Leon Schuster has no regrets over controversial comedy - IOL

Leon Schuster has defended the movies and pranks that made him a household name, insisting his comedy was always about bringing South Africans together, even when his portrayal of different races sparked controversy.

The 75-year-old entertainer, whose films faced criticism over blackface and racial stereotypes, says he as no regrets about his comedy and hopes his contribution to bringing people together will be remembered long after he stops making movies.

In an exclusive interview with SABC presenter Leanne Manas, Schuster opened up about the controversy surrounding his work, his love for South Africans and his determination to continue making movies.

OPENED UP: Leon Schuster recently opened up about his career, controversies, and plans in an exclusive interview with SABC.

His Cape Town film Mama Jack attracted particular criticism, with some accusing him of cultural appropriation for portraying a black woman.

Schuster said the character was inspired by his observations of domestic workers and their lived experiences in South Africa.

“Incidentally, the role that I love most out of all my movies was playing Mama Jack. She was an endearing black woman. I was merely portraying the reality of South Africa. That movie was actually a bit of a reality show for South Africa,” he wysed.

Schuster said he spent hours observing his domestic worker, Sarah, and learning about her culture and daily routines before portraying the character.

He also recalled dressing as Mama Jack and walking through the streets of Cape Town to see how people would react.

“The coloured okes in the streets loved her, and I knew I had conquered this part. Because they identified with this woman,” he said.

CRITIQUE: Schuster previously received backlash for his portrayal of Mama Jack, with critics accusing him of cultural appropriation.

Asked whether he had anything to apologise for, Schuster defended his approach to comedy, saying he had always been fascinated by people's behaviour and mannerisms.

“I am a prankster, and I will die a prankster. I will never stop. South Africans like humour. They prefer to make an arse out of another person. That is a fact,” he said.

Schuster said he believed it was important to understand one's audience and described himself as a people pleaser who tried to give audiences what they wanted.

His films were temporarily removed from Showmax and DStv in 2020 amid concerns about racial insensitivity, but were restored in 2025.

Despite the criticism, Schuster said he was determined to continue working and prove that age should not be a barrier.

He is currently working on a new movie with Netflix.

“I want to prove to people and criticise the idea that I am an old man now and that I should leave this space,” he said.

He revealed that his health would require him to use a wheelchair for certain scenes in his upcoming film.

Asked how he would like to be remembered, Schuster said he hoped to be seen as a humble guy from the Free State who helped unite South Africans.

“I would just like to be remembered as a jovial guy who loved his work and who had an influence in bringing our various demographics together.”