Trevor Noah Bio, Age, Height, Girlfriend, Family, Affairs, Career, Net Worth, Awards

Trevor Noah is a South African-born comedian, writer, producer, and political commentator who transformed from a mixed-race child born during apartheid into one of the most influential voices in global comedy. Best known for his seven-year tenure as host of The Daily Show and his record-breaking six consecutive years hosting the Grammy Awards, Noah has built a multimedia empire spanning stand-up comedy, bestselling books, podcasting, and film production through his company Day Zero Productions.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Trevor Noah entered the world on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the final years of apartheid—a system of institutionalized racial segregation that made his very existence illegal. His mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, is Black and of Xhosa ethnicity, while his father, Robert Noah, is White and of Swiss-German descent. Under apartheid laws, interracial relationships were criminalized, making Trevor literally “born a crime.”

Patricia and Robert met while living in the same apartment building in Johannesburg—she in flat 203, he in flat 206. Despite a 22-year age gap and the legal risks, they formed a bond. According to Trevor’s memoir, Patricia asked Robert to father her child with no strings attached, financial obligations, or marriage. Though initially resistant, Robert eventually agreed and remained involved in Trevor’s life, though their family existed in shadows, requiring secret visits and careful navigation of a racist police state.

Trevor’s childhood was marked by poverty, domestic violence, and the constant threat of state violence. His mother faced arrest simply for being seen with him in public. To avoid detection, Patricia often had to pretend Trevor wasn’t her child in public spaces. Despite these hardships, she provided him with an education that would prove transformative.

Education:

• Primary School: Attended Maryvale College, a private Catholic school in Johannesburg
• Higher Education: Attended the University of Johannesburg
• Languages: Trevor speaks seven languages fluently—English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tsonga, and German—a skill that would later become central to his comedy and worldview.

His mother converted to Judaism when Trevor was young, throwing him a bar mitzvah at age 13, though no one attended because their community didn’t understand the tradition. This multicultural, multifaith upbringing gave Trevor a unique perspective on identity and belonging.

Career Journey

Early Career in South Africa (2002-2014)

Trevor’s comedy career began almost by accident. At age 21, friends dared him to perform at a nightclub in Johannesburg. His natural storytelling ability and observations about life in post-apartheid South Africa resonated immediately. He dropped his radio show, Noah’s Ark on YFM, and acting pursuits to focus entirely on stand-up.

Key Milestones in South Africa:

• 2004-2006: Hosted educational TV program Run the Adventure on SABC 2
• 2007: Hosted The Real Goboza (gossip show) and Siyadlala (sports show) on SABC
• 2008: Co-hosted The Amazing Date and competed in strictly come Dancing (finished as runner-up)
• 2009: Co-hosted The Axe Sweet Life and hosted the South Africa Film and Television Awards
• 2010-2011: Created and hosted Tonight with Trevor Noah on M-Net and DStv—South Africa’s first late-night talk show
• 2010: Became spokesperson for Cell C (South Africa’s third-largest mobile network)

South African Comedy Specials:

1. The Daywalker (2009)
2. Crazy Normal (2011)
3. That’s Racist (2012)
4. It’s My Culture (2013)

Noah became the most successful comedian in African history, selling out shows across the continent and building a reputation for sharp social commentary delivered with disarming charm.

Breaking Into America (2011-2015)

In 2011, Trevor began expanding internationally, performing across the UK, Australia, and the United States. He became the first South African comedian to appear on The Tonight Show (2012) and The Late Show with David Letterman (2013), appearances that caught the attention of Comedy Central executives.

American Breakthrough:

• 2013: Released comedy special Trevor Noah: African American on Showtime
• 2014: Joined The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as Senior International Correspondent
• His segments on American politics from an outsider’s perspective went viral, showcasing his ability to explain complex issues through the lens of his global experience

The Daily Show Era (2015-2022)

On March 30, 2015, Trevor Noah was announced as Jon Stewart’s successor on The Daily Show. At 31, he became the youngest person to host the program and brought a distinctly global perspective to American political satire.

