Trevor Noah ended his 7-year run on The Daily Show Thursday night by thanking fans for supporting him over the years, and by praising Black women for shaping his life.
The comedian, 38, also reflected on how things had changed at the late-night show since he took over hosting duties from Jon Stewart in 2015.
“I remember when we started the show, we couldn’t get enough people to fill an audience,” he recalled, while looking out at the packed house. “And then I look at this now, I don’t take it for granted, ever… so thank you to the people who watch, the people who share the clips, everyone who’s had an opinion.”
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The left-leaning comedian, who often mocked and imitated former President Donald Trump during his four years in office, even thanked his detractors.
“Even the people who hate-watched, we still got the ratings. Thank you. I’m eternally grateful to you,” he quipped.
When the South African comic began hosting the Comedy Central show, he was essentially unknown in the U.S. He described how Black women supported him and influenced his opinions.
“This is random, but a special shoutout to Black women,” Noah said.
“I’ve often been credited with having these grand ideas,” he explained while fighting back tears. “I’m like, who do you think teaches me? Who do you think has shaped me, nourished me and formed me? From my mom, my grand, my aunt, all these Black women in my life.”
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He told the audience Black women in the U.S. have a different, yet insightful perspective on American life.
“I always tell people, if you truly want to learn about America, talk to Black women,” he said. “Black women can’t afford to f–k around and find out. Black people understand how hard it is when things go bad, especially in America or anywhere where Black people exist.”
He added that Black women, including those he interacted with on the show and online, taught him a lot.
“I’ll tell you now, do yourself a favor, if you truly want to know what to do or how to do it, or maybe the best way or the most equitable way, talk to Black women,” he continued. “They’re a lot of the reason that I’m here. So I’m grateful to them. I’m grateful to every single one of you.”
The comedian ended his comments by saying, “This has been an honor. Thank you.”
Noah announced he was leaving The Daily Show on Sept. 29.
“I realized that after seven years, my time is up, but in the most beautiful way,” he said at the time.
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