Jon Stewart

Birth Name: 
Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz
Best Known For: 

"The Daily Show" on Comedy Central

Short Bio: 

Jon Stewart was born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz in New York City into a well-educated middle class Jewish family. He grew up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, where he attended Lawrence High School, then later graduated from The College of William & Mary in Virginia, where he played on the soccer team and initially majored in chemistry before switching to psychology. After college, Stewart held numerous jobs: a contingency planner for the New Jersey Department of Human Services, a contract administrator for the City University of New York, a puppeteer for children with disabilities, a soccer coach at Gloucester High School in Virginia, a caterer, a busboy, a shelf stocker at Woolworth's, a bartender at the Franklin Corner Tavern (a local blue-collar bar), and a bartender at the legendary City Gardens in Trenton, NJ.

Stewart returned to New York City in 1986 to try his hand at the comedy club circuit, and in 1987 made his stand-up debut at The Bitter End, where his comedic idol, Woody Allen, also began. That's also when he began using the stage name "Jon Stewart." Stewart became a regular at the Comedy Cellar, where he was the last performer every night. For two years, he would perform at 2 a.m. while developing his comedic style. In 1989, Stewart landed his first television job as a writer for "Caroline's Comedy Hour." In 1991 he began co-hosting Comedy Central's "Short Attention Span Theater" with Patty Rosborough. In 1992 he hosted the short-lived "You Wrote It, You Watch It" on MTV, which invited viewers to send in their stories to be acted out by the comedy troupe, The State. When David Letterman left NBC in 1993, Stewart was a finalist to replace him, but Conan O'Brien was hired instead. Later in 1993, Stewart developed "The Jon Stewart Show", a talk show on MTV. It was the first talk show on that network and was an instant hit, becoming the second-highest rated MTV show behind "Beavis and Butt-head."

In 1999, Stewart began hosting "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central when Craig Kilborn left to replace Tom Snyder on "The Late Late Show." The show, which has been popular and successful in cable television since Stewart became the host (ratings increased by 400% in 1999), blends humor with the day's top news stories, usually in politics, while simultaneously poking fun at politicians and many newsmakers as well as the news media itself. Stewart has won a total of nineteen Emmys for The Daily Show as either a writer or producer. In 2005 The Daily Show and Jon Stewart received a "Best Comedy Album Grammy Award" for the audio book edition of "America (The Book)." In 2000 and 2004, the show won two Peabody Awards for its coverage of the presidential elections relevant to those years, called "Indecision 2000" and "Indecision 2004", respectively.

Twitter: 
@TheDailyShow
Contact:Mailing: 

Jon Stewart
Dixon Talent
375 Greenwich Street
5th Floor
New York, NY 10013

Comments

Submitted by Debrah (not verified) on

Dear Mr. Jon Stewart,

I remember watching your show since I was 15 in 2005. I was a high school journalism student, who two years later joined the Army Reserve as a military journalist. I watched you criticize the Iraq War, the Afhgani War, and the leaders of this country for several years. I loved every minute of it.

As a student of journalism, I have always been told that our job is to be objective. To seek the truth, and tell it in the best way possible. As a journalist we are to show the flaws in our system and criticize it with a vengeance. Not because we don't love it. But because we love it so much we want it to be the best possible version of it that it can be. You may not have intended to become a journalist, but in the end you have become my goofy Walter Cronkite.

Vietnam had him. Very sober and objective. In my mind, with these wars, you are that to me. Uncle Jon in a way. You have been blessed to be a comedian and an accidental journalist (hopefully this does not cause offense.) Mr. Stewart, in a way you have become a more reliable source of news and honesty than even the most iconic names in the news business.

I cannot begin to describe how much I will miss watching your show when I have my morning coffee. Or the cleverness of you and your staff's ability to point out the obvious and most irritating paradoxes of what is said. I doubt you'll ever read this. I imagine you're quite a busy man. Please know that as a veteran, and a journalist, your contributions to the field of journalism and humorous thoughts are not forgotten.

"And that's the way it is."

Thank you Mr. Stewart.

Submitted by Cyd Silver (not verified) on

Just a year ago I was thinking- what would I do if I didn't have Jon Stuart to help me laugh and cry? I only knew about you because of an interview on Fresh Air where I learned that 20% of people got their news exclusively from the Daily Show- WOW. After watching I understood why. Thank you so much for being there for us when the "news" media wasn't. Will miss you forever and ever!!

Love, Cyd

Submitted by candace pruitt (not verified) on

First, I want to thank you for your years on the Daily Show which many times saved my sanity by your talent and humor.

