Trevor Noah is a well-known South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. Born on February 20, 1984, he rose to fame as the host of The Daily Show, an American late-night talk show and satirical news program on Comedy Central, from 2015 to 2022. Noah has won various awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, and has been named one of “The 35 Most Powerful People in New York.”
Noah’s upbringing in South Africa during apartheid has greatly influenced his life and career. His mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, was a black South African and his father, Robert, was a white Swiss-German. Their relationship was illegal under apartheid laws, and Noah was born a crime. His experiences growing up in a racially divided country have informed much of his comedy and political commentary.
In addition to his work on The Daily Show, Noah has also written a best-selling memoir, Born a Crime, which details his childhood in South Africa. He has also performed stand-up comedy around the world and has been involved in various other television projects. This article will delve into Trevor Noah’s life and career, exploring his early years, rise to fame, and ongoing contributions to the world of entertainment and political commentary.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Trevor Noah was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was born to a black mother and a white Swiss father, which was considered a crime under apartheid laws. His mother was shot in the head by his stepfather, but she survived the attack. Noah’s mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, played a significant role in his life and often appears in his comedy routines.
Early Education and Influences
Noah grew up in Soweto, a township outside of Johannesburg. He attended Maryvale College, a private Catholic school in Johannesburg, where he was the only black student in his class. Noah has credited his mother with instilling a love of language in him, as she spoke several languages, including Xhosa, Zulu, and English. He has also cited Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy as early comedic influences.
Noah’s education was interrupted when he dropped out of high school at the age of 18 to pursue a career in comedy. He began performing stand-up comedy in Johannesburg, and his career quickly took off. Noah’s comedy often addresses issues of race, politics, and social justice, drawing from his own experiences growing up in South Africa.
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 Trevor Noah at Emmy Award Night. Image Credit: WireImage |
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| Full Name: | Trevor Noah |
| Born: | 20 February 1984 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Maryvale College |
| Occupation: | Comedian, Actor, Tv Host |
| Years active: | 2002-Active |
| Webiste: | http://trevornoah.com |
Career and Achievements
Stand-Up Comedy Beginnings
Trevor Noah’s career in comedy began in South Africa, where he performed stand-up comedy at various clubs and events. He gained popularity in his home country and eventually started touring internationally. In 2012, he performed his first one-man show, “The Racist,” which explored the complexities of race and identity in post-apartheid South Africa.
Television Career
Noah’s television career began in South Africa, where he hosted a number of shows, including “The Real Goboza” and “South Africa’s Got Talent.” He also hosted his own talk show, “Tonight with Trevor Noah,” which aired on M-Net and DStv. In 2014, he made his American television debut on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
The Daily Show
In 2015, Noah was named the host of “The Daily Show,” succeeding Jon Stewart. During his tenure, he tackled a wide range of political and social issues, including immigration, police brutality, and the 2016 presidential election. He also interviewed a number of high-profile guests, including former President Barack Obama and Malala Yousafzai. In 2021, Noah announced that he would be stepping down as host of “The Daily Show” in 2022.
Books and Writing
In 2016, Noah released his memoir, “Born a Crime,” which chronicles his childhood in South Africa during apartheid and his rise to fame as a comedian. The book received critical acclaim and spent over 26 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. In 2018, he released his second book, “It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood,” which is a young readers’ adaptation of his memoir.
Philanthropy and Activism
Noah is actively involved in philanthropy and activism. He has supported a number of organizations, including the African Wildlife Foundation, Global Citizen, and the End Fund. He has also been vocal about issues such as police brutality, immigration, and gun violence. In 2018, he donated $50,000 to the Houston Food Bank to support relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey.