History of John Oliver in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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*."
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.
2015: Oliver and Norley welcome their first son
In 2015, John Oliver and Kate Norley welcomed their first son who was born prematurely.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2023: Subreddits protest Reddit's API policy changes by only allowing content containing Oliver
During the 2023 Reddit API controversy, major subreddits like r/pics, r/gifs, and r/aww protested Reddit's API policy changes by only allowing content featuring John Oliver.
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.
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