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 a highly acclaimed American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for hosting The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015 and returning to the show in 2024. Stewart also hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including 23 Primetime Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

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.

November 28, 1962: Jon Stewart Born

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

1980: Graduates Lawrence High School

In 1980, Jon Stewart graduated from Lawrence High School.

1984: Graduates from William & Mary

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

1988: Voted Republican in Presidential Election

In 1988, Jon Stewart voted for Republican George H. W. Bush over Michael Dukakis in the presidential election, respecting Bush's integrity.

1995: Stewart's Blind Date with Tracey McShane

In 1995, a production assistant on Wishful Thinking arranged a blind date between Jon Stewart and Tracey Lynn McShane.

2000: Describes Political Affiliation

In 2000, Jon Stewart described his political affiliation as more socialist or independent than Democratic, despite generally agreeing with being labeled a Democrat.

2000: Stewart Marries Tracey McShane

In 2000, Jon Stewart married Tracey Lynn McShane after proposing to her through a personalized crossword puzzle created with the help of Will Shortz, crossword editor at The New York Times.

June 19, 2001: Stewart Changes Surname

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

September 11, 2001: Attacks on World Trade Center and New York City

On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center and New York City were attacked.

September 20, 2001: First Show After 9/11

On September 20, 2001, The Daily Show aired its first show after the September 11 attacks. The show began with no introduction and featured a tearful Jon Stewart discussing his personal views on the tragedy.

2001: Legally changes his surname

In 2001, Jonathan Leibowitz legally changed his surname to "Stewart".

2004: Release of 'America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction'

In 2004, Jon Stewart and The Daily Show writing staff released "America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction", which sold millions of copies and became a top-fifteen best seller. Jon Stewart also delivered the commencement address at the College of William & Mary.

2004: Stewart Receives Honorary Doctorate from 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.

2008: Stewart Speaks at Hamilton College

In 2008, Jon Stewart was the Sacerdote Great Names speaker at Hamilton College.

December 2009: Speech Honoring Bruce Springsteen

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

January 10, 2011: Monologue on Tucson Shootings

On January 10, 2011, Jon Stewart began The Daily Show with a monologue about the shootings in Tucson, Arizona, and featured a rerun of a field piece by Jason Jones after the commercial break.

June 1, 2012: Attended Johan Santana's no-hitter

On June 1, 2012, Jon Stewart, a lifelong fan of the New York Mets, attended the game where Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in the team's history.

February 2013: 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: Purchase of Bufflehead Farm

In 2013, Jon Stewart and his wife acquired a 12-acre farm in Middletown, New Jersey, named "Bufflehead Farm", which they operate as an animal sanctuary for abused animals.

June 19, 2015: Stewart's Reaction 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 and instead spoke about racial disparities and injustices in America. He also designated a large portion of the show to Malala Yousafzai.

2015: Stewart Adopts Vegetarian Diet

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

2015: Compilation of Mets jokes on The Daily Show

In 2015, shortly before Jon Stewart's departure from The Daily Show, a compilation of his jokes about the New York Mets, his favorite baseball team, was played.

2016: Honoring 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, for the USO's 75th anniversary and the fifth anniversary of Joining Forces.

June 2017: Eulogy for Ray Pfeifer

In June 2017, Jon Stewart spoke at the funeral service for Ray Pfeifer, an FDNY firefighter from Hicksville, New York, who died after battling cancer related to his service as a first responder at the September 11 attacks.

2020: Supported Joe Biden Candidacy Reluctantly

In 2020, Jon Stewart reluctantly supported Joe Biden's presidential candidacy after describing himself as more of a "Sanders, Warren guy" during the Democratic Party presidential primaries.

July 2022: Presidential Run Speculation

In July 2022, an op-ed by Juleanna Glover in Politico suggested Jon Stewart should run for president in 2024. Stewart responded via Twitter, declining the suggestion.