Childhood and Education Journey of Jon Stewart in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jon Stewart. A timeline of key moments.

Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host, best known for hosting The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015 and again beginning in 2024. He also hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023. Throughout his career, Stewart has garnered significant recognition, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Peabody Awards. He received the Bronze Medallion in 2019 and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2022, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in American comedy and political satire.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1931: Birth of Donald Leibowitz

In 1931, Donald Leibowitz, Jon Stewart's father, was born.

November 28, 1962: Jon Stewart's Birth

On November 28, 1962, Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, known professionally as Jon Stewart, was born. He is an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host.

1971: Al Albert's Tenure as Tribe Men's Soccer Team Coach

From 1971 to 2003, Al Albert was the former head coach of the Tribe men's soccer team where Jon Stewart played.

1980: Graduation from Lawrence High School and College Enrollment

In 1980, Jon Stewart graduated from Lawrence High School and subsequently attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

1981: College Soccer Starter

In 1981, Jon Stewart became a three-year starter for the Tribe men's soccer team at the College of William & Mary.

1982: College Soccer Starter

In 1982, Jon Stewart was a three-year starter for the Tribe men's soccer team at the College of William & Mary.

1983: College Soccer Starter

In 1983, Jon Stewart was a three-year starter for the Tribe men's soccer team at the College of William & Mary.

1984: Graduation from College of William & Mary

In 1984, Jon Stewart graduated from the College of William & Mary with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

1986: Return to New York City

In 1986, Jon Stewart returned to New York City to begin his career in comedy.

1988: Stewart votes for George H.W. Bush

In 1988, Jon Stewart voted for Republican George H. W. Bush over Michael Dukakis, citing Bush's integrity.

1995: Blind Date with Tracey Lynn McShane

In 1995, Jon Stewart had a blind date with Tracey Lynn McShane, arranged by a production assistant on Wishful Thinking.

2000: Marriage to Tracey Lynn McShane

In 2000, Jon Stewart married Tracey Lynn McShane. He had proposed to her through a personalized crossword puzzle.

2000: Stewart describes political affiliation

In 2000, when Jon Stewart was labeled a Democrat, he generally agreed but described his political affiliation as "more socialist or independent" than Democratic.

June 19, 2001: Name Change to "Stewart"

On June 19, 2001, Jon Stewart and Tracey Lynn McShane legally changed their surnames to "Stewart" through a joint name change application.

September 11, 2001: The September 11 attacks

The September 11, 2001 attacks occurred.

September 20, 2001: The Daily Show after 9/11 attacks

On September 20, 2001, The Daily Show aired its first episode after the September 11, 2001 attacks, beginning with a tearful Jon Stewart discussing his personal views on the event.

2001: Legal Name Change to Stewart

In 2001, Jon Stewart legally changed his surname to "Stewart" due to his strained relationship with his father.

2003: Al Albert's Tenure as Tribe Men's Soccer Team Coach

From 1971 to 2003, Al Albert was the former head coach of the Tribe men's soccer team where Jon Stewart played.

2004: Commencement speaker and honorary degree

In 2004, Jon Stewart spoke at the commencement ceremonies at William & Mary, his alma mater, and received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. He was also the Class Day keynote speaker at Princeton University in 2004.

April 21, 2009: Made a chief in Liberia

On April 21, 2009, President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made Jon Stewart a chief.

December 2009: Stewart speaks at Kennedy Center Honors for Bruce Springsteen

In December 2009, Jon Stewart gave a speech at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honoring Bruce Springsteen.

September 16, 2010: Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear announced

On September 16, 2010, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert announced the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, which would take place on October 30.

January 10, 2011: Stewart's response to Tucson shootings

On January 10, 2011, Jon Stewart began The Daily Show with a monologue about the shootings in Tucson, Arizona, expressing his wish that the "ramblings of crazy people didn't in any way resemble how we actually talk to each other on television".

June 1, 2012: Attends Mets No-Hitter

On June 1, 2012, Jon Stewart, a lifelong fan of the New York Mets, was in attendance when Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in franchise history.

February 2013: Stewart Tribute to Bruce Springsteen

In February 2013, Jon Stewart gave another speech paying tribute to Bruce Springsteen at the singer's MusiCares Person of the Year award ceremony.

June 19, 2015: Stewart's response to Charleston Church Shooting

On June 19, 2015, in the wake of the Charleston Church Shooting, Jon Stewart decided not to write jokes for the opening monologue, expressing "nothing other than just sadness" and speaking about racial disparity and injustices in America. Instead he designated a large portion of the show to his guest that night Malala Yousafzai.

2015: Adopts Vegetarian Diet

In 2015, Jon Stewart adopted a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons, and later became vegan. His wife is a long-time vegan.

2015: Compilation of Mets Jokes

Shortly before he left the Daily Show in 2015, a compilation played of Jon Stewart's jokes about the New York Mets during his time on the show.

2016: Stewart honors military families at Joint Base Andrews

In 2016, Jon Stewart joined President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, and David Letterman in honoring military families on May 5 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

June 2017: Stewart speaks at funeral service for Ray Pfeifer

In June 2017, Jon Stewart spoke at the funeral service for Ray Pfeifer, an FDNY firefighter who died from cancer as a result of service as a first responder at the September 11 attacks.

2020: Stewart was not a supporter of Joe Biden

During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Jon Stewart was not a supporter of nominee Joe Biden, describing himself as more of a, "Sanders, Warren guy."

July 2022: Writer calls for Stewart to Run for President

In July 2022, a Politico writer, Juleanna Glover, wrote an op-ed suggesting Jon Stewart should run for president in 2024, to which Stewart responded that he was not interested.

2023: Stewart criticizes Joe Biden

Since reluctantly supporting Joe Biden's 2020 campaign, Jon Stewart has criticized Biden since then over his age, and his handling of the 2023 Gaza war.