Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Trevor Noah

How Trevor Noah built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host, best known for hosting The Daily Show from 2015 to 2022. His success has earned him multiple awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, and recognition as one of the most influential people in New York Media by The Hollywood Reporter. Time magazine also acknowledged his global impact by naming him one of the hundred most influential people in the world.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: Small role on Isidingo and Noah's Ark radio show

In 2002, Trevor Noah had a small role on the South African soap opera Isidingo and hosted his own radio show, Noah's Ark, on YFM.

2004: Host of Run the Adventure

In 2004, Trevor Noah hosted the educational TV program Run the Adventure on SABC 2.

2006: Host of Run the Adventure

Until 2006, Trevor Noah hosted the educational TV program Run the Adventure on SABC 2.

November 2007: Opening act for Gabriel Iglesias

In November 2007, Trevor Noah was the opening act for American comedian Gabriel Iglesias, gaining exposure to a wider audience.

2007: Host of The Real Goboza and Siyadlala

In 2007, Trevor Noah hosted The Real Goboza, a gossip-themed show on SABC 1, and Siyadlala, a sports show also on the SABC.

2008: Career in South Africa and runner-up in Strictly Come Dancing

In 2008, Trevor Noah began his career in South Africa with several hosting roles at SABC, and he was the runner-up in the fourth season of South Africa's version of Strictly Come Dancing.

2008: Co-host of The Amazing Date and contestant on Strictly Come Dancing

In 2008, Trevor Noah co-hosted The Amazing Date and was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, expanding his presence in South African television.

2009: Host of SAFTAs and The Axe Sweet Life

In 2009, Trevor Noah hosted the 3rd Annual South Africa Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) and co-hosted The Axe Sweet Life, a reality competition series.

2009: Stand-up comedy special The Daywalker

In 2009, Trevor Noah's stand-up comedy special The Daywalker was released in South Africa.

2010: Host of Tonight with Trevor Noah

From 2010, Trevor Noah hosted the late-night talk show Tonight with Trevor Noah, which he created and aired on M-Net and DStv.

2010: Host of SAMA and Tonight with Trevor Noah, spokesperson for Cell C

In 2010, Trevor Noah hosted the 16th annual South African Music Awards, hosted Tonight with Trevor Noah, and became a spokesperson for Cell C, a mobile phone network provider.

2010: Performance in Bafunny Bafunny

In 2010, Trevor Noah performed in Bafunny Bafunny, showcasing his comedic talent in South Africa.

2011: Moved to the United States

In 2011, Trevor Noah moved to the United States, marking a significant step in his international career.

2011: Stand-up comedy special Crazy Normal

In 2011, Trevor Noah's stand-up comedy special Crazy Normal was released in South Africa.

2011: Host of Tonight with Trevor Noah

Until 2011, Trevor Noah hosted the late-night talk show Tonight with Trevor Noah, which he created and aired on M-Net and DStv.

January 2012: First South African comedian on The Tonight Show

In January 2012, Trevor Noah became the first South African stand-up comedian to appear on The Tonight Show, achieving a milestone in American television.

September 2012: Roastmaster in Comedy Central Roast of Steve Hofmeyr

In September 2012, Trevor Noah was the Roastmaster in a Comedy Central Roast of South African Afrikaans singer Steve Hofmeyr.

October 2012: Premiered on Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand Up Revolution

In October 2012, Trevor Noah was the first comedian to premiere on the second season of Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand Up Revolution.

2012: Stand-up comedy special That's Racist

In 2012, Trevor Noah's stand-up comedy special That's Racist was released in South Africa.

May 2013: First South African comedian on Late Show with David Letterman

In May 2013, Trevor Noah became the first South African comedian to appear on Late Show with David Letterman, further solidifying his presence in American late-night television.

October 2013: Guest on BBC Two's comedy panel show QI

In October 2013, Trevor Noah was a guest on BBC Two's comedy panel show QI, showcasing his presence on British television.

November 2013: Panelist on Channel 4 game show 8 Out of 10 Cats

In November 2013, Trevor Noah was a panelist on Channel 4 game show 8 Out of 10 Cats, further establishing his presence in British comedy.

2013: Noah Discusses Comedic Influences

In 2013, Trevor Noah reflected on his comedic influences.

2013: Stand-up comedy special It's My Culture

In 2013, Trevor Noah's stand-up comedy special It's My Culture was released in South Africa.

