Trevor Noah Biography Trevor Noah born February 20, 1984 is a South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He hosted The Daily Show, a satirical news program on Comedy Central, from 2015 to 2022. Throughout his career, Noah has earned numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was recognized as one of “The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media” by The Hollywood Reporter in 2017 and 2018, and in 2018, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Prize.
Trevor Noah Biography
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, television host, actor, and political commentator best known for hosting The Daily Show, a satirical news program on Comedy Central. Born in Johannesburg, Noah launched his career in South Africa in 2002, taking on several hosting roles with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). He also gained attention as the runner-up on the fourth season of Strictly Come Dancing South Africa in 2008. From 2010 to 2011, he created and hosted the late-night talk show Tonight with Trevor Noah on M-Net and DStv. Noah became the Senior International Correspondent for The Daily Show in 2014 and took over as host in 2015, succeeding Jon Stewart.
Trevor Noah Biography Details 2025
| Born | 20 February 1984 (age 40) Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Medium | Stand-up television film books podcast |
| Education | Maryvale College |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Genres | Political/news satire observational comedy surreal humour insult comedy deadpan |
| Subject(s) | Mass media/news media/media criticism American politics South African culture current events race relations pop culture |
| Category | Singers Bio |
About Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He was 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.
- Born: 20 February 1984 (age 40 years), Johannesburg, South Africa
- Parents: Patricia Noah, Robert Noah
- Education: Maryvale College
- Siblings: Andrew Shingange, Isaac Shingange
- Height: 81 m
Early Life
Trevor Noah was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa. His father, Robert, is Swiss-German, and his mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, is of Xhosa descent. Under apartheid laws, his mother was classified as Black, his father as White, and Noah himself was classified as Coloured. His parents’ interracial relationship was illegal at the time of his birth, a law that was only changed a year later when the Immorality Act was amended in 1985. Trevor was raised in the black township of Soweto by his mother and her mother, Nomalizo Frances Noah. He attended Maryvale College, a private Roman Catholic school in Gauteng, Johannesburg.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Trevor Noah’s career began with smaller gigs in South Africa, including hosting an educational show on local TV and his radio program, Noah’s Ark. At 22, he was dared by friends to perform stand-up at a nightclub, which sparked his rise in the comedy scene. By the late 2000s, Noah was selling out comedy shows, and in the early 2010s, he created and hosted Tonight with Trevor Noah.
In 2012, seeking broader success, he moved to the U.S. to test his comedy internationally. “South Africa was a great starting point, but the U.S. has a sustainable comedy market,” he said. This move marked the beginning of his career in America.
Earnings from The Daily Show
When Noah replaced Jon Stewart as host of The Daily Show in 2015, he started with a salary between $5 and $8 million per season, a significant pay cut compared to Stewart’s $25 million. However, by 2017, he renegotiated a contract worth $16 million per season, which he maintained until leaving the show in 2022.
Emmy Wins and Other Projects
Noah has been nominated for 20 Emmy Awards and won two, including for The Daily Show. His 2016 memoir, Born a Crime, was a bestseller and earned him a seven-figure deal. In 2024, he released a children’s book, Into the Uncut Grass, which also became a bestseller.
Hosting the Grammys
Noah has hosted the Grammy Awards four times, from 2021 to 2024, and is set to host again in 2025. While his pay for hosting is not publicly disclosed, Grammy hosts typically earn at least $5,000, with some making closer to $20,000.
Current Endeavors
Noah continues to perform stand-up comedy and recently wrapped his Off the Record Tour, earning $29.7 million in 2024, according to Billboard. He also hosts the podcast What Now?, where he engages in long-form discussions with both famous and non-famous guests. Unlike his previous work on The Daily Show, Noah enjoys the flexibility of his podcast, free from commercial breaks and time constraints, allowing for deeper, more meaningful conversations. Noah’s unique perspective and candid approach to serious topics continue to resonate with his global audience, blending humor with insight and fostering dynamic, open dialogues.
Trevor Noah Net Worth in 2025
Trevor Noah is estimated to have a net worth of $100 million in 2025, primarily earned through The Daily Show, comedy tours, his bestselling memoir Born a Crime, and his podcast. His wealth predates his American success, as he had already built considerable wealth in South Africa before moving to the U.S.