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' on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015 and part-time since 2024. His satirical commentary on news and politics has garnered him widespread recognition and influence. He also hosted 'The Problem with Jon Stewart' on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023. Stewart's work has earned him numerous awards, including 24 Primetime Emmy Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, 5 Peabody Awards, the Bronze Medallion in 2019, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2022, solidifying his status as a significant figure in American comedy and political commentary.

Sections (5)

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

1931: Father Donald Leibowitz Born

In 1931, Jon Stewart's father, Donald Leibowitz, was born. He later became an energy coordinator for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.

November 28, 1962: Jon Stewart Born

On November 28, 1962, Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, known professionally as Jon Stewart, was born. He would later become a comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host.

1971: Start of Al Albert's Coaching Career

In 1971, Al Albert became the head coach of the Tribe men's soccer team

1980: Graduates from Lawrence High School

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

1981: Three-Year Starter

In 1981, Jon Stewart became a three-year starter in William & Mary's Tribe men's soccer team

1982: Three-Year Starter

In 1982, Jon Stewart became a three-year starter in William & Mary's Tribe men's soccer team

1983: Three-Year Starter

In 1983, Jon Stewart became a three-year starter in William & Mary's Tribe men's soccer team

1984: Graduates from William & Mary

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

1986: Moves Back to New York City

In 1986, Jon Stewart moved back to New York City to pursue a career in comedy.

1988: Stewart voted for George H.W. Bush

In 1988, Jon Stewart voted for Republican George H. W. Bush in the presidential election. It was the last time he voted for a Republican.

1995: Stewart's Blind Date with Tracey Lynn McShane

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

2000: Stewart describes political affiliation

In 2000, Jon Stewart described his political affiliation as more socialist or independent rather than Democrat.

2000: Stewart Marries Tracey Lynn McShane

In 2000, Jon Stewart married Tracey Lynn McShane.

June 19, 2001: Jon Stewart Changes Surname

On June 19, 2001, Jon Stewart and his wife, Tracey Lynn McShane, legally changed their surnames to "Stewart".

September 11, 2001: Attacks of September 11

On September 11, 2001, the attacks of September 11, 2001 occurred. The first show after the attacks of September 11, 2001, began with no introduction.

September 20, 2001: First show after 9/11 attacks

On September 20, 2001, The Daily Show aired its first episode after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The show began without an introduction and featured a tearful Jon Stewart discussing his personal view on the tragic event.

2001: Surname Legally Changed to Stewart

In 2001, Jon Stewart had his surname legally changed to "Stewart".

2003: End of Al Albert's Coaching Career

In 2003, Al Albert ceased to be the head coach of the Tribe men's soccer team

2004: Commencement speaker and honorary degree at William & Mary

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

December 2009: Stewart Gives Speech Honoring Bruce Springsteen

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

January 10, 2011: Stewart comments on 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: Stewart Attends Mets No-Hitter

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

February 2013: Stewart Pays Tribute to Bruce Springsteen at MusiCares

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

2013: Stewart Buys Bufflehead Farm

In 2013, Jon Stewart and his wife bought a 12-acre (4.9 ha) farm in Middletown, New Jersey, called "Bufflehead Farm", which they operate as a sanctuary for abused animals.

2013: Death of Father, Donald Leibowitz

In 2013, Jon Stewart's father, Donald Leibowitz, passed away.

June 19, 2015: Stewart addresses Charleston Church Shooting with sadness

On June 19, 2015, following the Charleston Church Shooting, Jon Stewart decided not to write jokes for the opening monologue of The Daily Show, expressing sadness and discussing racial disparity and injustices in America. He then designated a large portion of the show to his guest, Malala Yousafzai.

2015: Stewart Takes Up Drum Playing

After leaving The Daily Show in 2015, Jon Stewart took up playing the drums and has been taking drum lessons from New Jersey–based drum teacher Andy Bova.

2015: Stewart Adopts Vegetarian Diet

In 2015, Jon Stewart adopted a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons and later became vegan.

2015: Relationship with Father Described as Still Complicated

In 2015, Jon Stewart described his relationship with his father as "still complicated" after his father's death two years earlier.

2015: Stewart Jokes about the New York Mets

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

2016: Stewart Honors Military Families

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. The special celebration marked both the USO's 75th anniversary and the fifth anniversary of Joining Forces.

June 2017: Stewart Speaks at Funeral 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 his service as a first responder at the September 11 attacks.

2020: Stewart supported Joe Biden for President

In 2020, Jon Stewart stated that he was more of a 'Sanders, Warren guy', and supported Joe Biden's candidacy for president.

July 2022: Glover's Op-Ed Calls for Stewart to Run for President

In July 2022, a Politico writer, Juleanna Glover, suggested in an op-ed that Jon Stewart should run for president in 2024. Stewart responded with a tweet rejecting the idea.