Most of all, I want to thank you for creating an animal sanctuary for those animals who are victims of the worst form of abuse and cruelty as those on the farm factories.

I have recently become vegetarian and am working towards becoming vegan; I am finding that part difficult since eggs were the chief source of protein in my diet. I lost my elderly father last year and want to list as beneficiaries to his estte those organizations like yours and the woodstock sanctuary in NY who provide safe homes and a chance at a better life to these tortured animals.

Thank you for your compassion and for working tirelessly to extend benefits to the first responders of 9/11. I loved you s a comedian, but your dedication to these causes illustrates a truly compassionate
and great man

Submitted by Christopher Gerald (not verified) on

I don't have a lot to say except for the past eight years this country has gotten worse and people like you who treat Obama like a royal celebrity. True he is the president, you and a lot of other actors who's movies I used to watch don't know ANYTHING about the people in this country who need and have needed help the most. YOU! make me want to vomit. You are nothing but a suck up. If clinton wins the election, you will get exactly what you deserve!!

Submitted by StacyEThompson (not verified) on

Don't know why I went on YouTube to view your impactful videos, but I did...saw the rant on the Colbert Show (which was frickin' epic) -- then pulled up my favorite moment of all time in live television--the post-9/11 monologue (epic for the time, the nature and the speaker)--thank you, for echoing what so many of us felt then and now--the former, beyond comically, the latter beyond heartfelt--both speaking the truth and giving voice to many of Americans who feel too often voiceless--appreciate all you have done both then and now--wish you only the best in your choice for path in life and thank you not only for the laughs, but for the insight and thoughts as well!

Submitted by Daniel R (not verified) on

You made the world a wiser place and brought laughter where there was none. You shown us how to argue with mad people become with becoming a steaming pile of shit. I remember being a soldier wondering if somehow I was really a mercenary. I still don't know the answer, but the Daily Show gave me a sense of worth strong enough to fight the urge of seppuku. In a way you being you saved my life and for that I am truly grateful!

Submitted by connie melvin (not verified) on

Jon, when DJT was elected and we were all horrified, you said on Stephen Colbert's show "The same country that elected Donald Trump elected Barack Obama” . But Jon I think seeing the KKK and other bigoted groups/activities happening around the country since DJT took office, that while we may be the same America, the lights have dimmed and the cockroaches have come out of hiding. Meanwhile, this 64 yr old will march again for the environment, a woman's right to choose, & gun control. As I wrote on my sign this past weekend "In their haste to tear down Obama's house, the Republican's have allowed Trump to burn down the neighborhood.".

Submitted by Alex (not verified) on

First off, I am not patient enough to do what you do. Second, I like to think that I am clever person. Therapists always told me that.
Third, has the republican party has evolved or is Brett a giant welcome sign for rapist who used to feel bad about technique now knowit is all good?

Submitted by Ed Tietjen (not verified) on

Thank you for bringing attention to the plight of the brave first responders. All Americans should contact their representatives and demand action.

Submitted by Dan Sweet (not verified) on

As a disabled Vietnam veteran and the restoration manager for Con Edison at ground zero , I wanted to personally thank you for your support. I am a cancer victim and going through the approval process right now. Funny. I dont shree eith you politically but in the Smerican tradition I applaud you and your efforts for the victims. I retired on 9/11/2001 but pulled it back the same day because my country needed me. It was sad but also great to work hand in hand with every race, religion and nationality and know that no force was greater than the unity we represented. Thank you again.

Submitted by Joseph Hanratty (not verified) on

I am a Conservative Republican Trump supporter. I do not watch your show. However I am so grateful and thankful for your testimony yesterday before Congress regarding the survivors fund. Your great American even though I don't agree with anything else you believe in except for maybe I don't know Ruth's Chris makes a good steak. Thank you so much for your compelling testimony. I have no doubt that a guaranteed the ultimate passage of that legislation.

Submitted by Jim (not verified) on

Jon, I commend you for your efforts to support the 9/11 first responder compensation fund. This a noble cause and needs to be funded. Thank You! Now as a follow up, I want you to sit back and reflect about the time you spent in front of a Congressional committee and ask yourself the question. Do we need to drain the swamp that DJT spoke of? Our elected officials are out of touch with taking care of American Citizens, period! Fund medical care for illegals at the border, in California, but not our first responders, our leadership is pathetic!

