How Jon Stewart Inspired Jessica Williams to Be ‘A Kind Boss’ (Exclusive)

Jessica Williams is grateful to her “first real boss”: Jon Stewart bee The Daily Show.

The Daily show alum, 35, tells PEOPLE that famed comedian Stewart, 61, was especially kind to her during her first entertainment job. Williams was 22 and still a student at Cal State Long Beach when she auditioned for the Comedy Central show.

Looking back on those days, Williams, who served as a senior correspondent for the series from 2012 to 2016, says Stewart was “present” with her from the beginning.

In addition to learning important comedic skills, Williams also drew deeper inspiration from Stewart: “I wanted to be a friendly boss like him,” she says. “I just have to see how he is an artist who keeps his values ​​straight.”

Williams adds that Stewart knew how important it is to prioritize time to “go raise his family.”

“He really influenced and imprinted on me in that way. And I realized that when I went back to the show,” she notes.

Williams returned to The Daily show twice this year. She performed alongside Stewart, who returned to host the show once a week in February 2024 thereafter Trevor Noah’s departure in 2022. Most recently, Williams reunites with her former boss the week before the 2024 presidential election.

“It was really great. It was like coming home to my little family,” she recalls.

Williams also reveals that the production team said they would send her a calendar in hopes of her appearing in the future. “It’s a joy, and it’s great to do things with him.”

The Shrink actress explains that she feels “really lucky” to be “a working actor on a show and still be able to do that.” Daily show corresponding bits.”

“I’m so grateful to be able to go back, and I’m grateful for other people who work and write there, and for Jon.”

Williams explains that because “The Daily Show came first,” she was able to learn about timing, rhythm, rewriting and rephrasing of jokes.

‘There is no Gaby without it The Daily Show not at all,” she says of her role on the AppleTV+ sitcom Shrinkfor which she was nominated for a 2023 Emmy.

Williams shines wide Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Michael Urie, Ted McGinley and Christa Miller in the sitcom. Segel stars as Jimmy Laird, a single father grieving the sudden loss of his wife, raising his teenage daughter and managing his friendships.

Although The Daily Show gave her her start, she says performing with Segel “gives her permission… to be free.”

“I can be as physical as I want. That can’t be me. I can be more subtle. I could be louder, and he’s always ready to meet me wherever I am. And vice versa,” she says, adding that he is “always listening and ready.”

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New episodes of Shrink season 2 releases on Wednesday on AppleTV+.