Jon Arthur Stone (April 13, 1931 dash; March 30, 1997) was an influential American writer, director, and producer, renowned for his seminal work on the groundbreaking children's television show Sesame Street. Stone's creative vision was pivotal in the development of iconic characters such as Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and Big Bird, which have left an indelible mark on children's entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, Stone was honored with 18 television Emmy Awards, underscoring his exceptional contributions to the field of children's television.

Stone's academic journey included graduating from Williams College in 1952 and earning a master's degree from the Yale University School of Drama in 1955. Subsequent to his academic achievements, he joined a CBS training program and worked on the popular children's television show Captain Kangaroo before his pivotal role in creating Sesame Street. His involvement in multiple Muppet projects and his authorship of several books, including the beloved "The Monster at the End of this Book," further cemented his legacy in children's literature and television.

Jon Stone was married to actress Beverly Owen for nine years. As Sesame Street's principal director until 1996, and in collaboration with Jim Henson, Stone's creative acumen was instrumental in shaping the formative years of this now-legendary show.