A new host to The Daily Show has been announced, and the pick should please sports fans. 31-year-old Trevor Noah was named as Jon Stewart's successor earlier this morning, and when he takes the show's anchor chair later this year, he'll be bringing a strong South African sports fan's perspective to Comedy Central. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Noah's lens into American society and sport is set within a different frame.
The above video is from his comedy special "African American." In his bit, Noah riffs on how obsessed American sports fans and media members are with analysis and statistics, contrasting how we talk about sports with the purposefully light manner in which South African or British sports broadcasters will comment on a soccer match.
In his entertainment work as a comedian and in his sharp social media presence, Noah's put his opinions on major sports stories and international sporting culture right alongside his commentary on race, politics, and class (you know, the juicy stuff you'd expect a future Daily Show host to be well-versed and witty on). He's also done stand-up segments on South Africa's rugby and soccer teams:
And on how South African track star/paraplegic killer Oscar Pistorius inspires him to be greater (you read that correctly):
Off-camera, he's still popping off on sports—Noah's never shy about serving up hot takes on social media:
I don't really understand American football but apparently there's a guy who's the best because he has soft balls. #SuperBowl
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) February 1, 2015
I'll miss the Olympics. It's the one time, when a group of black people can run, with no suspicion.
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) August 14, 2012
Ronaldo should win the ballon d’or every single year because he is the best football player. Messi is not human!
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) March 18, 2015
Forget Liam Neeson. If I get kidnapped, I want Joe Hart to save me! #BarcaVsManCity
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) March 18, 2015
People must calm down over this Oscar thing. Just because he got bail doesn't mean he's going to walk.
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) February 22, 2013
O. J. Pistorius
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) September 12, 2014
And the Oscar goes to - jail
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) February 14, 2013
