I never know when I am being funny, and the other way too. I don’t think you can think about that. I don’t think you can try to be funny. Some people are just funny • Christopher Walken
Meet Schalk Bezuidenhout.
Razor sharp, exceptionally sassy and smart as a whip. The brilliant funnyman brought the house down at his stand-up show SNORSEUN at the Vrystaat Kunstefees this year.
Known for his eclectic woolly style and Adidas kicks, Schalk rocks a moustache and furry ‘fro like no other Afrikaans boytjie we’ve ever seen. Make no mistake – the knits might be a bit kooky (which we love by the way) but the man wearing them is as intelligent as he is talented.
Hands down one of our FAVOURITE comedians.
Take a peek into the mischievous and marvelous mind that is Schalk Bezuidenhout. Comedy by design.
I used to think that everything was just being funny but now I don’t know. I mean, how can you tell? Andy Warhol
Name:
Schalk, but my actual names are Pieter Hendrik Schalk.
Surname:
Bezuidenhout
Age:
26
Profession/Life’s work:
Stand-up comedian and actor.
So, what’s your story?
Where were you born?
Polokwane.
Where did you go to school?
Laerskool Kruinsig and Hoërskool Jeugland in Kempton Park.
Where and what did you study?
Drama at UCT.
What was your childhood dream?
Springbok rugby player.
What was your first job?
Video shop assistant.
Advice that shaped you career?
Kyk, dink en druk ‘n drie.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My manager.
What motivates you?
Ticket sales.
How do you spend your down time?
Trying to get more ticket sales.
What does success look like to you?
A sold out venue.
What sets you apart as an influential comedian?
You tell me. 🙂
What are the valuable lessons you have learnt in your career?
Always keep it fresh and funny.
What makes a great comedian?
Be funny.
Give me 3 words that describes you best?
Funny, funny, funny.
What are your 3 biggest accomplishments in your career thus far?
- Opening for Trevor Noah
- My own Comedy Special and
- hopefully sold out Kovsiekerk at Vrystaat Kunstefees (which it was!)
I wish I could tell my 22-year-old self:
Buy less jerseys.
Your hidden talent:
Why would I have a talent and hide it?
What other comedians and performers do you look up to?
Robbie Collins – he is really tall.
What is one characteristic that you believe every great comedian should possess?
Be funny.
What advice would you give someone starting their career in comedy?
If you’re not funny – don’t do it.
Favourites:
- Colour: blue
- Food: yes
- Drink: all the time
- Comedian: not all the time
- Band: any coverband
- Actor/Actress: Hannes Brümmer
- Brand: Adidas for life!
- Happy place: The stage
- Car: Ubers
- If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? I’d like to meet every person who comments mean things about me on Facebook.
- Quote: Kyk, dink en druk ‘n drie
- Book or Magazine: Truitjie roer my nie
- Online inspiration: Instagram
Credits:
Styling:
- Schalk Bezuidenhout for Schalk Bezuidenhout
Photography:
- FJ Potgieter for Eye Poetry Photography
Location:
- Vrystaat Kunstefees, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein
