'Daily Show' host Noah discusses his new gig.

• Author: Moore, Frazier
• Position: Living

Byline: Frazier Moore

NEW YORK -- The deal was done only last week, says Trevor Noah, the 31-year-old South African comedian who will take over "The Daily Show'' from longtime host Jon Stewart.

Noah was chosen a little more than a month after Stewart unexpectedly announced he was leaving "The Daily Show'' following 16 years as the show's principal voice.

The New Jersey-born Stewart is being replaced by the son of a black South African mother and white European father. Noah has an international presence, and hosted a late-night talk show in South Africa, "Tonight with Trevor Noah.''

He will join Larry Wilmore, a writer-comedian who replaced Stephen Colbert in January in the half-hour slot following "The Daily Show.'' When Noah takes over, Comedy Central will have completely remade the one-hour comedy block that gave the network critical acclaim and, arguably, its identity.

Shortly after Comedy Central made the news official Monday, Noah, on a standup comedy tour, discussed his new gig by phone from Dubai.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS: How do you feel to be taking over soon from Stewart?

TREVOR NOAH: I don't think of taking over. I'm joining the team. It's a huge ship that has won Emmys and Peabodys for a reason, because it's a fantastic team of writers and producers working to make that show magic. I get to be a part of that now as the host and a face, sharing that space with my fellow correspondents. I feel really confident. All I needed in my life was Jon's blessing. That's what I have, so I'm looking forward to being part of "The Best Damn News Show in the World!''

AP: You have a much different background than Stewart. How will that affect the show?

TN: One thing we both share: We are both progressives. Obviously where you're from may inform a lot of your decisions. But traveling the world I've learned that progressives, regardless of their locations, think in a global space. And although I happen to be a guy who's not from the same place that Jon's from, I've lived in America for years before I went back out on the road, and I've learned to love the place. I'll bring something different because I am different, but because it's a team, it'll be the same as well.

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