Jessica Williams, best known for her role as a senior correspondent on The Daily Show, credits her “first real boss,” Jon Stewart, with inspiring her comedy career and her approach to leadership and life.
Williams, now 35, joined The Daily Show at just 22, while still a student at Cal State Long Beach.
Working under Stewart’s mentorship from 2012 to 2016, she says his kindness and values left a lasting impact.
“I wanted to be a kind boss like him,” Williams shared in an interview with PEOPLE. “He was always present and prioritized what mattered, like raising his family.”
Lessons from a Legendary Mentor
Stewart’s ability to balance his professional and personal life resonated deeply with Williams.
“I got to watch him be a performer who kept his values straight,” she noted.
His influence extended beyond comedy, shaping her perspective on leadership and collaboration.
Williams recently reunited with Stewart on The Daily Show, where he returned as a guest host in February 2024 following Trevor Noah’s departure. Reflecting on her return, she described it as “coming home to my little family.”
The reunion also sparked discussions about future appearances, with the production team expressing interest in having Williams contribute more regularly.
“It’s a joy, and it’s wonderful to do stuff with him,” she added.
Building on a Foundation of Comedy
Williams credits her time at The Daily Show with honing her comedic timing, rhythm, and writing skills, lessons she continues to draw from in her acting career.
“There’s no Gaby without The Daily Show, at all,” she said, referring to her Emmy-nominated role on the Apple TV+ sitcom Shrinking.
In Shrinking, Williams stars alongside Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, playing Gaby, a therapist navigating her own challenges. Acting alongside Segel has been a liberating experience, she shared.
“I can be as physical or subtle as I want to, and he’s always ready to meet me wherever I’m at,” she said.
A Grateful Reflection
Williams she remains grounded in gratitude for her roots.
“I’m just so grateful for Jon, for the people at The Daily Show, and for the lessons I learned there,” she said.
Fans can catch Williams in new episodes of Shrinking season 2, released Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
