Jon Stewart Biography- Jon Stewart born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz; November 28, 1962 is an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor and television host. The long-running host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015, Stewart returned to the satirical news program in 2024. He hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023.
Jon Stewart Biography 2024
Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor and television host. The long-running host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015, Stewart returned to the satirical news program in 2024. He hosted The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ from 2021 to 2023.
Born: 28 November 1962 (age 61 years), New York, New York, United States
Spouse: Tracey McShane (m. 2000)
Height: 1.69 m
Children: Maggie Rose Stewart, Nathan Thomas Stewart
Parents: Donald Leibowitz, Marian Leibowitz
Siblings: Larry Leibowitz, Dan Leibowitz, Matt Leibowitz
Jon Stewart Biography 2024 Details
Birth name | Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz |
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Born | November 28, 1962 (age 61) New York City, U.S. |
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Medium | - Stand-up
- television
- film
- books
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Education | College of William & Mary (BA) |
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Years active | 1987–present |
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Genres | - Political/news satire
- observational comedy
- surreal humor
- blue comedy
- insult comedy
- deadpan
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Subject(s) | - Mass media/news media/media criticism
- American politics
- Jewish culture
- current events
- pop culture
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Spouse | Tracey McShane Stewart (m. 2000) |
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Children | 2 |
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Category | Singers Bio |
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Early Life and Education
Stewart was born in New York City to Donald Leibowitz, an energy coordinator for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, and Marian Leibowitz, a teacher and later an educational consultant. He is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with family roots tracing back to Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and possibly Lithuania. One of his grandfathers was born in Manzhouli, present-day China. Stewart is the second of four sons and grew up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. His parents divorced when he was eleven, leading to a strained relationship with his father. This prompted him to drop his surname, opting to use his middle name instead, a decision he later legally formalized in 2001.
Stewart has reflected on his complex relationship with his father, noting its lasting impact on his life. Growing up, Stewart faced significant antisemitism, which led to bullying during his childhood. He described himself in high school as a leftist who was deeply interested in figures like Eugene Debs. The events of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal instilled in him a healthy skepticism towards official narratives.
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Jon Stewart’s Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Jon Stewart’s net worth is estimated to be around $120 million.
How Jon Stewart Rose to Fame
Stewart’s journey began as a stand-up comedian in New York City in 1987. By 1989, he was writing for Caroline’s Comedy Hour, and his first big break came with the show Short Attention Span Theater on Comedy Central, co-hosted with Patty Rosborough. In 1992, he hosted You Wrote It, You Watch It on MTV, but his career truly took off after appearing on Late Night With David Letterman.
Following that, he hosted his own show, The Jon Stewart Show, on MTV until its cancellation in 1995. In 1998, Stewart took over The Daily Show, following Craig Kilborn’s departure, and became a cultural icon through that platform. He also appeared in several films, including Half-Baked, Death to Smoochy, and Big Daddy.
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Jon Stewart’s Earnings
Stewart’s income varies by project, but his most substantial earnings came from The Daily Show. At the height of his tenure, from 2013 to 2015, he reportedly earned between $25 million and $30 million annually. In 2012, his salary was noted to be $16 million, with subsequent raises over his career on the show.
Current Projects and Future Plans
After his exit from The Problem With Jon Stewart, he has remained active in producing and writing films, including Irresistible. With his return to The Daily Show beginning in February 2024, he will engage audiences once more as the presidential election approaches.
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Jon Stewart’s Dietary Choices and Personal Life
Stewart has followed a plant-based diet for several years and went vegan in 2015, alongside his wife, Tracey McShane. The couple are active in animal rights, working with organizations like Farm Sanctuary and maintaining their own sanctuary, Hockhockson Farm Foundation.
Educational Background
Jon Stewart graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1984 with a degree in psychology, having initially studied chemistry. He humorously recalls his college experience as a mix of late nights, cramming, and soccer practice.
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Why Jon Stewart Changed His Name
Born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, Stewart adopted his middle name as a way to distance himself from his estranged father following his parents’ divorce when he was 11. He later explained that changing his name was not just about ethnic identity but also a personal decision stemming from family dynamics.