Jon Stewart’s final episode hosting “The Daily Show” saw dozens of surprising appearances from politicians, musicians and former cast members of the series. But apparently not everyone who helped the show become a 16-year success story under Stewart’s watch was invited back for his jubilant sendoff.
Similar to February’s “Saturday Night Live” 40th anniversary special, fan-favorite players returned and gave the extended episode a party atmosphere. Also similar to that show, some memorable people were missing.
Fans of “The Daily Show” were thrilled to see former correspondents-turned-stars like Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Olivia Munn, John Oliver, Ed Helms and Josh Gad. Listed below are six regular correspondents or contributors that weren’t seen in Thursday’s show.
Frank DeCaro
DeCaro spent eight years as a contributor to “The Daily Show,” starting at the show’s debut in 1996. During that time, he hosted the long-running “Out at the Movies” segment, where he played a film critic who always managed to find homosexual undertones in the movie. After Stewart’s final episode aired on Thursday, DeCaro tweeted, “I didn’t get invited back,” and continued, “The cast is a lot bigger than what was represented tonight.”
Stacey Grenrock-Woods
Arguably the most notable absence from Stewart’s finale, Grenrock-Woods was a “Daily Show” correspondent for six seasons, starting in 1998. She was the only correspondent who spent at least three years under Stewart’s regime that wasn’t in the host’s final episode.
Demetri Martin
Before leaving to host his own Comedy Central series in 2008, Martin spent three years as a contributor to “The Daily Show.” He was dubbed the show’s “Youth Correspondent” and presented the popular “Trendspotting” segment.
Rachael Harris
Before becoming a successful character actress, Harris was a “Daily Show” correspondent for two years. After leaving the series, she appeared in movies like “The Hangover,” “Best in Show” and “Wreck-It-Ralph.”
Beth Littleford
Littleford was a “Daily Show” correspondent for five years, beginning in 1996. She had the longest run of any of the show’s original group of correspondents. After Stewart’s final episode aired, Littleford tweeted several positive messages about her time on the show.
Mick Foley
WWE wrestler Mick Foley was an occasional contributor to “The Daily Show” for four years, starting in 2009. Despite not being present for Stewart’s final episode, Foley sent a congratulatory tweet to the show’s cast, complete with the hashtag “#ThankYouJon.”
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
