Stewart is just hitting his stride at the age of 38--it's amazing that it has taken this long for people to embrace his sarcastic, sardonic, and incisive sense of humor. Of particular note was a regular "gig" on The Larry Sanders Show. Playing himself, Stewart was the oft-timed "Guest Host" of TLSS. He became as much a part of the show's fabric as some of the regular performers. He has emerged as a bonafide TV personality with his ascension to host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart/Comedy Central since taking over for Craig Kilborn in 1999.


Was chosen by People Magazine as one of 1999's 50 Most Beautiful People In The World. Decided to quit smoking on Dec. 28, 2000, after being encouraged by the CGL Foundation. Filed petition to make his name change official from Leibowitz to Stewart. When "60 Minutes" (1968) asked him why he dropped Leibowitz, Stewart explained: "Sounded too Hollywood". (June 2001). Both he and his wife legally changed their last names to Stewart when they were married. Was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for six months. During that time, he felt that fraternities had no point and dropped out. He feels no allegiance to PiKA at all. His wife Tracey is a veterinary technician. On September 24, 2004, the online "Campaign Desk: Critique and analysis of 2004 campaign coverage from Columbia Journalism Review" published what they called "A Campaign Desk Honor Roll, of Sorts", offering "a short list of reporters who consistently rise above the superficial to do original and often insightful work". #4 on the list of 20 journalists was Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show" (1996) on Comedy Central - coming in ahead of many writers for The New York Times, the Washington Post, and other highly rated periodicals and newspapers. Wife Tracey gave birth to their second child, a girl, Maggie Rose Stewart 6 lbs, 9 oz on the afternoon of Feb 4, 2006. He studied psychology in college. Original major in college was Chemistry. Does the New York Times crossword every night with his wife. Met Stephen Colbert's wife Evelyn McGee before actually meeting co-star Colbert. The only musical performers permitted to play on 'The Daily Show' to date have been personal favorites of Stewart's: The White Stripes, Tenacious D, They Might Be Giants, Bad Religion (which he says is one of his favorite bands), Cold Play and, apparently his all-time favorite, Tom Waits. His biggest comedic influences were Woody Allen, Steve Martin, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin. Has a cat named Stan and two pitbulls, Monkey and Shamsky. Shamsky was named after Art Shamsky. Was introduced to his wife by a production assistant on Wishful Thinking (1997). Proposed to her through a crossword puzzle made by Will Shortz. Close friends with Jennifer Beals.