Schalk Bezuidenhout

COMEDIAN / ACTOR / LEKKER PERSON

Schalk Bezuidenhout is a comedian from South Africa who is a household name in all households that know his name. More specifically, he grew up in Kempton Park in the East Rand. If you don’t know Kempton… it’s the type of place you thank one day in your Oscar speech as your “humble beginnings”.

In Kempton Park the traditional Afrikaans way of living was a good life. You would ride your bicycle to school and English was only used in self defence. Schalk finished school with a distinction for every subject. That has nothing to do with his comedic abilities, he just wanted you to know that.

Schalk’s family and friends stood back as they watched Schalk evolve from an Afrikaans conservative caterpillar into a beautifully dramatic butterfly, complete with a moustache and furry afro. It was obvious to Schalk’s parents that he would study drama, and to help numb the pain they sent him away to study at the University of Cape Town.

While studying in Cape Town Schalk quickly grew dissatisfied with watching Suits on repeat in his single bed (look where Meghan is now, hey?!) His drama degree was still 4 years away, but he needed a creative outlet NOW! So he started doing stand-up comedy in April 2011.

On stage Schalk is fun and energetic and appeals to all.

Schalk has come a far way since his first paid gig in a strip club in Kempton Park (true story). He has had the privilege to perform all over the world in some great venues, alongside some even greater comedians.

“Bezuidenhout is known for his quirky dress sense and the way he lets the audience in on what it’s like to be an Afrikaans-speaking young person… His unique material and delivery allow him to stand out in a sea of stand-up comedians” – Helen Herimbi

Performance highlights:
Headliner at comedy venues all around SA and the world.
Performed at comedy festivals worldwide.
Various corporate and charity events.
Successful runs of international one man shows in the UK, Dubai, Australia, Netherlands, Edinburgh, 2017 – present.
Only Jokes Allowed on Netflix.
Various awards that you won’t remember or care about, but here are some anyway 😉
Nominee and winner of the Savanna Newcomer Award at the Comics Choice Awards 2013.
Nominee of Breakthrough Act at the Comics Choice Awards 2014.
Trevor Noah’s opening act at various times since 2015.
Nominee and winner of the Intermediate Award at the Comics Choice Awards 2015.
Kanna Award for Best Up and Coming Artist 2015.
Recorded his own Comedy Central special in June 2015.
Nominee of 2016 Fleur du Cap for Most Promising Student.
Nominee of Comic of the Year at the Comics Choice Awards 2023.

Film and Television:
Host of Die Kliek – VIA (2016 -)
Played the role of Danny in Hotel – KykNET (2017 – 2022)
Host of Die Ware Naarheid on KykNET (2018 – 2021)
Leading role in KANARIE (2018)
Support role in Kaalgat Karel (2021)
Support role in New Material (2021)
Host of Op My Eish (2022)
Played the role of Attie in Taktiek (2023)