Jon Stewart hosts autism benefit

Tue., March 11, 2008

Jake Coyle Associated Press

After being surrounded by the dramatic heavyweight stars of the Oscars, Jon Stewart will play host again – this time amid a bevy of comedians.

Stewart will host the second “Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education” on April 13 at the Beacon Theater in New York. The show will air live on Comedy Central.

The night will feature stand-up routines, sketches and short films from a gluttony of comic talent, including Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, Sarah Silverman and Amy Poehler.

The benefit was organized in part due to humorist Robert Smigel, whose son, Daniel, is autistic. Smigel’s most famous character, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, also will be in attendance.

The event will raise money for education and advocacy programs for autistic children and adults. The first “Night of Too Many Stars,” held in October 2006, brought in more than $2.6 million.

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