Image via Complex Original
Yesterday Comedy Central told the world that the little known Trevor Noah was going to take over Jon Stewart’s role as host on The Daily Show. The news spread fast, and so did fans’ panic—who the hell is Trevor Noah?
But there's no need to worry about the legacy of the late night show because Noah has credentials to back up his new role. We delved into this dude’s past, his secrets, his successes and his stints on reality TV. It turns out Noah is a huge personality in South Africa, where he was born and raised. He’s done a number of stand-up routines and one-man shows based on his history under Apartheid. He’s no stranger to talking about race, politics, and culture. Clearly, he has Jon Stewart's stamp of approval.
Noah says that he received Stewart’s blessing. Now it’s time for him to get the world's acceptance. Here are 15 things you didn't know about the new host of The Daily Show.
He’s from South Africa.
This might be the one thing you actually do know about Noah at this point. He was born February 28, 1984 to a South African mother and European father. Maybe his birthplace is the reason why most of America seems just to be hearing about Noah now.
He grew up during Apartheid.
Much of Noah’s comedy, which is often based on race and culture, can easily be attributed to his roots. His parents' marriage was illegal under Apartheid laws, and his mother was even fined. His stand-up show Born a Crime, which has toured around the world, pulls from this time in Noah's life. He was 13 before Apartheid began to come to an end.
He’s a polyglot.
Noah speaks a number of languages, including English, German, Sotho, Afrikaans, Xhosa, isiZulu and also six of the 11 languages of South Africa. This should make for some interesting guest appearances on the show and potentially episodes that require some subtitles.
He’s been on the cover of GQ.
In a red suit, fire hydrant in hand, Noah graced the cover of GQ South Africa in October of 2014. Apparently he did the photo shoot while in a leg brace from a knee injury and to the sounds of an 80’s playlist
He’s never had someone walk out of a show.
Most comedians have offended someone along the way. But in an interview with Interview Magazine back in 2013, Noah admitted that he’s never had someone leave while he was performing. “I do speak my mind, but my goal is never to offend,” he said. A host who can handle controversial issues and still keep the audience onboard is always a good sign.
He’s been a TV and radio host before.
Launching his career at only 20 years old, Noah hosted Run The Adventure, an educational show for SABC 2. At the same time, he started his own radio show, Noah’s Ark, on Yfm. In 2007, he hosted a celebrity gossip show called The Real Goboza, then a sports show called Siyadlala. He even co-hosted an interactive dating game show on SABC1 called The Amazing Date.
He had his own talk show.
In 2010, Noah launched a show on M-Net utilizing a similar format of shows like The Tonight Show and The Late Show. His program was called Tonight with Trevor Noah. It had a biting humor, much like The Daily Show. We’re hoping five years later Noah can dust off the old chops.
He was on the South African equivalent of Dancing with the Stars.
In 2008, Noah graced the stages of Strictly Come Dancing in flashy costumes and with smooth moves. In an interview, when asked why he wanted to do the show, he replied, “Because it was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and just have fun. Plus those pants make my ass look good!"
Eddie Izzard is a fan.
English comedian Eddie Izzard and Noah performed at the Edinburgh Comedy Club together. Izzard also gave Noah the limelight when BBC aired their show Live at the Apollo in 2014.
He was the first South African stand-up comedian to appear on two major talk shows.
In January of 2012, Noah appeared on The Tonight Show, and in May of 2013, he was on The Late Show. His role on The Daily Show will complete the Holy Trinity.
He’s been on The Daily Show before.
For those of us that tune in regularly, you’ll recognize Noah as Senior International Correspondent on The Daily Show since December of 2014. In a recent episode, he discussed Boko Haram and their actions in Nigeria amidst the Charlie Hebdo attacks.
He had a hit show called The Racist.
The one-man show sold out in 2012 at the Edinburgh Fringe and went on to be a huge success. In it, Noah spends 45 minutes unearthing stories about his childhood, his views on race, and his move to the US. One bit recalls how Noah's grandfather called him "master" because he is half-white. The show is all about his multicultural identity, something that should be an interesting launching pad for his identity as The Daily Show host.
He doesn’t think celebrity and comedy is a good mix.
Noah has stressed that if you’re famous, you wonder, “Are people laughing because you’re funny, or are people laughing because they’re fans?” Here’s to hoping that his anonymity as a new host will only help and provide something he always seeks, “the most honest response.”
He was nominated for MTV Africa Personality of the Year.
He lost in 2014 to Lupita Nyong’o (which we aren't mad about).
He’s pretty humble about it all.
On the news of his replacing Stewart, Noah said, “I don’t think of taking over. I’m joining the team.” Here’s to hoping he will be ready to collaborate with the writers and producers that have led the show to a number of awards. He’s also pretty assured in the position, calling it “The Best Damn News Show in the World!” We don't disagree.