Al Debbo

(1924-2011) Comedian, singer and film actor. Born in Bloemfontein, of Lebanese extraction. His parents owned a grocery store and he originally trained as a plumber. However, he early on showed a talent for mimicry and comedy, and during WWII he became an entertainer, doing a magician and ventriloquist act, then moved on to become a singer-entertainer.

He became nationally known for his film roles, beginning with Dr Kwak (Pierre de Wet, 1946). He was now joined by actor-comedian Frederick Burgers, and the two of them made more than 20 films together, and did numerous stage shows.