Submitted by Nicole Coronado (not verified) on

I wish Mr Stewart was as vocal and outspoken about veterans benefits. As a female veteran who suffers from ptsd due to being raped in the military and then being told I was unfit after reporting it. There are no outpatient ptsd/mst groups for women’s only and only a couple inpatient. Veterans benefits are worse then Medicaid. Only ketamine helps my severe depression that is treatment resistant and it is not available. The va pharmacy contains limited medications and pharmaceutical companies won’t assist because we are covered by the va. I was recently hospitalized for severe and complex ptsd, major severe depression and multiple suicide attempts with 18 men suffering from combat ptsd. I was the only woman and some of these vets were aggressive causing me to beg my congressman, doctor, etc to transfer me. Instead I acted out because some of these men touched me, made sexually suggestive comments and I was determined to be manipulative. I even stopped eating because I could not handle being locked up with all men. There are many veterans suffering. Why when we are willing to die for our country get treated so poorly and forgotten? Congress has 2 retirement plans and the best health coverage. Please help other veterans because I cannot take living like this anymore.

Submitted by Petra Seyffarth (not verified) on

Congratulations, Mr. Stewart, on your advocacy work on behalf of the 9/11 first responders. I know it's long been one of your pet issues, and you finally got somewhere.

There's that old saying - "With great power comes great responsibility." Well, you used your power very well. I hope you continue to use your power to support more great causes.

Submitted by Peter Robinson (not verified) on

Mr Stewart I’ve just watch the video of your address to Congress. It was one of the most moving speeches I have ever heard . I live in England and did not know there was still a problem with these hero’s receiving what they are entitled to keep up the good work. Ever thought of running for president if you do I’ll become an American and vote for you.

Peter

Submitted by Janis (not verified) on

Jon,
Thank you so much for standing up for the 9/11 first responders. We need more American Patriots like you!

Submitted by Cindy (not verified) on

Since we the US Citizens now own the Manaford condo in Trump tower, why not push to have an affected responder have this be their new home or have any funds resulting from the rent or sale of the dwelling go to the 911 responders
Thanks for your continued support to these heroes and their families.

Submitted by Larry Placher (not verified) on

Such a sad day ,you are an exceptional man for fighting the fight for Luis godspeed and I personally want to thank you . Peace be with you and Mr Alvarez's family.sincerly

Submitted by Erik (not verified) on

Politics aside, you were an amazing voice for our dedicated first responders. Thank you for your work and dedication. God bless America!

Submitted by Tom B (not verified) on

Thank you Jon Stewart for your tireless and non-partisan efforts to convince Congress to pass the 9/11 victims bill.

Reading through the comments I can see you have won praise on both sides of the aisle. Proof that when we remove the divisiveness from both parties and work together to solve problems we can make things better. Now if we can convince Congress to get to work for the American people, perhaps we can solve other issues.
Thanks for waking up the halls of Congress!

God bless you and the USA

Great work!

Submitted by Julie Rosenberger (not verified) on

Please remeber the other veterans who matter as well. My husband Robert (2 bronze stars gunner on a tank in Desert Storm) was misdiagnosed and I lost him at age 48. He died because of the misdiagnosis (VA told him he had gallstones when in reality it was organ failure).. We fought hard for him to live, but it was too late.I suffered heart failure from the fight for his life. Now I must keep fighting for widows benefits. I can barely pay my bills, no car and I need surgery..The motto "delay, deny and then they die applies to all veterans disability claims'. Since you have such a powerful platform please don't keep forgetting all the other heros..Those who have received NO compensation.They matter too...

Submitted by John Quinn (not verified) on

I agree with Julie. We Veterans are still being pushed under the rug. After 50 years of fighting since the Vietnam War.

Submitted by CHRISTOPHER CAPO (not verified) on

Hey Jon,

I was a 911 first responder with a Volunteer Ambulance Corps at ground zero. I was there for one day only and felt that since so many were there longer that I didn't register because they needed the help more then me. I am 53 now and found out that I have nodules in both of my lungs and emphysema. I finally registered this year and am now part of the program. I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for us all and I am glad that you won't stop fighting for us.

Thank you for everything,

Chris Capo

Submitted by Bob Hagen (not verified) on

Thanks for all the help in securing funding for the 911 responders. You are a fighter for people’s rights and I commend you for doing it.
Mr. Stewart I would like a favor from you , Please, Please run for President of the United States. This country has never been more in need of your services in bringing this country back to normal. I’m so worried about the road that Trump is heading.
Thanks again

Submitted by Barton White (not verified) on

Thank you for taking the time to speak for most of America including myself. We have a responsibility to give back to our self-sacrificing hero's. If Congress fails to do the right thing I believe the rest of the US will step in. It is the nature of our nation. Maybe we should start a go-fund-me for responders. I would give to that cause.

Submitted by John Link (not verified) on

Jon,
I don't always agree with you politically however what you have done to help the 911 heros is commendable.
Thank you for your work to solidify the funds from Congress guaranteeing that those heros will be taken care of for life.
Jon you done good.

