who are trevor noah's parents

Trevor Noah's parents are Robert Noah, his Swiss-German father, and Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, his Xhosa mother from South Africa. Their interracial relationship was illegal under apartheid laws, making Trevor's birth in 1984 a "crime" as he describes in his memoir Born a Crime.

Family Background

Trevor was primarily raised by his mother and grandmother in a Johannesburg township, while his father visited secretly due to racial segregation rules. Patricia worked various jobs like factory work and typing, showing resilience amid poverty and oppression, and later converted from Christianity to Judaism. Robert, an engineer, opposed marriage due to laws but stayed involved in Trevor's life as much as possible.

Challenges Faced

Apartheid forbade their union, leading to hidden meetings and no formal marriage. Patricia endured abuse from a later husband, survived a shooting in 2015, and instilled humor and faith in Trevor despite hardships. Robert provided occasional support but lived separately, shaping Trevor's unique perspective on race and identity.

Their Influence

Patricia's strength and wit heavily inspired Trevor's comedy and worldview, crediting her for his success. Robert's quieter presence taught adaptability, with Trevor reuniting publicly later in life. No recent major news shifts this story as of late 2025.

TL;DR: Robert (father) and Patricia (mother) defied apartheid for Trevor; she raised him, both profoundly shaped his career.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.