From Jon Stewart to Trevor Noah: 'The Daily Show' to Enter New Era With South African Comedian [WATCH]
After almost two decades, Jon Stewart, the celebrated host of "The Daily Show," is officially passing the torch onto 31-year-old South African comedian Trevor Noah, who is also an on-air contributor on the 20-time Emmy Award winning show.
The hilarious, intelligent and multi-lingual comedian has gained popularity thanks to his spot-on impressions. His biracial background and international knowledge will make for a unique and interesting comedic perspective of the U.S. and the world.
While many people would have been glad to see an American, female comedian to take the torch from Stewart, perhaps there will be other great strides that will take place on TV to honor the fierce, comedic genius of women as well.
Noah took to Twitter to recognize the tough task on hand, but is thrilled to forge ahead.
"No-one can replace Jon Stewart. But together with the amazing team at The Daily Show, we will continue to make this the best damn news show!" Noah tweeted.
"I'm thrilled for the show and for Trevor. He's a tremendous comic and talent that we've loved working with. ... In fact, I may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!" Stewart added on Facebook.
In 2014, Noah joined "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," as a contributor. Two years prior, Noah made his U.S. television debut on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and also appeared on "Late Show with David Letterman." He was the first South African stand-up comedian to appear on both shows. Noah is no stranger to hosting -- he's hosted numerous TV shows, including his own late night talk show in his native country called, "Tonight with Trevor Noah."
The dapper Noah also landed on the cover of GQ South Africa for the October 2014 issue. Rolling Stone, Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal as well as CNN, and NPR's "Talk of the Nation" have profiled the rising star. Noah tours around the world and has performed in front of sold-out crowds at the Hammersmith Apollo in London and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Born and rasied in Soweto, South Africa, Noah is the son of a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father, whose union was illegal during the apartheid era. Upon embarking on his stand-up career in his 20s, Noah reportedly said that he had long been taught that "speaking freely about anything, as a person of color, was considered treason."
Noah will succeed Stewart after he steps down later this year (a date has yet to be determined.)
Less than two months ago, Stewart, 52, announced his departure from "The Daily Show" after a hugely successful 16-year run where Stewart's comedic genius and satirical approach on current events flourished -- a huge score for Comedy Central.
But Comedy Central is keeping it fresh and changing up the game with Noah.
In an interview with Noah via telephone -- he's currently on tour in Dubai -- he told The New York Times that he's been given "a great opportunity, as well as a significant challenge."
"You don't believe it for the first few hours," Noah said of learning about his new gig. "You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you're in a place where you can't really get alcohol."
Noah added that he expects criticism and second-guessing before he takes over and sits in Stewart's highly-coveted news desk.
"We live in a world where some people still say Beyoncé can't sing," he said. "Clearly I'm not immune to that."
He also tweeted: "Often, people who can do, don't because they're afraid of what people that can't do will say about them doing."
Despite the pressure of the American TV audience, from one comedian to another, Noah says he has "found a kindred spirit" in Stewart, the NY Times pointed out.
"He told me, 'I was where you were when I took over the show,'" Noah explained. "'Nobody knew me. I was just starting out, finding my voice, and that's when I was handed this seat.'"
"Now, it's my turn to steer the ship," Noah said.
Check out Stewart and Noah exhange some great material on "The Daily Show."