Submitted by Mike Voter (not verified) on

Mr. Stewart,

Our world has entered a new and frightening age. An age where the loudest win. Those that do the real work, those with the biggest hearts go unnoticed or abused. Millions of us find true strength in our hearts through the examples of heroes like you. Heroes who speak up, who see the issues in the world and use their brains and hearts to do something about it. Mr. Stewart, you have acted selflessly on countless occasions. You have been a real source of hope for our world for as long as i can remember.

When the 2020 presidential election comes around, I will be writing in your name. I will be asking forums to do the same, making facebook posts, asking friends and family. Candidate or not, you will have my vote. My only hope is that my voice joins others so that my vote can speak loud enough to either encourage you or encourage a candidate like you to lead our country and our world with true altruism. It may not be in 2020. It may not be in 2024. But hopefully the light of our hearts will change this world for the better like you already have.

Submitted by Janet Deitsch (not verified) on

You did such a great job in Congress for the first responder benefits. Next job, get Congress to work on the deficit.
good luck ....

Submitted by Kelly Dolan (not verified) on

Mr. Stewart,

Please run for president. You wouldn't be the best candidate. But, for many, you'd be the only candidate.

Thanks,

Kelly Dolan

Submitted by Joel Marshall (not verified) on

We’re on opposite ends of the American political spectrum, but when I see a man of your celebrity willing to selflessly give and fight for your fellow man, I am humbled and encouraged that we Americans can put aside our petty political spitefullness and actual be human and love each other. I wouldnt have imagined I’d appreciate you until you showed us how to swallow our pride, and do whats right for the ones in need. Thank you for having the courage to speak out, stand with and fight the good fight for our veterans, but especially for loving them. That speaks louder than any other petty differences we may have.

Submitted by Kyle A Turk (not verified) on

Dear Jon Stewart,

George Carlin was a very influential person in my life. He was a cynic with deep understanding of life, because he lived through an interesting time. He loved language, and rhythm, and timing. His timing was perfect all of the time.

He put forth the notion that we were all just here because we’re not all there. He celebrated the disproportionate “them versus Us” and did so seamlessly.

A responsibility of those who influence others is a crime of passion. They give for themselves, but the nuance of knowing they are appreciated certainly doesn’t go away immediately. “Isn’t he cute? Look how cute he is…”

If you read this, I would hope you will sit with it for a moment and think of your interview with George Carlin from the 1990s…

With this said, you are missed.

I’m from Jersey, you’re from Jersey blah blah, we’ve both had parental challenges and struggles growing up in the 80s. It made us tough. I’m a proud fan and friend. You made great musical TV for my ears and there are few solid, pragmatic, diplomatic people like you left in this Country…and we need your insight now more than ever.

I guess I just don’t want you to be done. George. Ge Or Ge Or Ge Or haha

You can be the voice of the nation. I truly believe that.

I hope you will consider my words and get back in the game.

Most sincerely,

Kyle

Submitted by Ann (not verified) on

Jon, thank you for doing the Daily Show and perfecting the form for so many years. Thank you for recognizing Stephen Colbert's genius and for delivering unto us Trevor Noah. Trevor Noah has brought me through this pandemic mostly sane. You are the original. Much respect.

Submitted by James T. Ryals (not verified) on

I didn't know how to get in touch with you Jon, hope this reaches you. I heard you today talking about The USA engaging in war and not stepping up to the plate and taking care of the wounded. My dad's case takes our government to a new level, a new low. No one wants to hear the horid. Here is a really short version. !945, Great Lakes Naval Training Base. Dad got out early his senior year in high school to fight the war. He was 17 years old. The USA made a sealable chamber to test specifically the Navy recruits of 1945. They made the chamber and the mustard gases at the University of Chicago. We already had an agreement with the world not to use. Dad and his entire company were hospitalized. Dad says there was another company involved also but he forgot the company number. His company was 581. Dad was in hospitals for over a month. The company was dissolved and there is no record of my dad's company, so they could keep it quiet. They threatened him not to say anything. There is no record of dad's company or dad graduating from basic training. Dad went on to serve in the Pacific, blowing up floating and teathered mines off the coast of China. He got his honorable discharge in 1947. The clincher was he brought his uniform home with him. Dad's friends wanted him to put on his uniform for some pictures. They took him to Pensacola Naval Station where he was broken out from head to inbetween his toes, especially his groin area, so the report says. At least he didn't breathe it in this time when it blistered his eyes, nose, mouth and throat. Dad immediately made a claim, in 1947, which the military refused. I started taking care of him about 15 years ago and my mom 25 years before that from his strokes caused by his lungs deterioration. Mom had cancer, so I guess he felt like he could tell me about this incident without too many consequences. The VA finally admitted 2 years ago that he had full body exposure to mustard type gases while in the service. Dad lived two more years, his mind perfectly in tact, and they did nothing for him. He would still be alive today if it weren't for covid. This is how they treat our servicemen then and today I see. Just pathetic...

