South African comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout is well-known in every home where his name is spoken. To be more precise, he was raised in the East Rand’s Kempton Park. If you’re unfamiliar with Kempton, think of it as the kind of location you would one day thank for your “humble beginnings” in your Oscar speech.
The traditional Afrikaans way of life was a happy one at Kempton Park. To get to school, you would ride your bicycle, and you would only speak English for self-defense. Schalk received honours in every subject upon graduation. He wants you to know that it has nothing to do with his comic skills.
Family and acquaintances of Schalk observed from a distance as he transformed from an Afrikaans conservative caterpillar into a strikingly spectacular butterfly, replete with a shaggy afro and moustache. Schalk’s parents sent him to the University of Cape Town to study drama because they could see he would major in it and it would help them feel better.
Studying in Cape Town, Schalk soon became bored of lying in his single bed and watching Suits over and over again (see where Meghan is now, hey?!) Though he had four years to complete his acting degree, he desperately wanted a creative outlet! So in April 2011, he began performing stand-up comedy.Stage presence: Schalk is gregarious, upbeat, and appealing to all.Since his first paid engagement at a Kempton Park strip club (true story), Schalk has gone a long way. He’s had the honour of sharing the stage with some of the best comedians in the world in some of the best venues in the world.Schalk is a lively and entertaining performer who engages audiences of all hues and backgrounds.
