Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer, producer, television host and author who has become one of the country's most internationally recognised entertainers. He was born on 20 February 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the final decade of apartheid.

Childhood under apartheid

Noah was born to Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, a Black Xhosa woman, and Robert Noah, a white Swiss-German man. Their relationship was illegal under apartheid laws at the time, making Trevor's birth itself a violation of the law — the inspiration for the title of his memoir, Born a Crime.

He was largely raised by his mother and grandmother and grew up in Soweto. His childhood was shaped by poverty, racial segregation and the political changes taking place in South Africa. His mother played a particularly important role in his development, encouraging him to think independently and use humour to navigate difficult circumstances.

The end of apartheid and South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994 dramatically changed Noah's childhood. He later described these experiences in Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, which became a bestselling memoir and won several awards.

Beginning his comedy career

Noah began performing publicly as a comedian in South Africa in the early 2000s. He gradually became a familiar face on South African television, working as a presenter and appearing on various entertainment programmes.

In 2008, he competed on the South African version of Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the final stages. He later hosted his own late-night television programme, Tonight with Trevor Noah, which aired from 2010 to 2011.

His stand-up career continued to grow, with performances across South Africa and eventually internationally.

The Daily Show

Noah's major international breakthrough came when he joined The Daily Show as a contributor in 2014. In 2015, he succeeded Jon Stewart as host of the American satirical news programme.

His appointment was significant: a comedian who had grown up in apartheid-era South Africa was suddenly presenting a major American political comedy programme to a global audience.

Noah hosted The Daily Show from 2015 until 2022, earning multiple Emmy nominations and eventually winning two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Born a Crime

In 2016, Noah published his memoir, Born a Crime. The book recounts his childhood in South Africa, his relationship with his mother, life under apartheid and his journey into comedy.

The memoir became a #1 New York Times bestseller, sold more than one million copies and won the Thurber Prize for American Humor and an NAACP Image Award.

The book is particularly important because it combines humour with an account of South Africa's history, including apartheid, poverty, racism and family struggles.

Life after The Daily Show

After leaving The Daily Show in 2022, Noah returned his attention to stand-up comedy, producing and touring internationally. He also launched the What Now? with Trevor Noah podcast and continued working in television and film through his production company, Day Zero Productions.

He has also become a prominent awards-show host. By 2026, he had hosted the Grammy Awards six consecutive times, including the 2026 ceremony.

His second major book, Into the Uncut Grass, was released in 2024. Unlike Born a Crime, it is an illustrated story aimed at a broader, including younger, audience.

Trevor Noah today

Today, Noah is regarded as one of South Africa's most successful international entertainers. His career has taken him from performing comedy in South Africa to hosting one of America's biggest political satire programmes, writing bestselling books, producing television and film, hosting the Grammys and performing stand-up around the world.

His story is particularly remarkable because his childhood was shaped by the very racial system that made his birth illegal, yet he ultimately turned that experience into one of the foundations of his international career.

Quick facts

• Born: 20 February 1984
• Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Profession: Comedian, writer, producer, television host and author
• Mother: Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah
• Father: Robert Noah
• Breakthrough: South African stand-up comedy and television
• The Daily Show: Host, 2015–2022
• Best-known book: Born a Crime
• Podcast: What Now? with Trevor Noah
• Production company: Day Zero Productions
• Major awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, including two Primetime Emmys