Submitted by Daniel (not verified) on

Mr. Stewart,

I recently watched an interview of you from four years ago in which you downplayed your influence and your contributions to real political change. I believe this is an error. My own political views changed over time as you confronted me with hypocrisy that wasn't presented to me by Fox News. You lament that cultural change doesn't directly result in political power, but I believe it does. It is just slow. It is generational. Satire might even be the most effective way of piercing the information bubbles that we currently live in.

Although I do not always agree with you, I look at you as a thought leader. I believe your influence is greater than you believe, or maybe want to believe. I believe in my own life that I have a duty to do all that I can to make the world a better place. Your life is your own, and you deserve peace if that is what you want, but if you believe as I do, I know you can lead and influence many. These are troubling times.

Respectfully,

Daniel

Submitted by Adam (not verified) on

I got through 48 years of my life without writing or following "celebrities", and I would rather, (given a chance) grab a coffee with you, then be putting my personal thoughts on a public forum. Since hell is not freezing over, and this seems to be the only way to get my 2 cents to you (if I'm lucky) - here it goes...
First and foremost - Thank you! When the world stopped making any sense during Bush jr, you were the only proof that it's not me who lost it. Post capt. orange this validation is even more precious and I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
From what I see, you have a great following of like minded people who long for lost decency in this country. As Uncle Ben use to say "With great power, comes great responsibility", and so here is my plea to you. Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter etc, all care only about their ratings and ads spots, making more money and who gets higher into stratosphere by not paying taxes. These media are in fact the reason why this country was conquered by fear mongering and the likes of orange pop tart and those behind him. Unless we stop giving them our power, they will separate and categorize us by social and psychological profiles, sale and profit off of any and all bits of your personal information, and then turn around and sell our rights and democracy to the highest bit. (Oh WAIT! Too late!)
Unless I'm totally wrong Jon, you still have a fight in you. We respect what you say and do, and you should not limit your platform to some mass media social spinner who is looking for more likes, and new way to travel to space, while so many suffer down on earth.
Your voice belongs in the public square, and not steaming service where you are available only to those that can afford to pay extra for streaming. That's the problem with John Oliver show and many others on HBO... it amounts to the tree falling in the forest, and no one hears it. Whatever, you decide to do with Apple, please know that what you do makes difference in people's life and if you ever decide to run for an office, you'd be surprised how many would stand behind you.
With regards,
Adam M

Submitted by Bruce Eifler (not verified) on

I just watched an old interview on Fox where you use the words Wiener and Relish in the same statement and nobody chimed in with, "I was never one to put relish on a wiener".
Rare comedy setups like that are gold and I couldn't believe it just passed you by...

Submitted by John Taylor (not verified) on

Jon,

As a polio survivor who.just missed the rollout of the Salk vaccine in 1955, you are dead wrong in your opinion. Covid has killed far more than polio ever did. So, Joe’s misinformation and your reaction to criticism of his misinformation helps kill more people.

Regards,
John Taylor
Retired Principal Scientist & Technical Fellow

Submitted by Tim r (not verified) on

Joe -always appreciated the fact that you never back down you speak the truth sometimes it's a little missing for me people get things wrong every now and then but you are one of those people on like the rest of these news and social media sites that actually step up and apologize when you make a mistake I respect you for that always they will fix them always will you're the man job enjoy

Submitted by Bill (not verified) on

I am very impressed by the voice you have given to our veterans and 911 first responder. I am neither, but am always saddened by the treatment they often experience from our elected officials and agencies. Your voice in their support is wonderful very well covered in highlighting their issues. Thank you

Submitted by Lori Monacelli (not verified) on

Just needed to say thank you for being such an effective advocate. Keep up the great work. Don’t despair. You are heard even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Submitted by Irene Carnahan (not verified) on

Jon Stewart. He makes me smarter, laugh a lot, and feel better after I see him. So happy to see him on Apple TV.

Submitted by John Buck (not verified) on

The presidency would not be a good idea. You are much to valuable as an advocate. I think the President has to be diplomatic, (read tell white lies) I see your value as someone who bluntly tells the truth without political aspirations. Keep up the good work. You are very needed.

Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Recent comments

Poll

How old are you?