Evolution of the Show:

• Initial Salary: $5-8 million annually (significantly less than Stewart’s $25+ million)
• 2017 Contract Extension: Signed lucrative deal with Viacom boosting salary to $16 million annually
• Format Innovation: Expanded beyond the 30-minute linear show to produce award-winning digital series, podcasts, and social content
• Emmy Recognition: The show received multiple Emmy nominations under Noah’s leadership, including a record seven nominations in 2021

Noah transformed the program from a purely American-focused satire into a platform addressing global politics, immigration, racial justice, and authoritarianism through a cross-cultural lens. He interviewed world leaders, international activists, and everyday people affected by policy, bringing nuance to late-night comedy.

Notable Interviews & Moments:

• World leaders including President Barack Obama, justin trudeau, and various international heads of state
• His coverage of the Trump administration, Brexit, and global populist movements
• Special episodes addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, and the war in Ukraine

Departure: On September 29, 2022, Noah announced he would leave The Daily Show after seven years. His final episode aired December 8, 2022. He cited a desire to explore other creative avenues and return to stand-up comedy and international storytelling.

Post-Daily Show Career (2022-Present)

Leaving the daily grind of late-night television allowed Noah to expand his creative empire exponentially.

Stand-Up Comedy Dominance:

• “Off The Record” World Tour (2023-2026): Grossed nearly $30 million in 2024 alone according to Billboard, with the tour visiting 28+ cities across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia
• Netflix Specials: Released Where Was I (2023) and I Wish You Would (2022), both receiving Emmy and Grammy nominations
• Historic Achievements: Set record for most tickets sold by a non-German comedian in Berlin; sold out three consecutive nights at London’s O2 Arena (50,000+ tickets); 10 consecutive sold-out shows at New York’s Beacon Theatre

Literary Success:

• “Born a Crime” (2016): #1 New York Times bestseller, sold over 3 million copies across all formats, winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor and two NAACP Image Awards
• “Into the Uncut Grass” (2024): Children’s book and modern fable about forgiveness and acceptance, became instant #1 New York Times bestseller
• Film Adaptation: Lupita Nyong’o cast to play Patricia Noah in the film adaptation of Born a Crime, produced by Day Zero Productions

Grammy Awards Host (2021-2026): Noah made history hosting the Grammy Awards for six consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026). His 2026 hosting gig was announced as his final turn in the role. He also served as executive producer for the 2026 ceremony.

Podcasting:

• “What Now? with Trevor Noah” (2023-Present): Weekly Spotify original podcast featuring candid conversations with celebrities, athletes, and thought leaders. The show explores contemporary topics with “radical candor” and honest reactions, extending Noah’s reach into long-form conversation.

Day Zero Productions

In partnership with Paramount Global, Noah launched Day Zero Productions—an Emmy-nominated production company focused on “diverse, high-quality creative content for a global audience.”

Current Projects Include:

• Film Adaptation of Born a Crime starring Lupita Nyong’o
• Reimagining of The President’s Analyst (Paramount feature)
• Biopic of Tanitoluwa Adewumi (8-year-old Nigerian chess champion)
• Feature adaptation of Kiese Laymon’s Long Division
• Untitled animated feature based on Noah’s original idea
• Documentary series including The Turning Point (MSNBC/Peacock) on voting rights and climate change
• LOL: last one Laughing (Amazon Prime Video’s first South African original)
• Soccer documentary with Kansas City Chiefs’ Foolish Club Studios about Global FC

Day Zero Games: In 2025, launched a solarpunk game development jam offering $10,000 prizes to indie developers creating games about sustainable futures, reflecting Noah’s interest in climate solutions and community building.

Career Stats

Personal Life

Family Background

Mother – Patricia Noah: The true hero of Trevor’s story, Patricia overcame extreme poverty, domestic abuse, and the violence of apartheid to raise Trevor. In 2009, she was shot in the head by her ex-husband Ngisaveni Abel Shingange but miraculously survived. Trevor has credited her resilience and unconventional parenting style for his success. She worked as a secretary and data processor to provide Trevor with private education opportunities.

Father – Robert Noah: A Swiss-German expatriate who worked as a commercial chef. Though he couldn’t live with Trevor due to apartheid laws, he maintained a relationship with his son, visiting secretly. Trevor describes their relationship as complicated but loving, noting that circumstance pulled them apart but “he was never not my father.”

Stepfamily: Through his mother’s marriage to Ngisaveni Abel Shingange, Trevor has two younger half-brothers, Andrew and Isaac Shingange. The relationship with his stepfather was marked by domestic violence, which Trevor has spoken about candidly in his memoir.

