Trevor Noah is a South African living in the United States. A comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, and television host best known as the former host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. He was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Noah began his career in South Africa, performing stand-up comedy and hosting several television shows before gaining international recognition. He was a correspondent on “The Daily Show” in 2014 and became its host in 2015 after Jon Stewart’s departure.
Trevor Noah’s Early Childhood
He was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa. His mother is a black Xhosa, and his father is a white Swiss. His parents’ interracial relationship was illegal under apartheid.
Noah has spoken openly about his difficult childhood, marked by poverty and violence. His mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, who worked as a secretary and later a caregiver, raised him. He has described her as his hero and inspiration. Noah’s mother struggled with alcoholism, and he has shared that he witnessed her partners physically abuse her.
Despite the challenges he faced, Noah found solace in comedy and began performing stand-up at the age of 18. He has cited American comedians such as Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle as some of his influences.
Education
Trevor Noah received his early education in Johannesburg, South Africa. He attended Maryvale College, a private Catholic school in Johannesburg, and later attended a public school called Houghton Primary School.
After completing his secondary education, Noah briefly attended the University of Johannesburg but did not complete his degree. Instead, he pursued a comedy career, leading him to perform in various countries worldwide.
In 2015, Noah got an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from his alma mater, the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. The university recognized his contributions to the arts and culture and his advocacy for social justice and human rights.
Trevor’s Career Before The Daily Show
Before gaining international recognition, Trevor Noah hosted several television shows in South Africa. Some of the shows he hosted include:
- “The Real Goboza” – a celebrity gossip show on SABC1
- “Run The Adventure” – a reality show on SABC2
- “The Amazing Date” – a dating game show on SABC3
- “The AXE Sweet Life” – a youth lifestyle show on SABC1
- “Siyanqoba” – a sports show on SABC1
Noah also hosted his late-night talk show in South Africa called “Tonight with Trevor Noah” from 2010 to 2011. He does stand-up comedy shows in various countries worldwide, as he did before joining “The Daily Show” in 2014.
Trevor Noah’s Awards & Books
Noah has won several awards for his comedy work. An Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program for hosting “The Daily Show: Between the Scenes” in 2020. He has authored several books, including his memoir “Born a Crime,” a New York Times bestseller.
In addition to his comedy work, Noah is an advocate for social justice and human rights. He is vocal about police brutality, racism, and gender inequality. He uses his platform to raise awareness and spark conversations about these topics.
The Significance of Trevor Noah’s Career and Accomplishments
- Advancing comedy: Noah’s unique perspective as a biracial South African allows him to bring a fresh voice to comedy. His humour often touches on race, politics, and social issues. Critics praise him for his ability to make audiences think and laugh simultaneously. His work has helped broaden comedy’s scope and make it more inclusive.
- Hosting “The Daily Show”: Noah’s tenure as host of “The Daily Show” has significantly impacted political and social discourse. The show had a large and diverse audience. Noah has used the platform to address critical issues such as racism, police brutality, and immigration. He has provided a platform for different views of politicians and activists through his interviews.
- Advocating for social justice: Besides his comedy work, Noah has been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. He uses his platform to raise awareness about police brutality, racial inequality, and gender discrimination. He is involved in various charitable causes, such as raising funds for education and disaster relief in South Africa.
- Writing and publishing: Noah has written two books. His memoir “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood”. It is widely acclaimed for its candid and insightful look at his upbringing in apartheid South Africa. The book was well-received by critics and readers alike. It spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list. The book was adapted for young readers in 2018. “It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers)” (2018). The second book includes new stories, photos, discussion questions, and activities. His writing has helped to shed light on issues around race, gender and inclusivity.
Find out more about other African Entertainers here.
Trevor Noah’s Impact
Trevor Noah’s career and accomplishments have significantly impacted comedy and society. His work has helped to bring important issues to the forefront of public discourse, and he advocates for positive change.
In addition to his work in comedy, Noah is passionate about music and has played the piano since childhood. He has also expressed his love for various genres of music, including jazz, hip-hop, and house music.
Noah is known for being relatively private about his personal life. However, he has been in a relationship with Minka Kelly, an American actress, since 2020. Noah currently resides in New York City.
What’s Next
Trevor Noah continues hosting The Daily Show and does standup continues to comedy. He lives in New York.
