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Comedy Central names Jon Stewart's replacement

A 31-year-old South African comedian will replace Jon Stewart at the helm of "The Daily Show" later this year, Comedy Central announced Monday.

A 31-year-old South African comedian will replace Jon Stewart at the helm of "The Daily Show" later this year, Comedy Central announced Monday.

Trevor Noah, who joined the show last year as a contributor, has, according to the network, "hosted numerous television shows, including his own late-night talk show in his native country, 'Tonight with Trevor Noah.'"

Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless called Noah "an enormous talent."

"He has an insightful and unique point of view, and most importantly, is wickedly funny," said Ganeless in a prepared statement. "For the next host of 'The Daily Show,' we set out to find a fresh voice who can speak to our audience with a keen take on the events of the day, and we found that in Trevor. He has a huge international following and is posed to explode here in America."

"I'm thrilled for the show and for Trevor," said Stewart, "He's a tremendous comic and talent that we've loved working with. In fact, I may rejoins as a correspondent just to be part of it!"

"It's an honor to follow Jon Stewart," said Noah, in the same prepared statement, calling "The Daily Show" under Stewart and his staff "an incredible show whose impact is felt all over the world."

Noah, who is biracial, was, according to Comedy Central, "the subject of David Paul Meyer's award-winning documentary film, 'You Laugh But It's True,' which tells the story of his remarkable career in post-apartheid South Africa."

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