Relationships & Dating History

Trevor Noah has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his fame, though his relationships have occasionally made headlines.

Dani Gabriel (2014-2015): A South African physiotherapist and musician who dated Noah during his rise to fame. She accompanied him on early stand-up tours and supported his transition to American television. They split around the time he was announced as Daily Show host. Gabriel has since married and expressed pride in Trevor’s success.

Jordyn Taylor (2015-2018): An American model, singer, and luxury real estate agent (now appearing on Netflix’s Selling the City). They met on Twitter shortly after Trevor moved to the U.S. and dated for nearly three years, attending red carpet events together including the 2017 MTV Movie Awards. Taylor confirmed their split in 2019, noting they “just grew apart.” In 2025, Taylor claimed Trevor used her as material for jokes and “stole” her comedic material during their relationship.

Minka Kelly (2020-2022): The Friday Night Lights actress dated Noah for approximately two years in his most public relationship to date. They began dating before the COVID-19 pandemic and moved in together in New York. In December 2021, Noah purchased a $27.5 million mansion in Bel-Air, reportedly for them to share. They briefly split in May 2021, reconciled, then broke up for good in May 2022. Sources cited different work commitments and life paths as reasons for the split.

dua lipa (2022): In September 2022, Noah was photographed kissing the pop star after a dinner date in New York City. Both insisted they were “just friends,” and Lipa became engaged to actor callum turner in 2024.

Zoë Mabie (2024-Present): As of late 2024 and 2025, Noah has been linked to South African influencer and creative consultant Zoë Mabie. The pair were spotted together during the December 2024 holidays in South Africa, attending high-end events in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Neither has confirmed the relationship publicly, maintaining Noah’s pattern of privacy. Some sources suggest they may have broken up due to Trevor’s busy schedule, while others indicate the relationship may be ongoing but low-key.

Views on Marriage & Relationships

Noah has expressed unconventional views on cohabitation and marriage. He advocates for “living apart together”—the idea that couples don’t necessarily need to share a home to be happy. He’s joked that “the reason people get divorced is because of the ‘living together’ part.” This philosophy may explain why he remains unmarried despite several long-term relationships.

Hobbies & Interests

• Gaming: Avid gamer who often incorporates gaming references into comedy
• Soccer: Passionate fan, particularly of English Premier League
• Language Learning: Continuously works on improving his German and learning new languages
• Reading: Voracious reader across genres
• Travel: Maintains residences in both New York and South Africa, travels extensively for tours
• Philanthropy: Active through the Trevor Noah Foundation

Controversies

Twitter Resurfacing (2015): Shortly after being announced as Daily Show host, old tweets from 2009-2010 resurfaced containing jokes about Jewish people and women. Noah addressed the controversy, stating that his views had evolved and the tweets didn’t reflect his current comedy or worldview. Comedy Central stood by him, and the controversy eventually subsided.

Jordyn Taylor Allegations (2025): On Selling the City, Taylor accused Noah of using her as comedic material without permission and “stealing” her jokes during their relationship. She also joked about sleeping with a client when discussing how Noah helped launch her real estate career with a $10 million apartment purchase. Noah did not publicly respond to these claims.

Political Commentary Backlash: As Daily Show host, Noah faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Conservatives accused him of liberal bias, while some progressives felt he was too moderate. His commentary on international affairs occasionally drew criticism from diaspora communities who felt he oversimplified complex issues.

2026 Grammy Joke Controversy: During his final Grammy hosting gig in February 2026, Noah joked about Donald Trump wanting Greenland because “Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.” President Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Noah a “total loser” and threatening to sue for defamation, claiming he had never visited Epstein’s island. The incident generated significant media coverage and highlighted Noah’s willingness to tackle controversial political topics even at risk of legal threats.

Awards & Achievements

Major Awards

• Primetime Emmy Award: Winner (11 total nominations)
• NAACP Image Awards: Multiple wins including Outstanding Literary Work and Outstanding Variety Show
• Thurber Prize for American Humor: Winner for Born a Crime (2017)
• MTV Africa Music Awards: Personality of the Year (2015)
• Erasmus Prize (2023): Prestigious Dutch award for contributions to European culture

Recognition & Honors

• Time 100: Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world (2018)
• The Hollywood Reporter: Named one of “The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media” (2017, 2018)
• Grammy Nominations: 4 nominations for Best Comedy Album/Spoken Word Album
• Golden Globe Nomination: Nominated for hosting work

Literary Achievements

• Born a Crime: #1 New York Times Bestseller, 3+ million copies sold, translated into 30+ languages
• Into the Uncut Grass: #1 New York Times Bestseller (Children’s Books), Grammy-nominated audiobook

Physical Statistics

Noah maintains his fitness through regular activity and travel, though he rarely discusses his workout routine publicly. His height and build contribute to his commanding stage presence during stand-up performances.

