Top 20 Fascinating Facts About Trevor Noah   


 

Originally published by Beatrice W in July 2022 and updated by Beatrice W in January 2024.

Trevor Noah is a South African actor, comedian, writer, TV host, and political commentator. He is best known for hosting Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show since September 2015.

He is also popular as the host and creator of the show ‘Tonight with Trevor Noah’ on DStv and M-Net. Noah, who was the runner-up on the fourth season of the reality dancing competition show ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ is one of the most sought-after hosts in the entertainment industry.

He has hosted several South African and American TV programs, talk shows, events, and more. Here are 20 fascinating facts about Trevor Noah. 

1. Noah Grew Up in South Africa’s Soweto During Apartheid 

Trevor Noah was born on 20th February 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Robert and Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah. At the time of his birth, his parents’ interracial relationship was illegal.  

Apartheid was a dark era in South Africa, racial discrimination was rampant. According to Apartheid legislation, Noah’s mother was classified as Black, his father White, while Noah who is bi-racial was classified as Coloured.  

Noah was raised by his mother and grandmother Nomalizo Frances Noah in Soweto,  an area just outside Johannesburg that was set aside for Black people.

Fearing for his safety, they sometimes had to hide Noah from the police because biracial children were often taken from their parents. Apartheid ended when Noah was about 10 years old. 

2. His Neighbours Believed He Had Albinism 

Trevor Noah. Photo By The Hollywood Social Lounge –

When he was young, Trevor Noah used to say he was afflicted with albinism. This was a lie that his family told people in Soweto where they lived to explain his lighter skin tone. 

The comedian said when he was little, his mother always walked ahead of him and pretended not to know him if she saw the police. His father would walk on the other side of the street, waving at him like a creepy pedophile. He always felt like a bag of illegal weed. 

3. His Mother Was Nearly Murdered 

Noah has two half-brothers named Andrew and Isaac from his mother’s 1992 marriage to Ngisaveni Abel Shingange. His stepfather used to physically abuse both Noah and his mother.

His mother couldn’t take it anymore so she divorced her abusive husband in 1996. In 2009, Patricia got married to Sfiso Khoza. When her ex-husband Shingange heard about it, he shot her in the leg and the bullet went through the back of her head.

She was lucky because the bullet avoided the spinal cord, brain, and all major nerves and blood vessels, before exiting with minor damage to her nostril.  

After the shooting, while his mother was in the hospital, all he felt was rage but his mum’s attitude calmed him down a little. 

4. He Fled S.A for the U.S.A 

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When Noah confronted his stepfather Ngisaveni Abel Shingange over the phone about shooting his mum, Shingange threatened him. For his safety, Noah had to leave Johannesburg.  

He went to the United States of America. Shingange was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to three years of correctional supervision. 

Noah highlighted corruption within the police system, claiming that his mother had reached out for years to the police for help, but that dockets went missing and cases never went to court. 

5. Noah is multilingual 

Trevor Noah (right) and Barbara Kingsolver speaking at BookExpo 2018. Photo By Terry Ballard –

Noah is fluent in several languages. He speaks English, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, and Afrikaans.

He also speaks German to a level where he can have a conversation. He intends to learn Spanish once he has mastered German. 

6. He Started His Career in a Soap Opera and Progressed to ‘The Daily Show’ 

Trevor Noah initially had a minor role in an episode of a South African TV program called ‘Isidingo.’ Soon after, Noah went on to host the educational TV program ‘Run the Adventure’ on SABC 2.

In 2007, he served as the host of ‘The Real Goboza’, a gossip-themed talk show on SABC 1. The following year, he co-hosted ‘The Amazing Date’ alongside Pabi Moloi.  

The host cum comedian also appeared on the 4th season of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ that year. Next, he starred in the comedy show ‘Trevor Noah: The Racist’. In 2012, he appeared in the movie ‘Mad Buddies’.  

Two years later, he became a recurring contributor on the late-night talk and news satire program ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart’. On March 30, 2015, he succeeded Stewart as the host of the show. 

7. Noah Is a Writer

Trevor Noah on stage. Photo By Hayden Schiff –

Apart from writing content for ‘The Daily Show’ and his standup comedy, Noah has written a memoir. His biography ‘Born a Crime was published in November 2016 and was received favorably by major U.S. book reviewers. 

The book is a collection of personal stories about growing up in South Africa. Besides himself, his mother has a central role in the book, while his European father is mentioned only occasionally.  

It became a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller and was named one of the year’s best books by many publications. The book will leave you rolling on the floor with laughter.

8. Noah Spent a Week Behind Bars 

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Trevor was arrested as a teenager and ended up behind bars for a whole week suspected of having stolen a car. He took a junk car from his stepfather’s workshop and as he was driving around, the police stopped him. 

On checking the car’s registration, they found that it didn’t match the car’s license plates. They arrested him because they thought he was driving a stolen vehicle. He was imprisoned for a week and finally released on bail.  

When he returned home, he pretended that nothing had happened and told his mother that he had just stayed with a friend. Little did he know that his mother had hired a lawyer and bailed him out. 

9. Noah Has Been Criticized for Some of His Jokes 

He’s been called sexist and anti-Semitic for tweets that he posted on his Twitter account. Several comedians including Comedy Central itself came out to support him.  

