John Oliver, born on April 23, 1977, in Birmingham, England, is a celebrated comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. Oliver first gained prominence in the United States as a writer and correspondent on Comedy Central’s "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," a role he began in 2006. His witty commentary and English charm quickly made him a fan favorite, and his success on the show led to multiple Writers Guild and Emmy nominations. He won an Emmy in 2009 for Best Comedy Writing in a Comedy or Variety Series.
Capitalizing on his popularity from "The Daily Show," Comedy Central invited Oliver to write and star in his own one-hour stand-up special, "Terrifying Times," which premiered in April 2008 and was later released on DVD. That same year, Oliver appeared in the film "The Love Guru," starring alongside Mike Myers, and began a recurring role in the NBC comedy series "Community" as the eccentric professor Ian Duncan.
In January 2010, Oliver further expanded his comedic reach by hosting "John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show" on Comedy Central, a six-episode series where he showcased not only his own stand-up material but also performances from some of his favorite comedians.
Beyond television, Oliver has maintained a strong presence in the world of satirical news. He co-created and stars in the satirical news podcast "The Bugle" with his long-time writing partner, Andy Zaltzman. This podcast, in collaboration with The Times newspaper, has been a platform for Oliver’s incisive humor since its inception.
Oliver’s work in radio is also notable. With Zaltzman, he co-wrote and hosted "Political Animal" on BBC Radio 4, which was based on their successful live stand-up show. A third series of "Political Animal" aired in 2009. Additionally, Oliver has contributed to three series of "The Department" on BBC Radio 4, again collaborating with Chris Addison and Andy Zaltzman. His other radio credits include appearances on "Mock the Week" (BBC Radio 2) and writing contributions to "Bremner, Bird and Fortune" (Channel 4).
A versatile performer, Oliver has been involved with several television projects in the UK, including roles in "Green Wing" (Channel 4), "Chambers" (BBC 1), "People Like Us" (BBC 1), and the sitcom "My Hero" starring Ardal O'Hanlon. In the United States, he has also appeared in "Important Things with Demetri Martin" (Comedy Central).
Oliver continues to engage audiences with his stand-up comedy, performing at colleges and comedy venues throughout the United States. His unique perspective and sharp wit have established him as one of the leading voices in comedy, resonating with audiences far and wide.
Emmy Award for Best Comedy Writing in a Comedy or Variety Series (2009)