September 2014: Panelist on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

In September 2014, Trevor Noah appeared on Sean Lock's team in 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, showcasing his presence on British television.

December 2014: Recurring contributor on The Daily Show

In December 2014, Trevor Noah became a recurring contributor on The Daily Show, setting the stage for his eventual role as host.

2014: Senior International Correspondent for The Daily Show

In 2014, Trevor Noah became the Senior International Correspondent for The Daily Show, marking his entry into American television.

March 2015: Announcement as successor to Jon Stewart

In March 2015, Comedy Central announced that Trevor Noah would succeed Jon Stewart as host of The Daily Show, a major turning point in his career.

September 2015: Began hosting The Daily Show

On September 28, 2015, Trevor Noah began his tenure as the host of The Daily Show, succeeding Jon Stewart.

2015: Succeeded Jon Stewart as host of The Daily Show

In 2015, Trevor Noah succeeded Jon Stewart as the host of The Daily Show, a significant milestone in his career.

November 2016: Publication of memoir Born a Crime

In November 2016, Trevor Noah's memoir Born a Crime was published and received favorable reviews, becoming a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

Check it on Amazon

2016: Publication of Born a Crime

In 2016, Trevor Noah's autobiographical comedy book Born a Crime was published, receiving critical acclaim.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

Check it on Amazon

April 2017: Development of The Opposition with Jordan Klepper

In April 2017, Trevor Noah began developing a talk show for Jordan Klepper: The Opposition with Jordan Klepper, expanding his role in television production.

2017: Nightly viewership declined but contract extended

By 2017, nightly viewership of The Daily Show had decreased, but Comedy Central extended Trevor Noah's contract through 2022, recognizing his popularity among millennials.

2017: Appearance on Nashville

In 2017, Trevor Noah made an appearance on the TV series Nashville, expanding his presence into acting.

March 2018: Multiyear contract with Viacom and Day Zero Productions launch

In March 2018, Trevor Noah signed a multiyear contract with Viacom and launched Day Zero Productions, increasing his influence in media production and distribution.

April 2018: Launch of The Trevor Noah Foundation

In April 2018, Trevor Noah launched The Trevor Noah Foundation, which focuses on youth development by improving access to quality education.

July 2018: Release of The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library

In July 2018, Trevor Noah and The Daily Show writing staff released The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library, a book comprising Trump's tweets.

The Presidential Collection - Donald J Trump's American Flag

Check it on Amazon

May 2019: Executive producer of Klepper

In May 2019, Trevor Noah executive-produced Klepper, a primetime weekly docuseries, further expanding his role in television production.

May 2021: Class Day Speaker at Princeton University

In May 2021, Trevor Noah was the Class Day speaker for Princeton University's Class of 2021, delivering his address virtually and being inducted as an honorary member.

2021: Host of the Grammy Awards

In 2021, Trevor Noah hosted the Grammy Awards, showcasing his talent on a global stage.

September 2022: Announcement of departure from The Daily Show

On 29 September 2022, Trevor Noah announced that he would be leaving The Daily Show after hosting the show for seven years to revisit stand-up comedy, travel and learn new languages.

December 2022: Last show on The Daily Show

In December 2022, Trevor Noah's last show on The Daily Show aired, marking the end of his seven-year tenure as host.

2022: Contract ended through 2022

Comedy Central extended Trevor Noah's contract as host of The Daily Show through 2022.

2022: Host of the Grammy Awards and White House Correspondents Dinner

In 2022, Trevor Noah hosted both the Grammy Awards and the White House Correspondents Dinner, demonstrating his versatility and widespread appeal.

June 2023: Launch of What Now? with Trevor Noah Spotify podcast

In June 2023, it was announced that Trevor Noah would launch a weekly Spotify original podcast called What Now? with Trevor Noah, expanding into the podcasting medium.

2023: Hosted Grammy Awards

In 2023, Trevor Noah hosted the Grammy Awards for the third time.

2024: Collaboration with Epic Fortnite to feature JokeNite and acted in This Is Me... Now: A Love Story.

In 2024, Trevor Noah collaborated with Epic Fortnite to feature JokeNite, an island that features stand-up performances. Also in 2024, he acted in the Jennifer Lopez romantic drama This Is Me... Now: A Love Story.