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.

Singer and entertainer

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 a household name with comic songs such as Sonbrilletjies, Hasie, Tantes van Nantes, Brakke van Turffontein and Bolandse nooientjie.

Film comedian

His film career began with Die kaskenades van dokter Kwak ( Pierre de Wet, 1948). In later films (between 1947 and 1959) he was often partnered with actor-comedian Frederick Burgers, with whom he also did numerous stage shows. He eventually appeared in 20 films, among which: 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")

Die kaskenades van Dr. Kwak (1948) Kom Saam, Vanaand (1949) Hier’s ons weer (1950) Alles sal regkom (1951) Altyd in My Drome (1952) Die avonture van Kammie Kamfer (1954) Dis Lekker om te Lewe (1957) Donker Afrika (1957) Fratse in die vloot (1958) Hou die Blink Kant Bo (1960) Boerboel de Wet (1960) Gevaarlike Spel (1962) Tom, Dirk en Herrie (1962) Die geheim van Onderplaas (1962) Die wonderwêreld van Kammie Kamfer (1964) Stadig oor die Klippe (1969) Pens en Pootjies (1974) Kniediep (1975) Haak Vrystaat (1976) Oh Shucks I’m Gatvol (2004)