Trevor Noah gave his final sign-off on the The Daily Show last night, following a seven-year run as host of the Comedy Central series.
Wrapping up a career marked by his hilarious, informed satire on the state of the world, Noah gave a touching speech.
A clip of his final monologue shows the host expressing his gratitude to fans who’ve filled his seats and supported him online through the years.
"I remember when we started the show, we couldn’t get enough people to fill an audience," he said. "There were empty seats and then I look at this now, I don’t take it for granted ever. Every seat that has ever been filled to watch something that I’m doing, I always appreciate it because I know there’s an empty seat that sits behind it so thank you so much."
He also gave a special shout-out to the Black women in his life whom he says have shaped him.
"I’ve often been credited with having these grand ideas. People say, ‘Oh Trevor, you’re so smart.’ I’m like, ‘Who do you think teaches me? Who do you think shaped me, nourished me and formed me?’ From my mom, my grand[mom], my aunt, all these Black women in my life, but in America as well," he said.
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He added that if people really want to learn about America, they should talk to Black women, because "unlike everybody else, Black women can’t afford to fuck around and find out." He added, "Black people know that it’s worse for them. Black women in particular, they know what shit is. They know what happens if things do not go the way it should."
Noah then named several history-making Black leaders—Roxane Gay, Tressie McMillan Cottom, Zoé Samudzi, and Tarana Burke—saying they are some of the "brilliant, brilliant women" who’ve educated him.
"Do yourself a favor: You truly want to know what to do or how to do it? Or maybe the best way or the most equitable way? Talk to Black women—they’re a lot of the reason why I’m here and so I’m grateful to them," he added. "I’m grateful to every single one of you. This has been an honor. Thank you."
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Noah announced his departure from The Daily Show in September, noting that he’s excited to pursue stand-up again, as well as other projects, and joking that he’s happy to be leaving when the ratings are still up.
The show premiered in 1996 with Craig Kilborn as host. Then, Jon Stewart took over until 2015, when Noah entered the picture.