Quotes

On Regret and Risk: “I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done in life, any choice that I’ve made. But I’m consumed with regret for the things I didn’t do, the choices I didn’t make, the things I didn’t say. We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer. Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to.”

On Language and Connection: “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.’ He was so right. When you make the effort to speak someone else’s language, even if it’s just basic phrases here and there, you are saying to them, ‘I understand that you have a culture and identity that exists beyond me. I see you as a human being.'”

On Poverty and Opportunity: “People love to say, ‘Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.’ What they don’t say is, ‘And it would be nice if you gave him a fishing rod.’ That’s the part of the analogy that’s missing.”

On His Mother: “I thought that I was the hero of my story, [but] in writing it I came to realize over time that my mom was the hero. I was lucky enough to be in the shadow of a giant.”

On Comedy and Politics: “You have to work a bit harder to offend me because I’m from the home of some of the best racism in the world. I’m a snob when it comes to racism.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025-2026, Trevor Noah’s estimated net worth is $100 million, placing him among the wealthiest comedians globally and ahead of many late-night peers including Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert.

Income Sources

The Daily Show Salary:

• Initial contract: $5-8 million annually (2015-2017)
• Extended contract: $16 million annually (2017-2022)

Stand-Up Comedy:

• 2019 tours: Grossed $14 million
• 2018 alone: Grossed $5+ million
• “Off The Record” Tour (2024): Grossed nearly $30 million
• Estimated 2025 earnings: $40 million (ranked 4th highest-paid comedian globally)

Book Deals & Sales:

• Born a Crime: Seven-figure advance, 3+ million copies sold
• Into the Uncut Grass: Multi-million dollar deal, #1 bestseller

Grammy Hosting:

• Estimated $20,000+ per ceremony (6 consecutive years)
• Also serves as executive producer (2026)

Netflix Specials:

• Multi-special deals worth tens of millions
• Where Was I and I Wish You Would both nominated for major awards

Podcast:

• Spotify exclusive deal for “What Now?” (terms undisclosed but likely multi-million)

Production Company:

• Day Zero Productions joint venture with Paramount Global
• Multiple active film and TV projects generating revenue

Real Estate:

• Bel-Air mansion: $27.5 million (purchased 2021)
• New York City penthouse: Multi-million dollar value

Interesting Facts

1. Born Illegal: Trevor’s birth was literally a crime under apartheid law. His parents couldn’t legally marry or be seen together publicly, and his mother faced arrest simply for being seen with him.
2. Polyglot Comedian: He speaks seven languages fluently, often incorporating multiple languages into his stand-up routines to demonstrate cultural nuances.
3. Gaming Enthusiast: He’s an avid gamer and has incorporated gaming culture into his comedy and podcast discussions.
4. Bar Mitzvah Boy: Despite being raised primarily Christian, his mother converted to Judaism and threw him a bar mitzvah at age 13 that no one attended because their community didn’t understand the tradition.
5. Record-Breaking Host: His six consecutive years hosting the Grammy Awards (2021-2026) is a record for the modern era, second only to Andy Williams (7 times in the 1970s).
6. First African Late-Night Host: He was the first African host of a major American late-night talk show.
7. Mother’s Survival: His mother survived being shot in the head by her ex-husband in 2009, a story he details movingly in Born a Crime.
8. Comedy in Three Languages: He performed his early stand-up in English, Afrikaans, and Zulu, sometimes switching between languages mid-show.
9. Self-Taught: Much of his education about the world came from his mother’s insistence on reading and exposure to diverse ideas, rather than formal schooling alone.
10. Philanthropic Focus: The Trevor Noah Foundation focuses on education equity in South Africa, providing resources to underserved youth.

Did You Know?

