Who is Trevor Noah?: A look at his comedy work

Trevor Noah is set to join "The Daily Show" as host -- but what's his back-story?

The 31-year-old comedian, who hails from South Africa, has been a contributor to the Comedy Central show since December -- so if you're a regular viewer, you likely have seen him on the show before.

He's already familiar with the late-night hosting scene, having headed up the South African talk show "Tonight With Trevor Noah." He's also appeared on "The Tonight Show Jay Leno" and the "Late Show with David Letterman" and was the subject of a 2011 documentary about his life and career, dubbed "You Laugh But It's True." Noah is also a regular in the stand-up comedy circuit.

About his new gig, he told The Associated Press, "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'!"

Click through to watch his work on "The Daily Show," get a taste of his stand-up routines and more.

Trevor Noah on "David Letterman"

During his debut on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman," Noah got the audience to laugh with his jokes about his first visit to New York.

The South African comedian joked about how people on the streets of New York assumed he was from Mexico. "I didn't know this, but apparently I'm Mexican," he said.

Trevor Noah: First time on "The Daily Show"

This marked Noah's first visit to "The Daily Show" -- in December 2014.

"We are really delighted that you are joining us," said host Jon Stewart.

In this bit, Hall also talked about being in the United States for the first time. "I never thought I'd be more afraid of police in America than in South Africa," he said.

Trevor Noah on sports in America

Noah showed off his impersonation chops in this snippet from a stand-up gig -- where he takes on an American accent to talk about how the United States approaches sports.

Trevor Noah and "The Daily Show" Chess Roundup

Jon Stewart welcomed back Noah in this humorous clip about chess. Throughout the segment, Noah reports on America's attempt to buy mercenary chess players in order to win a global chess tournament.

"You know, Jon, does America need to be the best in everything?" he asks. "I mean you already dominate the world in economics, military power, obesity."

"You Laugh But It's True" documentary

Noah's life and career were chronicled in the 2011 documentary "You Laugh But It's True," from filmmaker David Paul Meyer. The doc follows his career, including his stand-up work, in post-apartheid South Africa.

"If you're human come to the show. That's all I want. I don't want it to be about age, or race or religion," he says in the doc. "It's about people."

Check out the trailer:

Trevor Noah on Boko Haram

Noah returned to "The Daily Show" to talk world politics, "showing up" anchor Jon Stewart with his knowledge on global issues.

Trevor Noah on tacos

Noah relays a story about being in Los Angeles and trying tacos for the first time -- out of a food truck, naturally. Needless to say, there was a lot of confusion over a napkin.

Trevor Noah: Attention All Passengers

In this standup bit, Noah says he only ever hears women making announcements at airports throughout the world.

"Attention all passengers...."

Trevor Noah on surfing

Trevor Noah muses on the popularity of surfing in America -- and does a spot-on stereotypical "surfer girl" impersonation.