Trevor Noah, a renowned South African comedian, actor, television host, and radio DJ, currently boasts a net worth of $100 million. His career breakthrough came in 2015 when he was chosen to succeed Jon Stewart as the host of The Daily Show. After seven years at the helm, Noah announced in September 2022 that he would be stepping down from the iconic role.
During the early years of hosting The Daily Show, Trevor Noah earned between $5 million and $8 million annually, a figure significantly lower than Jon Stewart’s earnings, which exceeded $25 million. However, in 2017, Trevor negotiated a lucrative contract extension with Viacom (the parent company of Comedy Central), which reportedly raised his yearly salary to $16 million.
Early Life and Background
Born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Trevor Noah’s upbringing was shaped by the harsh realities of apartheid. His mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, a Xhosa, and his father, Robert Noah, of Swiss descent, faced intense legal and social challenges due to their interracial relationship. South African apartheid laws criminalized interracial marriages, leading to difficult circumstances for Trevor’s family. His experiences, which included his mother’s imprisonment, are detailed in his memoir Born a Crime.
Trevor’s Career Journey
Trevor Noah’s showbiz journey began at a young age. At 18, he appeared on the South African soap opera Isidingo. Around this time, he also hosted his own youth-oriented radio show, Noah’s Ark, before becoming the host of an educational TV series called Run the Adventure (2004-2006). He continued his career by hosting The Real Goboza (2007) and The Amazing Date (2008). His work as a TV host expanded further as he hosted major award shows and even participated in Strictly Come Dancing (South Africa’s version of Dancing with the Stars).
In 2009, Noah’s career reached a new milestone when he hosted the South African Film and Television Awards. Over the years, he built up a strong presence in South African entertainment, eventually landing endorsement deals like his 2010 partnership with Cell C, a cellular provider. Throughout this time, he gained recognition for his stand-up comedy and performed with famous comedians such as Gabriel Iglesias and Paul Rodriguez.
Trevor’s international breakthrough came in 2012 when he became the first South African stand-up comedian to perform on The Tonight Show and later, The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2014, he joined The Daily Show as a contributor, and by the end of that year, he was nominated for MTV Africa’s Personality of the Year Award.
Becoming the Host of The Daily Show
In March 2015, Trevor Noah was officially announced as Jon Stewart’s replacement on The Daily Show. His tenure as the host of the late-night news program earned him multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2017. His leadership marked a new era for the show, blending sharp political commentary with humor and global perspectives.
Trevor’s work on The Daily Show extended beyond his role as host. He contributed to the production of new shows like The Opposition with Jordan Klepper and Klepper, in collaboration with former correspondent Jordan Klepper. Additionally, he served as an executive producer for Jefferson County: Probation, a show led by Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. Over the years, Noah also made cameo appearances in various films and TV series, including Black Panther and Nashville.
Books and Publications
Trevor Noah is also a published author. His memoir Born a Crime recounts his childhood experiences growing up under apartheid and his relationship with his mother. The book has been highly praised and is being adapted into a feature film starring Lupita Nyong’o. Additionally, in 2018, Trevor and his The Daily Show writing team published The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library, a book inspired by the South by Southwest exhibition based on President Trump’s Twitter activity.
Philanthropic Efforts
In 2018, Trevor Noah founded The Trevor Noah Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa. The foundation’s mission is to provide young South Africans with the tools and opportunities they need to create change in their communities. The focus is on empowering youth through education, skills development, and promoting social impact.
Trevor Noah’s personal life has been marked by both success and struggle. He is one of the few prominent American talk show hosts who can speak eight languages, including English, Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans, and German. His move to the United States came after a traumatic event when his mother was shot by her ex-husband, Ngisaveni Abel Shingange, in 2009. Despite the traumatic incident, his mother survived, and Shingange was later convicted of attempted murder. Trevor has used his platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and the inadequate response from law enforcement in South Africa.
Trevor’s story of resilience was highlighted when he virtually addressed Princeton University’s Class of 2021 as their Class Day speaker. He was also inducted as an honorary member of the university.
Real Estate Investments
Trevor Noah is known for his impressive real estate investments. In January 2019, he bought a luxurious mansion in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, for $20 million. The estate spans over 10,000 square feet and boasts five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an infinity pool, a private movie theater, and a 500-gallon saltwater aquarium. The property even includes a VIP suite with its own private entrance for high-profile guests.
In 2020, Trevor sold this mansion for $21.5 million, a modest profit. Prior to this, in 2017, he had bought a duplex in Manhattan for $10.1 million, which he later listed for sale in 2022 for $12.95 million. His 2021 real estate acquisition included another Bel-Air property, which he purchased for $27.5 million and sold to Bird scooter founder Travis Vanderzanden in 2022 for $30 million.
In addition to his properties in the U.S., Trevor also owns several homes in South Africa, including an apartment in Cape Town and a house in Johannesburg. His diverse real estate portfolio reflects his financial success and status as a global entertainer.
Trevor Noah’s rise from a young comedian in South Africa to an international media mogul is a testament to his talent, resilience, and adaptability. Through his comedy, television work, philanthropy, and personal achievements, he has built a legacy that extends beyond just the entertainment industry. With a net worth of $100 million, Trevor continues to impact both his audience and the world at large.
