Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and Other Stars Who Worked At 'The Daily Show'

From Stephen Colbert to Steve Carell, a few names may surprise you!

ByABC News
February 11, 2015, 2:23 PM

— -- Jon Stewart announced Tuesday that at some point this year, he plans to leave "The Daily Show."

"It's been an incredible opportunity to pilot this wonderful franchise," Stewart said at the end of last night's episode. "Seventeen years is the longest I have ever in my life held a job, by 16 years and five months. ... In my heart, I know it is time for someone else to have that opportunity."

However, the Comedy Central show wasn't just a starring vehicle for Stewart -- it also launched the careers of many actors and comedians who are household names today.

A few of those people are below:

PHOTO: Stephen Colbert hosts a taping of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" in Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on Dec. 8, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Stephen Colbert hosts a taping of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" in Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on Dec. 8, 2014 in Washington, DC.

1. Stephen Colbert: Colbert worked steadily as a TV comedy writer for years before landing at "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," but it was at that show, where he worked from 1997-2008, that he really made his mark. In 2005, he launched his spin-off show, "The Colbert Report," where he worked until last year. Later this year, he'll take over hosting duties for David Letterman, and launch "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

PHOTO: Steve Carell attends the British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on Feb. 8, 2015 in London, England.
Steve Carell attends the British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on Feb. 8, 2015 in London, England.

2. Steve Carell: Now an Oscar nominee for his role in "Foxcatcher," Carell began working as a writer and correspondent for "The Daily Show" back in 1999. And while he left the show in 2005 for his star-making role in "The Office," he regularly made guest appearances as himself afterward.

PHOTO: John Oliver appears on "Good Morning America," on Feb. 6, 2015.
John Oliver appears on "Good Morning America," on Feb. 6, 2015.

3. John Oliver: In 2007, Oliver began writing for "The Daily Show," where he worked until 2013. So, why did he leave? Why, to host his HBO series, "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," of course.

PHOTO: Larry Wilmore attends Viacom Inc. & Comedy Central's "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore" ring the Nasdaq Stock Market Closing Bell at NASDAQ on Jan. 23, 2015 in New York City.
Larry Wilmore attends Viacom Inc. & Comedy Central's "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore" ring the Nasdaq Stock Market Closing Bell at NASDAQ on Jan. 23, 2015 in New York City.

4. Larry Wilmore: Wilmore began his career by writing for shows including "In Living Color," but worked behind the scenes too, co-creating "The PJs" with Eddie Murphy and "The Bernie Mac Show," with the late Bernie Mac.

However, he became a household name as the "Senior Black Correspondent" for "The Daily Show," and even landed his own Comedy Central series, "The Nightly Show," which debuted earlier this year.

PHOTO: Olivia Munn attends the premiere of "Mortdecai" on Jan. 21, 2015 in Hollywood, Calif.
Olivia Munn attends the premiere of "Mortdecai" on Jan. 21, 2015 in Hollywood, Calif.

5. Olivia Munn: Prior to beginning her yearlong stint as a correspondent for "The Daily Show" in 2010, Munn acted in shows including "Greek" and "Beyond the Break." However, bigger roles followed, including an arc on "New Girl," and a starring role in "The Newsroom."

PHOTO: Ed Helms attends the premiere of "The One I Love" at the Vista Theatre on Aug. 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Ed Helms attends the premiere of "The One I Love" at the Vista Theatre on Aug. 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, Calif.

6. Ed Helms: From 2002-2009, Helms worked as a correspondent on "The Daily Show," and in 2006, joined Carell in "The Office." Soon, he began getting parts in big movies, including a starring role in "The Hangover" franchise.

PHOTO: Rob Corddry promotes his film "Hot Tub Time Machine 2" at Univision Studios on Feb. 5, 2015 in Miami, Fla.
Rob Corddry promotes his film "Hot Tub Time Machine 2" at Univision Studios on Feb. 5, 2015 in Miami, Fla.

7. Rob Corddry: A correspondent on "The Daily Show" for a decade, Corddry went on to score roles in TV series including "Happy Endings" and "Children's Hospital" and movies including "Sex Tape" and "Hot Tub Time Machine."