Al Debbo

(1924-2011) Afrikaans 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 then joined by actor-comedian Frederick Burgers, and the two of them made more than 20 films together between 1947 and 1959, and did numerous stage shows.

Among their best known films were:

Kom saam vanaand ("Come along tonight")

Hier's ons weer ("Here we are again")

Alles sal regkom ("Everthing will turn out right")

Fratse in die vloot ("Pranks in the navy")