Schalk Bezuidenhout is a South African comedian and a household name — at least in households that know his name. More specifically, he grew up in Kempton Park on the East Rand. If you don’t know Kempton… it’s the kind of place you thank one day in your Oscar speech for giving you your “humble beginnings”.
Growing up in Kempton Park, the traditional Afrikaans way of life was a good one. You rode your bicycle to school, and English was mostly reserved for self-defence. Schalk finished school with distinctions in every subject. This has absolutely nothing to do with his comedic abilities — he just wanted you to know.
His family and friends watched as Schalk transformed from an Afrikaans conservative caterpillar into a beautifully dramatic butterfly, complete with a moustache and furry afro. It was clear to his parents that he was destined to study drama, and to help numb the pain, they sent him off to the University of Cape Town.
While studying in Cape Town, Schalk quickly became dissatisfied with watching Suits on repeat from his single bed (look where Meghan is now, hey?!). His drama degree was still four years away, but he needed a creative outlet immediately. So, in April 2011, he started doing stand-up comedy.
On stage, Schalk is energetic, playful and effortlessly relatable, appealing to audiences from all walks of life.
He has come a long way since his first paid gig at a strip club in Kempton Park — true story. Since then, he’s had the privilege of performing around the world at some incredible venues, sharing stages with even more incredible comedians.
Whether at home or abroad, Schalk brings the same fun, high-energy style to the stage, connecting with people of all kinds, backgrounds and colours.
