Comedy Central has picked a replacement for Jon Stewart as host of “The Daily Show.”
The cable network will announce Monday that Trevor Noah will be promoted to host after just three appearances on the program, reported the New York Times.
The 31-year-old Noah was born in South Africa to a black mother and white Swiss father, and he speaks six languages.
“You don’t believe it for the first few hours,” said Noah, who is currently in Dubai for a comedy tour. “You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you’re in a place where you can’t really get alcohol.”
Noah remains fairly unknown to American audiences, and many “Daily Show” fans had hoped Comedy Central would replace the iconic Stewart with a woman.
Michele Ganeless, Comedy Central president, said the network drew up a shortlist of candidates and listed the qualifications they wanted in a new host.
“Trevor checked off every box on that list and then some,” she said. “He brings such a unique worldview and a deep understanding of human nature, which makes his comedy so insightful. He’s truly a student of the world.”
Stewart praised Noah as a “tremendous comic and talent,” and he joked that he may remain involved with the program.
“I may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!” Stewart said.
Watch some of Noah's standup comedy:
