Did You Know...

Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz was born in New York, NY on November 28, 1962. His parents, Donald and Marian Leibowitz, divorced nine years later; Jon lived with his mother after the divorce. He attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia at age 17, where he majored in psychology and played on the soccer team. Stewart claims that he was miserable at college, which is very surprising because of his funny, outgoing nature displayed on television. Jon later changed his name from Jon Leibowitz to Jon Stewart in 2001; many reasons are given, however none are confirmed. He married Tracey McShane in November 1999

Success was not easily attained by Jon Stewart. He did not even enter the comedy world until 1987, but held myriad jobs prior to becoming a comedian, including bartender, waiter, busboy, Cancer Research Lab worker, and more. He admits to being fired from six stores in the same mall, and also to being fired by his own brother. In 1986, he moved to New York City from Lawrence Township, New Jersey, where he was raised.

Jon Stewart had his first gig at a club called 'The Bitter End' in New York. He self-admittedly bombed his first attempt at comedy but realized his true passion for it, oddly enough. Jon then went through a period of rough times, performing comedy skits during the wee hours of the morning at comedy clubs while not many people were in attendance, and he began to doubt himself. However, through late-night gigs at the Comedy Cellar, and other gigs, Jon became very well-known in the comedy circle. People apparently began to see the comedic genius in Jon Stewart.