Leon Schuster’s Life Story Told in Brand-New kykNET Documentary Series

Jokester. Prankster. Filmmaker. Storyteller. Mention the name Leon Schuster and South Africans instantly know who you’re talking about.

Now, for the very first time, his remarkable life story will be revealed in a five-part documentary series, Schuster, premiering on Wednesday, 1 October at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

Produced by Rian van Heerden’s company Provoco, the series dives deep into the legacy of one of South Africa’s most iconic entertainers.

“Leon Schuster is a national treasure and probably, after Madiba, the most well-known South African across generations,” says Van Heerden. “It always struck me as strange that his story had never been told in depth before. I wanted to help immortalise his legacy.”

Just last week, Leon was honoured at the Silwerskerm Awards for his lifetime contribution to local entertainment – and this series adds yet another milestone to his storied career.

A Journey Through Schuster’s Life

Across five episodes, viewers are taken back to Leon’s childhood in Bloemfontein, his days as a radio presenter, and his meteoric rise to superstardom with films like You Must Be Joking and Mama Jack.

“There are many highlights in my career, but my very first candid movies really stand out,” Schuster recalls. “Oh Shucks… It’s Schuster put me on the map, and I’ll always be grateful that audiences loved it so much. Mama Jack was the biggest learning curve – not everyone loved it, but my heart was in that role, and I learned so much.”

The Leon Truth – Raw and Unfiltered

Far from being just a celebration of pranks and slapstick, Schuster promises honesty and vulnerability. “I hope viewers get the truth. The raw truth. Not the Schucks truth, not Mr Bones or Mama Jack – the Leon truth,” he says.

“Comedians are usually associated with clowns and jokers, but inherently, they are deep people. I think some of that depth shines through here.”

Producer Rian van Heerden’s sharp interviewing style pushed Leon into uncharted territory: “Rian asks you the question you least expect. You have to think on your feet, otherwise you’ll sink. It was more difficult than Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

Voices from the Past – and the Pranks

The documentary features interviews with friends, collaborators, and even some prank victims, including Eddie Eksteen, Carike Keuzenkamp, Jack Parow, Helen Zille, Alfred Ntombela (aka Shorty), Rob van Vuuren, and Desmond Dube. Together, they reflect on the humour, the mischief, and the man behind South Africa’s best-loved comedies.

But the laughter is tempered by candid revelations of Schuster’s recent struggles – particularly his ongoing health battles, including severe back pain – as well as reflections on past mistakes.

Legacy of Laughter

When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Leon is clear:
“As someone who brought joy to South Africans – someone who brought people together. There’s nothing better than making someone laugh.”

Schuster premieres Wednesday, 1 October at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144), with episodes also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.