Graduated from Lawrence High School in Lawrence, New Jersey, in 1980. In the yearbook, he was voted "Best Sense of Humor". He still occasionally returns for school fundraisers.

His biggest comedic influences were Woody Allen, Steve Martin, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin.

Made his first television appearance as a child on a local Philadelphia children's show "Captain Noah and His Magical Ark". He appeared as a trumpet player for "The Lawrence Stage Band".

He studied psychology in college.

Met Stephen Colbert's wife Evelyn McGee before actually meeting co-star Colbert.

Was introduced to his wife by a production assistant on Wishful Thinking (1997). Proposed to her through a crossword puzzle made by Will Shortz.

Was chosen by People Magazine as one of 1999's 50 Most Beautiful People In The World.

After graduating college, he drifted between numerous jobs including busboy in a Mexican restaurant. His production company, Busboy Productions, is a reference to this job.

Was scheduled to host "Saturday Night Live" (1975) on February 5, 2000 but had to back out at the last minute. He was replaced by Alan Cumming.

Wife Tracey gave birth to their second child, a girl, Maggie Rose Stewart 6 lbs, 9 oz on the afternoon of Feb 4, 2006.

Does the New York Times crossword every night with his wife.

His wife Tracey is a veterinary technician.

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).

Has a cat named Stan and two pitbulls, Monkey and Shamsky. Shamsky was named after Art Shamsky.

Is a lifelong fan of the New York Mets.

Has a half-brother named Matt, who works in the music industry in Trenton, New Jersey.

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.

Both he and his wife legally changed their last names to Stewart when they were married.

Longtime friends with Arizona senator John McCain, a frequent guest on his show.

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.

Did uncredited writing work for "Caroline's Comedy Hour" (1989).

Was voted the second funniest person in America by Entertainment Weekly in 2004, behind Chris Rock.

Decided to quit smoking on Dec. 28, 2000, after being encouraged by the CGL Foundation.

The College of William and Mary soccer team still gives out an award called the "Liebo", named after Jon's birth name of "Liebowitz". It is given to the clown/sweetheart of the team.

In 1995, he optioned the rights to Jack Finney's 1977 book "The Night People". He planned to produce and star in the film version for Miramax but the project never came to fruition.

Attended the College of William and Mary, where he was on the soccer team.

His favorite musician is Tom Waits.

Had a small part in The First Wives Club (1996) but it was left on the cutting room floor.

Wife Tracey gave birth to their first child, a boy, Nathan Thomas Stewart on July 3, 2004.

Original major in college was Chemistry.

Very good friends with comedians Dennis Miller and Ricky Gervais.