Leon Schuster has opened up about his devastating depression and loneliness in a new TV feature on KykNET documentary.
The South African comedian is known for his hilarious pranks in movies spanning almost four decades.
In recent years, the 74-year-old has suffered several health setbacks, including chronic back pain and bouts of immobility.
LEON SCHUSTER TALKS LONELINESS, DEPRESSION
Over the past few weeks, South Africans have gained insight into Leon Schuster’s life outside the spotlight through KykNET’s documentary titled Schuster.
The veteran TV star is known for his pranks and comedic films, such as You Must Be Joking, Oh Schucks, I’m Gatvol, and Mr. Bones, among many others.
In a snippet, the funnyman revealed that he suffers from chronic depression.
He said: “On Sunday evenings when the sun goes down, I get depressed. This is why I try as much as possible to have my kids visit me on a Sunday, having a braai that continues until I go to bed.
“You look for company, you don’t want to be alone. If no one visits me, I sit on my stoep and think about life, which is not a good thing. One should be busy.”
Schuster also touched on experiencing loneliness as he navigates life without a partner.
“To grow old alone is my biggest fear”, he added.
EX-WIFE, GIRLFRIENDS
While Leon Schuster reveals he is lonely as a single man, he was once happily married to his wife, Lalie. The couple bore four children and were together until their divorce in 1999.
The comedian has three daughters and a son: Leande, Ernest, Lelani, and Rachelle.
He also has a growing brood of grandchildren, having recently welcomed his sixth one.
Image via Instagram: @official_leon_schuster
Over the past decade, the Mr Bones actor was linked to a significantly younger woman named Leané du Plessis.
In 2014, he began dating real estate agent Amanda Coetzee, who was 40 years his junior. The couple split in 2021.
