This sexy Jersey boy (née Leibowitz ) moved to New York in his mid-twenties to join the downtown comedy scene. He got his first TV exposure in the early '90s as the host of Comedy Central's
Short Attention Span Theater, a prophetic gig considering that he would soon become a star on that channel. Throughout the decade Stewart played big- and small-screen supporting parts while simultaneously pursuing a career as a host. He had two eponymous short-lived talk shows and a recurring role on
The Larry Sanders Show as himself. His big break came in 1999, when at the age of 37 he took over hosting duties on Comedy Central's
The Daily Show. This satirical news series was the perfect forum for Stewart, allowing him to show off his quick-witted observations, superlative interviewing skills and obsessive knowledge of current events. His success earned him book deals, Emmys and a spot hosting the Oscars.
Jon Stewart Fast Facts:
- Considered to have "arrived" as a comedian after landing a gig opening for singer Sheena Easton in Las Vegas.
- Authored two books, Naked Pictures of Famous People in 1998 and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction in 2004.
- During a celebrated 2004 appearance on CNN's Crossfire, called co-hosts Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala "partisan hacks."
- Reacting to the announcement that he was hosting the 78th annual Academy Awards in 2006, Stewart quipped, "As an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal."
- Jon Stewart Relationships:
- Donald Leibowitz - Father
- Larry Leibowitz - Brother
- Maggie Rose Stewart - Daughter
- Marion Leibowitz - Mother
- Nathan Thomas Stewart - Son
- Tracey McShane Stewart - Wife
- Jon Stewart Awards:
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Winner
- 2001 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Winner
- 2002 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Nominee
- 2003 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Winner
- 2004 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Winner
- 2005 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Winner
- 2004 Grammy: Best Comedy Album - Winner
- 2001 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2002 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2003 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- 2004 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- 2005 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2002 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
- 2003 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
- 2005 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
- 2007 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
- 2007 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Nominee
- 2007 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- 2007 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2008 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
- 2008 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- 2008 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2008 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program - Nominee
- 2009 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- 2009 Emmy: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2009 Emmy: Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series - Winner
- College:
- The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA (BA in Psychology, 1984)