• Trevor Noah was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2018, just three years after taking over The Daily Show.
• He won the prestigious Erasmus Prize in 2023, a Dutch award given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to European culture.
• His memoir Born a Crime has sold over 3 million copies and is being adapted into a film starring Lupita Nyong’o as his mother.
• Noah has been nominated for 11 Emmy Awards and won one Primetime Emmy.
• He set a record in Berlin for the most tickets sold by a non-German comedian in history.
• His podcast “What Now?” frequently features world leaders and cultural icons in candid, long-form conversations.
• Despite his global fame, he maintains strong connections to South Africa and spends significant time there annually.
• He has never been married and has no children, though he has expressed openness to both in the future.
• Noah’s production company, Day Zero, takes its name from Cape Town’s water crisis, reflecting his interest in climate and sustainability issues.
• He is a four-time Grammy nominee himself, competing in the same awards he hosts.

Social Media Links

Stay connected with Trevor Noah through his official channels:

• Instagram:@trevornoah
• Twitter/X:@Trevornoah
• Facebook:@TrevorNoah
• YouTube:Trevor Noah Official
• TikTok:@trevornoah
• Spotify Podcast:What Now? with Trevor Noah
• Website:TrevorNoah.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long was Trevor Noah on The Daily Show? Trevor Noah hosted The Daily Show for seven years, from September 2015 to December 2022, spanning 10 seasons. He succeeded Jon Stewart and brought a global perspective to the program before departing to pursue other creative projects.

What is Trevor Noah’s net worth in 2026? As of 2026, Trevor Noah’s estimated net worth is $100 million. He earned approximately $40 million in 2025 alone through stand-up tours, book sales, podcasting, and production deals, making him one of the highest-paid comedians in the world.

Is Trevor Noah married? No, Trevor Noah has never been married. He has been in several long-term relationships, including with Jordyn Taylor (2015-2018) and Minka Kelly (2020-2022), but remains single as of 2026. He has expressed unconventional views on marriage and cohabitation, advocating for “living apart together.”

Does Trevor Noah have children? No, Trevor Noah does not have any children as of 2026. He has spoken about his close relationship with his own mother and how that has influenced his views on parenting, but has not started his own family yet.

Why did Trevor Noah leave The Daily Show? Noah left The Daily Show in December 2022 to explore other creative opportunities, including stand-up comedy, writing, producing, and international storytelling. He stated he wanted to continue growing as a creator and felt it was time to move on after seven successful years.

How many times has Trevor Noah hosted the Grammys? Trevor Noah hosted the Grammy Awards for six consecutive years from 2021 through 2026, making him one of the most frequent hosts in the ceremony’s history. The 2026 ceremony was announced as his final hosting gig.

What languages does Trevor Noah speak? Trevor Noah speaks seven languages fluently: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tsonga, and German. His multilingual abilities often feature in his comedy and have helped him connect with global audiences.

What is Day Zero Productions? Day Zero Productions is Trevor Noah’s Emmy-nominated production company, a joint venture with Paramount Global. The company develops film, television, and digital content focusing on diverse stories and global perspectives, including adaptations of Noah’s own work and original projects.

Where does Trevor Noah live? Trevor Noah splits his time between a luxury penthouse in New York City and properties in South Africa, including Cape Town and Johannesburg. He purchased a $27.5 million mansion in Bel-Air, Los Angeles in 2021, though his primary residences remain New York and South Africa.

What is Trevor Noah’s podcast? Trevor Noah hosts “What Now? with Trevor Noah,” a weekly Spotify original podcast featuring candid conversations with celebrities, athletes, and thought leaders about contemporary issues. The podcast launched in 2023 and has released over 100 episodes.

Conclusion

Trevor Noah’s journey from a “crime” born under apartheid to a global comedy superstar represents one of the most remarkable success stories in entertainment history. With a net worth of $100 million, six consecutive Grammy hosting gigs, multiple Emmy Awards, and a thriving production empire through Day Zero Productions, Noah has transcended the label of “comedian” to become a true multimedia mogul.

His ability to bridge cultures through language, humor, and empathy has made him a unique voice in an increasingly divided world. Whether through his bestselling memoir Born a Crime, his record-breaking stand-up tours, his insightful podcast interviews, or his philanthropic work in South Africa, Noah continues to use his platform to tell stories that matter.

As he enters 2026, Noah shows no signs of slowing down. With multiple film projects in development, continued stand-up success, and his final Grammy hosting performance behind him, he stands as proof that authentic storytelling and genuine curiosity about the human experience can build not just a career, but a legacy.

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