`Schalk Bezuidenhout’s Romantic Comedy Debut`

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Stand-up comic Schalk Bezuidenhout steps into his debut as a leading man in the romantic comedy “Soos Pynappel op Pizza“, scheduled for release on Valentine’s Day.

Schalk Bezuidenhout, who has twice been honored at the Comics Choice Awards, is an accomplished actor with a diverse portfolio. Apart from his successful stand-up comedy career, he gained recognition for his role in the critically acclaimed film “Kanarie.” He also won a SAFTA (South African Film and Television Award) for his performance as Danny in the sitcom “Hotel,” and received a nomination for his humorous portrayal of Attie in the sitcom “Taktiek.

In the heartwarming romantic comedy “Soos Pynappel op Pizza“, Schalk shares the screen with Kate Pinchuck, a comedic talent familiar to audiences from her award-nominated role as Taryn in “Tali’s Baby Diary“.

Bezuidenhout portrays Waldo, a middle-aged man dealing with heartbreak and failure to launch, who resides with his parents. As a trained chef, he trades room and board for three restaurant-quality meals daily. Schalk characterizes Waldo as “quite stubborn” and places him in a singles retreat where he encounters popular Instagram chef, Becca. Initially, they seem quite different, but they find some similarities beyond their cooking skills.

Experienced actor Schalk Bezuidenhout steps onto the set of his second romantic comedy following “Kaalgat Karel,” where he took on a supporting role. Reflecting on the character’s relatability, Bezuidenhout shares, “I found it quite easy to connect with the feeling of being in a rut after a broken heart and finding it difficult to climb out.” In terms of romance, Schalk prefers straightforwardness over gamesmanship, given his intense dedication to his stand-up career, making him direct when dealing with matters of the heart.

In the starring role of Waldo, Bezuidenhout shares the screen with his longtime companion Kate Pinchuck. Given their past, they gelled effortlessly and moved about with a sense of ease. Schalk remarks, “I’m not sure if the director or producers realized we were so alike to our characters in some aspects, but it seems that fate had other plans.” Interestingly, both Schalk and Kate are often cast as supporting characters; however, they make an unusual yet invigorating shift by portraying the quirky and feisty best friend characters in the production titled Soos Pynappel op Pizza.

Morne Strydom granted his comedic performers the liberty to adlib, encouraging them to experiment with improvisation. Previously collaborating with Zandré Coetzer, producer of Soos Pynappel op Pizza, Bezuidenhout was fortunate enough to bypass the audition stage.

In a somewhat unconventional approach compared to typical South African romantic comedies, the film “Soos Pynappel op Pizza” ventures into racy territory with its portrayal of a singles retreat that visits exotic locations. Creator Bezuidenhout asserts it’s tasteful enough for grandmas to say, “This is quite naughty!”, but it stops short of being explicit.

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2025-02-13 19:44