South African comedian Trevor Noah has been named as Jon Stewart's successor as host of "The Daily Show," Comedy Central announced Monday.
Noah, a recent addition to the "TDS" correspondent roster, has been with the show since December 2014, and has made three on-air appearances. The 31-year-old will succeed outgoing host Stewart, who announced his plans to leave the program earlier this year after 16 years at the helm.
Though he's relatively unknown in the U.S., Noah has made quite a name for himself in his native South Africa, where he headlined his own late-night talk show, "Tonight with Trevor Noah." He's also made appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Show with David Letterman," marking the first time a South African comedian has performed on either program.
"It's an honor to follow Jon Stewart. He and the team at 'The Daily Show' have created an incredible show whose impact is felt all over the world," Noah said in a statement released by Comedy Central. "In my brief time with the show they've made me feel so welcome. I'm excited to get started and work with such a fantastic group of people."
Noah added in an interview with The New York Times -- which first reported the news -- that he "need[ed] a stiff drink" when he first learned he landed the gig. "You don't believe it for the first few hours," he told the Times.
Stewart praised the selection of his successor, saying in a statement released by Comedy Central, "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!!!"
"You don't hope to find the next Jon Stewart - there is no next Jon Stewart," Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless told The New York Times. "So, our goal was to find someone who brings something really exciting and new and different."
There's no official premiere date yet for Noah's "Daily Show" takeover, nor is there a firm departure date for Stewart. Comedy Central said both would be announced at a later time.
[via: Comedy Central, The New York Times]
Photo credit: Getty Images
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