born on April 23, 1977, in the Birmingham suburb of Erdington.

April 1977: John William Oliver Born

On April 23, 1977, John William Oliver was born. He is a British and American comedian who is the host of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on HBO.

1997: Cambridge Footlights Vice President

In 1997, John Oliver became the vice president of the Cambridge Footlights comedy club.

1998: Graduated from Christ's College, Cambridge

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

2008: Meeting Kate Norley

In 2008, John Oliver met Kate Norley at the Republican National Convention while reporting for 'The Daily Show'.

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November 2009: Approval of US Green Card

In November 2009, John Oliver announced that he was approved for his US green card, noting he can now "get arrested filming bits for 'The Daily Show'".

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October 2011: Marriage to Kate Norley

In October 2011, John Oliver married Kate Norley, an Iraq War veteran, and they reside in New York City.

2015: Birth of First Son

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

June 2016: Medical Debt Forgiveness

In June 2016, John Oliver forgave over $15 million of medical debt owed by over 9,000 people after purchasing the debt for $60,000 on his show.

May 2018: Russell Crowe Donates to Australia Zoo

In May 2018, Russell Crowe donated approximately $80,000 to the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital to create "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward" after Oliver bought Crowe's film props at an auction.

2018: Birth of Second Son

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

December 2019: Naturalization as US Citizen

On December 13, 2019, John Oliver was naturalized as a US citizen.

2019: Became an American Citizen

In 2019, John Oliver became an American citizen.

August 2020: Danbury's Memorial Sewer Plant

In August 2020, Mark Boughton, the mayor of Danbury, Connecticut, announced plans to rename the Danbury Water Pollution Control Plant as the "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant" following Oliver's comedic insult to the city.

October 2020: Oliver Attends Sewer Plant Unveiling

In October 2020, John Oliver visited Danbury to attend the unveiling ceremony of the "John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant", wearing a hazmat suit and fulfilling a condition set by Mayor Boughton for the renaming after Oliver promised to donate $55,000 to Danbury charities.

2020: Favored Joe Biden for president

In 2020, John Oliver favored Joe Biden for president in the election and celebrated Biden's victory over Donald Trump.

2020: Crowe visits the Koala Chlamydia Ward

In early 2020, Russell Crowe visited "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward" at the Australia Zoo and posed with the nameplate bearing Oliver's name.

September 2022: Declined OBE

On a September 2022 episode 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.

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