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Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is a South African television and radio host, political commentator, and comedian best known for hosting the American satirical news program, The Daily Show, on Comedy Central.

Related Biography: Jordyn Taylor

Early Life and Heritage

Trevor Noah was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa. His father is of Swiss-German descent, and his mother is of Xhosa heritage. At the time of Noah’s birth, South Africa was still under apartheid, and interracial relationships were illegal. As a result, his mother faced legal penalties, including fines and brief imprisonment, for her relationship with his father.

Noah attended a private Catholic school in Johannesburg and regularly participated in Sunday services at a Roman Catholic church. His upbringing in a racially segregated society and his experiences navigating identity and belonging have heavily influenced his comedy and social commentary.

Early Career and Comedic Influences

Noah began his entertainment career in 2002 with a minor role on the South African soap opera Isidingo. He gradually transitioned into radio and stand-up comedy, becoming a rising figure in the South African comedy scene. He credits comedians such as Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Rock as key influences in shaping his comedic voice.

Multilingual Abilities

Noah is fluent in several languages, including English, German, Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, and Afrikaans. His linguistic skills have contributed to his international appeal and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

The Daily Show and Literary Success

Trevor Noah achieved international recognition in 2015 when he succeeded Jon Stewart as host of The Daily Show. Since taking on this role, he has garnered praise for his sharp wit, global perspective, and insightful commentary on political and social issues.

In 2016, Noah published a memoir titled Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. The book became a New York Times Bestseller and was named one of Newsday’s best books of the year. It details his experiences growing up during and after apartheid and explores themes of identity, family, and resilience.

In February 2018, Noah announced a follow-up book titled The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library. Co-written with the writing staff of The Daily Show, the book satirizes former President Donald Trump's use of Twitter during his administration.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 20 Feb, 1984
Age: 36 yrs
Citizenship: South Africa
Birth Place: Johannesburg
Gender: Male
Description: South African comedian and television host
Net Worth 2021: 100 million
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Last Modified: Nov 10 2025
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