Trevor Noah joins Charlie Chaplin in the history books and bags a cool R3 mil  

South African comedian and previous host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah has reached yet another milestone in his career. The 39-year-old was awarded with the Erasmus Prize – described as Europe’s most distinguished recognition – for his stand-up comedy, political satire and humanism earlier this month.

The comedian is yet to receive his prize as the award ceremony will only take place later this year at the Dutch Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

In a statement, the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation said they awarded Noah with this prestigious recognition for his inspired contribution to the theme ‘In Praise of Folly’, named after Erasmus’s most famous book, which is filled with humour, social criticism and political satire.

“With his sharp-minded, mocking yet inclusive political comedy, Noah, in the eyes of the jury, upholds the ‘Erasmian Spirit,” the statement read, adding that “as a humourist, television presenter, political commentator, philanthropist and author, he has staked his claim in the world of contemporary political satire.”

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Trevor Noah makes history

Performing in front of thousands of people worldwide is in itself already a huge achievement, but South Africa’s favourite comedian has made Mzansi even prouder as his name will now be recorded in the history books.

On 16 March 2023, Noah became only the second comedian to have ever been awarded the honour. The last comic who had the honour to receive the Erasmus Prize was Charlie Chaplin back in 1965.

Chaplin was an English comic actor who rose to fame in the era of silent film. While he was best known for his character Little Tramp, he also starred in several other silent films including Easy Street (1917) and Modern Times (1936).

What is the Erasmus Prize

Every year the Erasmus Prize is awarded to a person or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to the humanities, the social sciences or the arts, in Europe and beyond.

The Erasmus Prize has been awarded to recipients who are recognised for a wide range of achievements, including literature, music, philosophy, and social activism. 

A panel consisting of a committee of scholars and cultural experts review nominations and make a recommendation to the board of the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation after weighing in on the strength of each candidate. It is then up to the board to make the final call.

Not only is it an exceptional honour to win this prestigious award, but the winner also receives a healthy cash prize of €150 000, almost R3 million.

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