Comedy Central issued a statement saying, “Like many comedians, Trevor Noah pushes boundaries, he is provocative and spares no one, himself included!” 

10. He Has Hosted the Grammys Many Times

Trevor Noah. Photo By slgckgc –

Trevor Noah is a familiar face at the Grammy Awards, having hosted the prestigious ceremony not just once, but four times consecutively! He has had the privilege of hosting the 63, 64, 65 and 67 annual Grammy awards, held in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. This unprecedented feat speaks volumes about his popularity and talent.

11. Noah’s Political Commentary Is Humorous

Known for his sharp wit, relatable stories, and insightful observations, Trevor uses clever satire to dissect and analyze political events, figures, and ideologies. His ability to infuse humor into serious topics is what endears him to his fans. Skilled at imitating accents, he imitates political figures, and these impersonations add an entertaining and humorous dimension to his commentary.

Noah’s humor serves as a vehicle for critique, highlighting the absurdities in political discourse and decision-making. By staying up to date with the latest news, he addresses issues as they unfold, making him always relevant. His shows always emphasize unity, understanding, and finding common ground, adding an optimistic touch to his political commentary.

12. He Is A Philanthropist

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Trevor Noah is indeed a dedicated philanthropist who gives back to his community. He is passionate about empowering the youth through education, particularly in his home country of South Africa. He established The Trevor Noah Foundation, a youth development program that aims to give access to top-notch education, in April of 2018.

He lent his voice and influence to other philanthropic causes like the COVID-19 relief efforts and Environmental conservation. His dedication to improving the lives of others is truly commendable.

13. Noah Has An Interest In The Tech World 

Trevor Noah is involved in tech investments, partnerships, and discussions, showcasing his interest in its impact and potential. He uses his platform and resources to learn, invest in promising ventures, and promote responsible tech practices.

Noah partnered with Microsoft for his youth development nonprofit the Trevor Noah Foundation. He is a smart-minded person and was chosen to speak for the class of 2021 at Princeton University in May of 2021. He delivered his speech virtually and was admitted as an honorary member of the university’s Class of 2021.

14. He Loves Music And Almost Became A DJ

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Before gaining fame as a comedian, Trevor aspired to become a disc jockey (DJ). He would spend hours curating mixtapes for friends and learning to blend songs seamlessly. His talent for creating engaging mixes caught the attention of his peers, and soon, he was DJing at house parties and local events. He would later find success in the world of comedy, both in South Africa and internationally,

15. He Was A Radio Host At Some Point

When Noah was 21 years old, he was hosting his radio program that was known as Noah’s Ark, on YFM, the top youth radio station in Gauteng. Around the same time, he was acting in several shows, but he left all that to focus on comedy and it paid off.

16. He Is A Foodie And Also Loves Playing Video Games 

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Video Courtesy of . 

Trevor is a passionate foodie who is always game when it comes to trying new culinary experiences. Speaking of games, Trevor Noah is a video game enthusiast who considers himself a skilled amateur player.

He launched his gaming show, “Player vs. Player,” on the Roku Channel. The show sees him compete against professional gamers, esports athletes, and even celebrities in various popular games. It’s a platform for him to showcase his love for gaming while having lighthearted fun with his guests.

17. Noah Advocates For Social Justice

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Trevor Noah is a staunch advocate for social justice issues, using his platform as a comedian, TV host, and author to raise awareness and spark important conversations. During his seven-year tenure as The Daily Show host, Noah used the show’s satirical lens to tackle critical issues like racial injustice, police brutality, LGBTQ+ rights, and political corruption.

His commitment to social justice is undeniable. He uses his talent, humour, and influence to challenge the status quo, advocate for marginalized communities, and inspire others to fight for a more just and equitable world.

18. Trevor Noah Is One Of The Most Successful African Comedians

Trevor Noah is one of the most successful and internationally recognized comedians from Africa. He is famous for his sharp wit, insightful comedy, and unique perspective on socio-political issues. His career took a significant leap when he became the host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in the United States in 2015, succeeding Jon Stewart.

Through his achievements, Noah shines a spotlight on the immense talent and potential that Africa has to offer. His combination of global recognition, barrier-breaking achievements, and cultural impact solidifies his position as one of the most successful of them all. Trevor continues to be a pioneer for African comedy, using his humour to entertain, enlighten, and inspire audiences worldwide.

19. He’s Got Shows On Netflix

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Video Courtesy of . 

Trevor Noah’s stand-up shows are now available on Netflix. They are all in the format of comedy specials. It’s a great way to experience his humour and insights without having to commit to a full season of The Daily Show. Apart from Netflix, this guy has a podcast on Spotify

20. Trevor Has Challenged Stereotypes And Inspired Many

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Trevor Noah’s impact extends far beyond the realm of stand-up comedy and late-night hosting. He’s a powerful voice for change, challenging stereotypes and inspiring countless individuals around the world. He openly shares his struggles and experiences, offering relatable examples that resonate with people from all walks of life.

Trevor is a cultural icon who challenges the status quo, inspires positive change, and leaves a lasting impact on the world around him. His comedic genius, coupled with his unwavering commitment to social justice, has cemented his place as a true role model and an agent of positive change.


Trevor Noah’s life and career are nothing short of extraordinary. From his humble beginnings in South Africa to his rise to global stardom, he has defied expectations and shattered barriers throughout his journey. He is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and believing in yourself.

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