Who is Trevor Noah?
Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and author, built a global reputation through his sharp humor and insightful takes on politics, race, and culture. Growing up in apartheid-era Johannesburg as the son of a Black Xhosa mother and a White Swiss-German father, he channeled his experiences into his bestselling memoir Born a Crime. He launched his career in South Africa’s radio and television scene, quickly gaining recognition for his unique perspective and comedic talent.
As his stand-up comedy reached international audiences, Noah caught the attention of American viewers and took over The Daily Show in 2015, succeeding Jon Stewart. He hosted the program until 2022, bringing fresh global insight to American late-night television. In addition to The Daily Show, Noah has hosted the Grammy Awards multiple times and continues to entertain audiences worldwide through his stand-up tours and comedy specials.
Trevor Noah’s age and birthday
Noah was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, specifically in the township of Soweto. His zodiac sign is Pisces.
Trevor Noah’s height and weight
Noah is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (181 cm) tall and weighs around 77 kg (169.5 lbs). He has a slim, athletic build with balanced body measurements and features that reflect his South African heritage, including dark brown eyes, black hair, and a dimpled smile.
Trevor Noah’s educational background
Noah attended Maryvale College, a private Catholic school in Johannesburg, where he experienced a diverse and multicultural environment. Although he didn’t pursue a university degree, his education and school experiences—both in private and public settings—shaped his comedic voice and taught him to navigate social complexities, as detailed in his memoir Born a Crime.
Trevor Noah’s dating life, spouse, and children
Noah is currently single with no children and prefers to keep his romantic life largely private. He has been linked to several notable women over the years, including South African physiotherapist Dani Gabriel, model and singer Jordyn Taylor, actress Minka Kelly, and briefly, pop star Dua Lipa. In early 2024, rumors surfaced about a possible relationship with South African influencer Zoë Mabie, though nothing was confirmed.
Despite frequent public interest, Trevor often speaks openly about the value of emotional independence and self-love. He has shared that while he appreciates love and companionship, he feels fulfilled being single and surrounded by close friends. Even as one of the entertainment world’s most eligible bachelors, he seems at ease with his current lifestyle.
Trevor Noah’s nationality and ethnicity
Noah is South African by nationality, born and raised in Johannesburg. His ethnicity is mixed, with a Swiss-German father and a Xhosa mother, which made his very existence illegal under apartheid laws at the time of his birth. This unique blend of European and African heritage has deeply influenced his worldview, comedic style, and storytelling, especially in his memoir Born a Crime, where he explores the complexities of identity, race, and belonging in post-apartheid South Africa.
Trevor Noah parents and siblings
Trevor Noah’s parents, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah—a Black South African of Xhosa heritage—and Robert Noah, a Swiss-German expatriate, defied apartheid laws by entering a relationship that made Trevor’s birth illegal. He explores this reality in his memoir Born a Crime. Patricia raised Trevor with fierce independence and resilience, taking on most of the parenting alone. Although Robert remained distant during Trevor’s early years, he later reconnected with his son and now plays a quiet but principled role in his life.
Trevor has two younger half-brothers, Andrew and Isaac Shingange, from his mother’s later marriage to Abel Shingange, whom Trevor has described as abusive. After Abel shot her in a violent attack, Patricia found the strength to leave the marriage, an experience that deeply shaped Trevor’s understanding of resilience, masculinity, and justice. Through it all, Trevor’s family journey reflects a powerful story of survival, maternal strength, and unyielding courage.
Trevor Noah career
Noah launched his entertainment career in 2002 with a role on the South African soap opera Isidingo and quickly expanded into hosting local radio and television programs such as Run the Adventure, The Real Goboza, and Tonight with Trevor Noah. His stand-up specials—The Daywalker, Crazy Normal, That’s Racist, and It’s My Culture—earned him national acclaim and helped solidify his presence in South Africa’s comedy scene. In 2011, he moved to the United States and made history as the first South African comedian to appear on The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman.
In 2015, Noah took over as host of The Daily Show, succeeding Jon Stewart and bringing a globally informed perspective to American satire. During his tenure, which lasted until 2022, he earned multiple Emmy Awards and hosted the Grammy Awards five times, gaining recognition for his insightful humor and charisma. His leadership gave the show a fresh voice that resonated with diverse audiences worldwide.
Outside of comedy, Noah has made significant contributions through philanthropy and media. He founded the Trevor Noah Foundation to promote youth education in South Africa and launched Day Zero Productions to develop content across platforms. His bestselling memoir Born a Crime received critical acclaim, and he continues to tour, act, and produce, including hosting the Spotify podcast What Now? with Trevor Noah.
Trevor Noah’s net worth and salary
As of 2025, Trevor Noah’s net worth is around $100 million.