Trevor Noah

Biography

Trevor Noah was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the final years of apartheid. His mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, is of Xhosa descent, and his father, Robert Noah, is of Swiss-German heritage — a relationship that was illegal at the time under apartheid laws, which greatly shaped his perspective and life story.

Noah began his entertainment career in South Africa, appearing on radio and television before transitioning into stand-up comedy. He quickly gained recognition for his sharp wit, cultural insights, and ability to connect with audiences across languages and backgrounds.

In 2011, he moved to the United States and began making appearances on The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman — the first South African stand-up comedian to do so.

In 2015, Trevor Noah took over as the host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, succeeding Jon Stewart. His tenure brought an international perspective to American politics and culture, and he became one of the most recognized comedic voices in the world.

Noah stepped down from The Daily Show in 2022 to return to stand-up and focus on writing, producing, and hosting global events like the Grammy Awards.

He is also the author of the critically acclaimed memoir Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller and is being adapted into a feature film.

Awards

• 2 Primetime Emmy Awards

• Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album

• Thurber Prize for American Humor

• MTV Africa Music Award for Personality of the Year