Trevor Noah Family Tree: The Story Behind The Daily Show's Former Host

Trevor Noah, born 20 February 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a South African comedian and political commentator — hosted The Daily Show (Comedy Central) from September 2015 to December 2022 (7 years). His bestselling memoir Born a Crime (2016) chronicles his birth as a mixed-race child during South African Apartheid (when interracial marriage was illegal).

The Family's Roots: A Mixed-Race South African Family Born Under Apartheid

The Noah family combined Swiss-German (paternal) and Xhosa South African (maternal) lineage — under Apartheid law (the Immorality Act 1927), Trevor's existence was literally illegal until Apartheid ended in 1994.

His Parents

Father: Robert Noah — Swiss-German immigrant to South Africa. Restaurateur; lived next door but separately from Patricia (per Apartheid laws, they could not legally live together).

Mother: Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah — Xhosa South African; secretary; deeply religious Christian; raised Trevor largely alone.

His Stepfather: Ngisaveni Abel Shingange

Ngisaveni Abel Shingange — Trevor's stepfather; abusive; shot Trevor's mother Patricia in 2009, attempting to kill her (the bullet went through her leg, hand, and grazed her skull — she survived). Sentenced to 3 years for attempted murder.

His Brothers

Andrew Shingange — Trevor's half-brother (Patricia's son with Abel).

Isaac Shingange — Trevor's half-brother (Patricia's son with Abel).

His Personal Life

Trevor has been linked publicly to several partners including singer Minka Kelly (2020–22), actress Jordyn Taylor (2015–18), and others. He is unmarried.

The Noah Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Mixed-race; Swiss-German (paternal); Xhosa South African (maternal); illegal birth under Apartheid.

Father: Robert Noah — Swiss-German immigrant; restaurateur.

Mother: Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah — Xhosa South African; secretary.

Stepfather: Ngisaveni Abel Shingange — abusive; convicted of attempting to murder Patricia in 2009.

Half-Brothers: Andrew Shingange; Isaac Shingange.

Trevor Noah:

  • Born 20 February 1984, Johannesburg
  • Maryvale College (Catholic school)
  • Stand-up comedy in South Africa from 2002
  • Tonight with Trevor Noah (South African TV, 2010–11)
  • Moved to USA: 2011
  • The Daily Show correspondent: 2014; host: 28 September 2015 – 8 December 2022
  • Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (2016) — bestseller; Audio Book of the Year 2018 for his own narration
  • The Daviestown and other comedy specials
  • Founded the Trevor Noah Foundation (2017) for South African education
  • Multiple Emmy Awards as Daily Show host
  • Hosted the Grammy Awards: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Stand-up specials: African American (2013), Lost in Translation (2015), Afraid of the Dark (2017), Son of Patricia (2018), I Wish You Would (2022), Where Was I (2023)

What the Noah Family Story Teaches Us

A Swiss-German father who lived next door but separately due to Apartheid law. A Xhosa mother who raised Trevor as essentially a single parent under Apartheid — and survived an attempted murder by her abusive second husband in 2009. Two half-brothers from that second marriage. A career that took an Apartheid-era illegally-born child to host of America's most-watched late-night news comedy show.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Trevor story carries the same lesson. State law sometimes defines what counts as family. Under Apartheid, the Noah family could not legally exist as one household — and that legal fact is on the Noah family record alongside The Daily Show. Write down which laws shaped which family structures.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.