Al Debbo
Al (Alec) Debbo (22 June 1924 – 13 July 2011) was a South African comedian, singer and actor. As one of the most famous artists of his generation he made an enormous contribution to Afrikaner music and culture. Early life Alec Debbo, the son of Lebanese parents, was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. As a child he had to help out in his parents’ general merchandise store. His parents taught him Lebanese Arabic and English but he learned Afrikaans at an early age, because Afrikaans was the dominant language in Bloemfontein. In school concerts he displayed a knack for making people laugh but he did not see comedy as a viable career, so after he matriculated he qualified as a plumber. Singing and comedy remained his hobbies and he performed at functions and weddings. In 1947 everything changed after his friends dared him to participate in a countrywide talent competition, associated with the South African Industries Fair, which he won. As a result, he landed his first film role in Die Kaskenades van Dokter Kwak. It lasted only three minutes but it was enough to generate national recognition. Career Film Debbo made his film debut in Die Kaskenades van Dokter