This sexy Jersey boy (née Leibowitz ) moved to New York in his mid-twenties to join the downtown comedy scene. He got his first TV exposure in the early '90s as the host of Comedy Central's Short Attention Span Theater, a prophetic gig considering that he would soon become a star on that channel. Throughout the decade Stewart played big- and small-screen supporting parts while simultaneously pursuing a career as a host. He had two eponymous short-lived talk shows and a recurring role on The Larry Sanders Show as himself. His big break came in 1999, when at the age of 37 he took over hosting duties on Comedy Central's The Daily Show. This satirical news series was the perfect forum for Stewart, allowing him to show off his quick-witted observations, superlative interviewing skills and obsessive knowledge of current events. His success earned him book deals, Emmys and a spot hosting the Oscars.