Trevor Noah was a guest on Oprah at the Apollo, where he disclosed that his job as host of The Daily Show started with an ill-timed call from Jon Stewart.
While sitting with Oprah Winfrey, Noah recalled his first encounter with Stewart: “He said, ‘Hey, I was wondering — if you ever come to America, would you like to pop into the show and hang out? I think you’d like what we do, and maybe we can hang out.'”
Noah’s response was negative. He had just launched a comedy tour in the United Kingdom, and as that had been a lifelong goal, he wanted to see it through.
Stewart was surprised by the refusal, Noah said. “He paused and said, ‘Are you seriously saying no?’ I said, ‘Yeah. But thank you.'”
Stewart gave Noah an open invitation if he changed his mind. Noah said he called Stewart a year and a half later, and after a number of meetings and auditions, he was named Stewart’s successor.
Oprah at the Apollo airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on OWN.
Peoples’ biggest fear revealed on The Daily Show:
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
How Lupita Nyong’o got the role of Trevor Noah’s mom in upcoming movie
Brooke Shields talks reuniting with Paris Jackson and her last contact with Michael
Stephen Colbert praises students seeking gun control legislation in wake of Parkland shooting
Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram — or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
