Source: Kevin Winter / Getty
Comedian Trevor Noah is currently everywhere thanks to his new job — he’s nabbed the coveted hosting spot at The Daily Show. In an interview with the New York Times, the 31-year-old confirmed the whispers that he would be Jon Stewart’s successor once he officially steps down later this year.
The comedian has made a handful of appearances on the show, but gained notoriety in his native country of South Africa.
“You don’t believe it for the first few hours,” Mr. Noah said of learning about his new job. “You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you’re in a place where you can’t really get alcohol.”
So what makes Trevor worthy to sit in the fake-news anchor seat? For one, his perspective on Americans, race and relationships are delivered in cleverly crafted jokes. So much so, that his Showtime stand up special Trevor Noah: African American was a bonafide hit and now lives on Netflix along with his documentary, You Laugh But It’s True. While critics are worried that his mix of comedy may not fit The Daily Show formula, we’re here to give you ten reasons why.
Catch the knowledge darts below.
1. His View Of America Is Completely True
During his stand-up specials, the comedian has described Americans to a tee. He touches on how a country so dedicated to diversity can be so divided on race. While he’s always viewed “Black” as a positive, his recent move to America helped him identify racism.
He told NPR:
“We have such a great shared history in terms of South Africa’s past and America’s past. You know, we both have a history of slavery. We both have a history of black people fighting for their freedom and independence. And … in both countries, you see this subtle racism and, you know, they’re struggling to deal with race, and people don’t know how to deal with it.
Check out his bit on Black Americans below.
2. He’s Been Praised By Comedy’s Finest
Jon Stewart endorsed the comedian a few months ago when he first made his debut on The Daily Show, but Noah also has the support of comedians like Chris Rock, Joel McHale, W. Kamau Bell, and more.
Very excited to welcome our next host: @Trevornoah! That’s right – another guy in late night from Soweto. http://t.co/zlNhBmjg6I
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) March 30, 2015
Thank you president Obama pic.twitter.com/PgFJCCyRTa — Chris Rock (@chrisrock) March 30, 2015
Trevor Noah to Succeed Jon Stewart on ‘The Daily Show’ http://t.co/tYnpqCR9Zc // So cool! Congrats @Trevornoah!
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) March 30, 2015
3. He’s Already Made History
Noah has made numerous appearances on late night shows, including The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2012, he became the first African to perform on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
4. He Loves His Biracial Culture
Love might be a strong word, but the comedian isn’t afraid to open up about his parents’ romance. Noah grew up during apartheid, which meant that his African mother and his Swiss father had to stay apart for their safety.
“My mom would be arrested. She would be fined, and still she was like ‘ooh, I don’t care, I want a white man, ooh,’ ” he once told an audience at London’s Soho Theater during his standup show “The Racist.” “And my dad was also like, well, you know how the Swiss love chocolate.”
He was also teased a lot for his mixed heritage, which leads to…
5. He Loves Black Culture
During his stand up special Trevor Noah: African American, the comic speaks on Black culture and how important it is to American history. With a platform like The Daily Show, Noah is sure to make his own imprint on the culture he’s admired so much.
6. He’s A Big Deal Overseas
Thank you Dubai for a wonderful week of sold out shows. I always have an amazing time when I come out here! Next stop Oman. #Shukran
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) March 28, 2015
The comic is currently on tour and selling out shows in Dubai, Australia, and the U.S. He’s also graced the covers of Rolling Stone and GQ in South Africa. He also speaks six different languages and learned German to communicate better with his father. Aw.
7. He Loves Scandal
Why doesn’t Hillary Clinton call Olivia Pope?
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) March 10, 2015
We’re a fan of anyone who’s a fan of Shondaland.
8. He found Waldo
Because we all were thinking that.
9. He’s Friendly With His Fans
14 February. Bathroom. RT @nikolaijericho: @Trevornoah when are you coming to my house??? — Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) March 24, 2015
10. He’s Literally Changing The Face Of Late Night
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty
Credit and honor will always be given to Arsenio Hall for paving the way for late night hosts, but it’s more than a good look that Larry Wilmore and Trevor Noah will air back-to-back respectively on a cable network. As the folks shiver in their Uggs about the plethora of Black people on television, it’s clear that it’s something we all want and in times like these, we need.
PHOTO CREDIT: Instagram, Getty
“Nah-Mean!” 10 Reasons Why You Should Be Excited About New “Daily Show” Host Trevor Noah was originally published on newsone.com
