Marc Maron has opened up about his ongoing feud with Jon Stewart, attributing its roots to his own insecurity. In a recent interview with Esquire, Maron reflected on the nature of their rivalry, acknowledging that Stewart never wronged him. Instead, Maron admitted he was simply jealous of Stewart’s success and presence in the comedy world.
Background of the Feud
The tension between Maron and Stewart dates back to their early careers in the 1990s. Maron briefly hosted “Short Attention Span Theater,” a Comedy Central clip show, before its cancellation in 1994. Meanwhile, Stewart rose to prominence as the host of “The Daily Show,” establishing himself as a leading figure in comedy.
Maron’s Feelings of Insecurity
- Maron described Stewart as a “smart, cute, Jewish guy.”
- He felt that Stewart had a firm grasp on his talents and career direction.
- Maron struggled with his own self-perception and control over his abilities.
Maron expressed that Stewart’s success was a constant reminder of his own struggles. “Throughout my early career, Jon was everywhere,” Maron said. He admitted that his envy manifested in negative behavior towards Stewart, even criticizing him openly.
Attempts to Reconcile
In the interview, Maron revealed that he once tried to invite Stewart to appear on his podcast, “WTF.” He recalled reaching out to Stewart and offering an apology for their past interactions. However, Stewart’s response was less than warm. Maron recounted Stewart’s words: “There’s no love here,” adding that their conversation heightened his feelings of inadequacy.
Stewart suggested a casual coffee meet-up but declined the podcast offer, telling Maron, “I’m sure what you’re doing is very creative, and good luck with it.” This response left Maron with a sense of condescension, further complicating their relationship.
A Full Circle Moment
Interestingly, both comedians now host their own podcasts, which marks a notable shift in their careers. Maron’s reflection on his rivalry with Stewart sheds light on the complexities of professional envy and personal growth.
