Jewish Trivia: Jon Stewart
Published January 24, 2022
The award program will take place at the Kennedy Center on April 24, and will later be broadcast on television. Stewart joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including Richard Pryor, Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Bill Murray, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Bill Cosby (whose prize was later rescinded).
Stewart, born Jonathan Leibowitz, was raised in a Conservative Jewish family but is not religious. He often makes Jewish references in his comedy, including his response to learning that he is this year’s Mark Twain recipient: “I am truly honored to receive this award. I have long admired and been influenced by the work of Mark Twain, or, as he was known by his given name, Samuel Leibowitz.” Not everyone is a fan of Stewart, however.
What has Donald Trump tweeted about the comedian?
B. “I have more Jews in my family than he does. My daughter’s Jewish. My son-in-law’s Jewish. I didn’t ask for that, but I got it. Oy. You know what? I don’t mind. I like Jews. Except of course, Jon Stewart. Nothing likable about that Jew.”
C. “Everything was just fine in the Middle East until Jon Stewart and his socialist minions took power.”
D. “If Jon Stewart is so above it all & legit, why did he change his name from Jonathan Leibowitz? He should be proud of his heritage!”
E. “There are only two things that this country needs to do. Stop the Steal and Stop the Stewart.”
