Local comedian Leon Schuster has found his way into many hearts. His brand of comedy has proven controversial at times, but he’s turned out box office hit after box office hit.
The 72-year-old Mr Bones star recently revealed his battle with lingering back pain, resulting in two surgeries and another on the way.
Speaking to Times Live last week about the experience, Leon said his doctors couldn’t operate due to weight issues. “I’m eating very little. I’m on these diet injections but I’m not feeling that I am losing weight,” he told the publication.
The filmmaker suffered a setback while filming Mr Bones 3 and sustained injuries, leading to his first surgery. According to ECR, Leon is waiting to undergo another spinal surgery to tighten a loose screw on his lower back.
During an interview with Huisgenoot, the funnyman admitted, “I’m a bit depressed. This thing has been going on too long – it’s almost 10 months since my first back surgery.”
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic and thanked fans for their support. Leon’s admission inspired many to take to social media and share fond memories of the entertainer and prankster.
X users (formerly Twitter) agreed to give the Mama Jack star his flowers while still alive.
Let’s give Leon Schuster (Mr Bones) his flowers while he is still alive ❤️? pic.twitter.com/UOeePdvAyV
— Nomy#14 (@Nomy26032001) May 13, 2024
“The Elites don’t like him, But we citizens of all Races love him, I’m sure every South African Will agree he brought our nation together through comedy,” commented an online user.
The Elites don’t like him, But we citizens of all Races love him, I’m sure every South African Will agree he brought our nation’s together through comedy
Leon Schuster ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/v4lt28BmNS
— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) May 13, 2024
Some even took a trip down memory lane. “Leon Schuster widely known as Mr Bones has entertained us with his craft, I cannot think of a boring movie of his. He always understood what entertainment means. No entertainer in South Africa has done the job better!” posted @uuniversalmusic.
Leon Schuster widely knows as Mr Bones has entertained us with his craft, I cannot think of a boring movie of his. He always understood what entertainment means. No entertainer in South Africa has done the job better!
If you do not know this Man your childhood was so mundane. pic.twitter.com/1fEql3MKKj
— UNRULY. (@uuniversalmusic) May 13, 2024
Leon grew up in Bloemfontein and was drawn to filmmaking at an early age. During a 2010 interview, he explained: “I remember running down the aisle of the Ritz Theatre, playing cowboys & crooks, which was all the rage at the time. I also remember loving Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin and the Three Stooges. I was always acting things out, and pulling pranks.”
Words: Fame Frenzy
