We’re all familiar with that sinking feeling in our stomachs when we realize we’re running behind schedule. Last Friday, Trevor Noah experienced this in real-time.
The South African comedian was scheduled to make an appearance on the 947 radio station in Johannesburg for a morning conversation. However, he arrived late for the interview due to heavy traffic, a bewildered taxi driver, and irate locals.
“There’s a bicycle fighting with a taxi driver,” he yelled frantically down a crackly phone line to the show’s hosts.
“That’s not in your traffic report,” the flustered star added, before announcing that he was “gonna get in with some guy,” eliciting screams of concern from the presenting team.
The 39-year-old, who quit the Daily Show in 2022 after an acclaimed seven-year run at the helm, finally burst into the studio shortly after.
“Can I just say, whoever is in this traffic, I feel you. We are together,” he laughed while explaining the ordeal.
“The driver I’m with doesn’t know where we’re going,” he recalled. “So I jump out of the car, said I’m gonna run.”
“While I’m running people are in the street – listening to your show – [are] hooting and shouting ‘Trevor it’s the other way! You’re going the wrong way, Trevor!’
“Then one guy decides to stop. He doesn’t just point, he stops the car. He says ‘Trevor, get in.’
“Then he took me to the wrong building!” Noah roared in exasperation.
A staff member eventually spotted him and escorted him to the studio, where Trevor Noah received a warm welcome with cheers and applause.
Born in Johannesburg, Noah initially gained recognition in the South African comedy scene before becoming the host of “The Daily Show” in 2015, succeeding the legendary Jon Stewart. In 2022, he left the show, expressing gratitude for the journey but also a desire to explore other aspects of his life.
“The Daily Show” has yet to name a permanent replacement for Noah, opting instead for a rotating roster of guest hosts, including Sarah Silverman and Al Franken.
Recently, Noah returned to South Africa, where he embarked on a series of 12 stand-up specials across the country. He has also secured a prominent deal with streaming giant Spotify to host a weekly podcast, set to premiere later this year.