Shamsky and Monkey (Dog)
Jon Stewart previously had two pitbulls named Shamsky and Monkey, who have since passed away.
Dipper (Dog)
Jon Stewart adopted a three-legged brindle pitbull in 2011. Dipper sadly passed away in February 2024 and you can see Stewart’s tearful tribute to Dipper here.
Toby (Dog)
In January 2023, Jon Stewart adopted a homeless dog named Toby. Well, they originally were just giving him a ride from Antigua to Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter in New York City… And ended up keeping the lucky pup! Toby is seen here with the late and great Dipper, who Stewart also adopted from Animal Haven.
Hey Friend Foundation - Hockhockson Farm (Animal Sanctuary)
Jon and Tracy Stewart have transformed a farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey, into a remarkable animal sanctuary known as Hockhockson Farm (and as the Hey Friend Foundation). This sanctuary not only grows crops but also provides a safe haven for rescued farm animals, including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. Spanning 45 acres, the property was originally established in the late 1770s and was purchased by the Stewarts for about $4 million. Hockhockson Farm boasts an array of facilities, including two 2-bedroom cottages, a pool, a pond, an equine facility with an arena for showing, six barns, 16 stalls, five pastures, five paddocks, a five-car garage, and a farm stand area. The Stewarts run the Hockhockson Farm Foundation from this farm, aiming to unite community leaders and organizations to serve communities in need.
Jon Stewart
Birthday
November 28, 196 (1828)
Links (Tags)
Jon Stewart, an American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host, is best known for his tenure on The Daily Show, a satirical news program that aired on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015. Stewart’s acerbic wit and unique take on current events and politics transformed The Daily Show from a mere comedy program into a critical platform for news and political satire, making it a significant cultural touchstone in American media.
Throughout his career, Stewart’s influence extended beyond his role as a television host. He directed and produced the film Rosewater (2014), a drama based on the memoir of Maziar Bahari, a journalist imprisoned in Iran. This project marked a significant shift from Stewart’s usual comedic work, showcasing his versatility and deep interest in political and social issues. Under Stewart’s leadership, The Daily Show became a launching pad for several other prominent comedians and writers, including Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and Trevor Noah, who went on to host their own successful shows. Stewart himself made numerous film appearances in works like Big Daddy and Death to Smoochy, further establishing his range as an entertainer.
Jon Stewart’s collaborations read like a who’s who of contemporary comedy and political commentary. He worked closely with Stephen Colbert, both on The Daily Show and later as an executive producer of The Colbert Report. His mentorship of John Oliver led to Oliver’s own successful show, Last Week Tonight. Stewart appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, engaging in significant conversations with Oprah Winfrey herself. He has also had memorable interactions with political figures such as Barack Obama, whom he interviewed on The Daily Show multiple times, and other notable personalities like Malala Yousafzai, showcasing his ability to navigate both the realms of comedy and serious political discourse with ease. Additionally, his work with Steve Carell, another alumnus of The Daily Show, underscores Stewart’s knack for identifying and nurturing comedic talent.
Over the years, Jon Stewart has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, highlighting his impact on television and culture. He has won multiple Emmy Awards, primarily for his work on The Daily Show, including awards for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program and Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series. Stewart’s influence was also recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, illustrating his broad appeal in the realm of comedy and entertainment. Moreover, his advocacy for 9/11 first responders played a pivotal role in the passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, showcasing his ability to leverage his platform for significant social impact.
Jon Stewart’s commitment to advocacy extends to animal rights and welfare. He and his wife, Tracey Stewart, are known for their dedication to animal rescue and rehabilitation. They own a farm in New Jersey, which serves as a sanctuary for abused and neglected animals, illustrating Stewart’s commitment to compassionate causes beyond his professional endeavors. This aspect of his life highlights a personal dedication to animal welfare, reinforcing Stewart’s multifaceted persona as not just a comedian and commentator but also a committed advocate for social and animal welfare issues.
