Friday 6 October 2023

Deadline: Roy Wood Jr. Quotes Doug Herzog While Explaining Why He Left ‘The Daily Show’: “You Don’t Own These Jobs. You Rent Them”

Story from Deadline:

Roy Wood Jr. offered more of an explanation Thursday on why he decided to leave The Daily Show.

His exit comes as Comedy Central has yet to name a successor to Trevor Noah, who left in December. At first, Wood told NPR that he wanted time to determine his next steps, as the show has not offered him the job as permanent host.

On Thursday, he expanded on those thoughts via social media accounts by talking about what he’s leaving behind and what he’d like to do next.

“After eight amazing years on The Daily Show, where I’ve been able to purse my comedic and political curiosities with some of the best writers, producers, crew and correspondents anyone could hope for, I’ve decided to move on,” he wrote. “I’m grateful to Trevor Noah, Paramount and especially Comedy Central for giving me the runway to also produce three one-hour stand-up specials, for letting me host two award winning podcasts, letting me write & shoot my own comedy pilot, write. film, and much, much more. I look forward to finding other ways to collaborate with them down the road. Until then, I am excited to nurture new ideas and see what the future holds for me in the shifting sands of late night television, scripted comedy, and whatever else the comedy gods may have in store for me in 2024 and beyond.”

He also quoted former Viacom Music and Entertainment Group President Doug Herzog, who said, “I had the time of my life. You don’t own these jobs. You rent them. They are not yours. Ultimately, no matter how long you are there, you are just passing through.”

After the announcement at Wood would depart, several users on X expressed surprise that Comedy Central would allow such a huge talent to depart. Wood Jr. joined The Daily Show in 2015.

© 2023 Deadline Hollywood.