Jon Stewart

Jon Stewart was born on November 28, 1962. Stewart had a rough childhood growing up without his father present and being constantly mocked for coming from a Jewish family. Still, Stewart didn’t allow this to keep him from following his dreams. After working many different jobs, Stewart, often regarded as a “funny man,” decided to try a career in the comedy business. He moved to New York where he was originally from and started working at comedy clubs. Stewart made it big in the entertainment world; he hosted the popular show “The Daily Show” for over 15 years and has won several accolades throughout his career.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Jonathan Stewart Leibowitz

Birth date:

November 28, 1962

Age:

61

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 6"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$120 million

Jonathan's Social Media:

Background

Jon Stewart, born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz on November 28, 1962, in New York City is a popular T.V. show host. His mother, Marian Leibowitz, was a teacher, and his father, Donald Leibowitz, was an energy coordinator. Stewart has three siblings, all boys. Stewart was five when his parents got divorced and he barely saw his father from then on. Even as an adult, Stewart commented that his relationship with his father was “complicated.” Stewart grew up with his mother and his older brother in Lawrence Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He attended Lawrence High School. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at The College of William & Mary and majored in Chemistry and Psychology. He dropped his surname and had his surname changed legally to Stewart in 2001.

After graduating from college in 1984, Stewart had several odd jobs. He worked as a bartender, a busboy, a shelf stocker, a high school soccer coach, a puppeteer, and many more jobs. In 1986, Stewart moved back to New York City to try luck in a career as a comedian. He was often regarded as a “funny man,” so how could it not work? Once in New York City, Stewart started doing stand-up comedy at different comedy clubs. Stewart became a regular and popular performer at the comedy club Comedy Cellar, where he performed for two years. In 1990, Stewart began co-hosting “Short Attention Span Theater” after his first television job as a writer for “Caroline’s Comedy Hour” the previous year. In 1993, Stewart began hosting “The Jon Stewart Show,” an M.T.V. talk show which was later dropped by the network.

Stewart got his big break in 1998 when he replaced Craig Kilborn on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” but he didn’t make his first on-air appearance until January 11, 1999. Stewart hosted “The Daily Show” until 2015 and during his journey on the show, Stewart won 22 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Grammy Awards.

Career timeline

1987
His Comedy Career Starts

Jon Stewart starts doing stand-up comedy in New York City clubs.

1990
His First Job as a Host

Stewart co-hosts the “Short Attention Span Theater” show with Patty Rosborough.

1993
His Show

Stewart hosts “The Jon Stewart Show” which is an M.T.V. talk show.

1999
His Big Break

He begins hosting “The Daily Show,” replacing Craig Kilborn.

Why We Love Jon Stewart

  1. His style is humorous

    Stewart developed a distinctive sense of humor and hosting throughout his career. The T.V. host has a unique style with which he approaches noteworthy news with a pinch of humor.

  2. His charity work is admirable

    Stewart supports many charities. He has supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Red Cross, Feeding America, and many more charities.

  3. He received the Bronze Medallion

    Stewart was honored with the New York City Bronze Medallion. He received it for his commitment and advocacy to help authorize the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund Act.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. A blind date

    Jon Stewart met his wife on a blind date and they have been married for over 20 years.

  2. His first T.V. appearance

    Stewart’s first T.V. appearance was on a children’s T.V. show titled "Captain Noah and His Magical Ark" when he was only nine years old.

  3. He had stage fright

    Stewart used to have stage fright when he first moved to New York to become a comedian.

  4. His stand-up debut

    Stewart debuted at "The Bitter End," where Bill Cosby and Woody Allen began their career.

  5. He is a vegetarian

    Stewart has been a vegetarian since 2015.

Jon Stewart FAQs

Why did Jon Stewart change his name?

Stewart changed his name to cut ties with his father.

Is Jon Stewart still married?

Stewart has been happily married to Tracey McShane since 2000.

Does Jon Stewart have children?

Stewart has two children, Nathan Thomas and Maggie Rose.

Jon Stewart’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024November 28Thursday
2025November 28Friday
2026November 28Saturday
2027November 28Sunday
2028November 28Tuesday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.