19. JON STEWART
Few people have dominated late-night talk shows like Jon Stewart. Unlike his predecessors, David Letterman on Johnny Carson, his approach was never the traditional sit-down and plug your new project, but modeled after a news broadcast weaving in politics and comedy. Jon Stewart was not the first host of “The Daily Show,” an award-winning satirical news program that was highly rated and critically acclaimed. But by the time he took the seat in 1999, becoming the second host, he solidified his O.G. status with a 16 year-run, graciously passing the baton to Trevor Noah.
His decision to leave a hit show also lined up with where he was in his personal life. He wanted “less” of the fast pace of entertainment. After leaving, he turned one of his properties into a sanctuary for abused animals and became a vegan. He has been a firm advocate for veterans’ rights and launched a new Apple series called, “The Problem With Jon Stewart.”