Alfred Ntombela Calls Leon Schuster “The Father I Never Had” in Emotional Tribute

• Alfred Ntombela shared a deeply personal tribute to Leon Schuster during a recent interview, describing the veteran comedian's role in his life
• The 54-year-old film star, known as Shorty, opened up about Schuster's health struggles following four failed back surgeries
• His message was met with a wave of support from fans, who reminisced on Ntombela and Schuster's legacies and work in the film industry

Alfred Ntombela has opened up about the bond he shares with longtime collaborator Leon Schuster, calling him the father figure he never had growing up. In a video posted to his Instagram page on 1 September 2026, the 54-year-old actor got candid about just how much Schuster means to him on a personal level.

"I love this guy. I never had a father my entire life. The father that I have, a real father, is this one."

Ntombela, who earned his beloved nickname Shorty through his film work alongside Schuster, traced their relationship all the way back to 1990, when he was just 18 years old. He noted that Schuster took him under his wing after he had been working with the legendary Ken Gampu, helping shape his early career. The two were recently honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the National Arts and Culture Awards, where Ntombela again credited his mentor for the direction his life took.

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Beyond the personal tribute, Ntombela also expressed genuine concern for Schuster's wellbeing. The veteran comedian has been battling serious health difficulties stemming from four unsuccessful back surgeries, the result of an injury he sustained while filming Mr Bones 3, when he fell off a van on set.

"I just wish for God to make you strong; stop telling yourself that you're getting old," Ntombela said, urging Schuster to hold on to his spirit and fight for his recovery.

In a lighter moment, both men addressed the recurring false reports about their deaths, joking that people seemingly "want them to die." Ntombela himself was the subject of viral but entirely fabricated claims in 2017 that he had been killed in a car accident. Schuster faced a similar situation in 2024 and publicly stated he was "sick and tired" of the ongoing false reports circulating about his life.

Watch Alfred Ntombela and Leon Schuster's video below.

Mzansi shows love to Schuks and Shorty

Fans flooded the comment section with warm support for the pair.

mbutyuvuyo1 said:

"These guys made our childhood; we love them."

jxc_arendse wrote:

"Real kings of comedy."

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rayman2606 praised both men:

"You both are legends."

hikila_johanne_na sent love their way:

"Indeed, you must stop driving. Above all, we really appreciate you, and I pray for strength and good health to you both."

Danny K pays tribute to late wife

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Danny K's heartbreaking tribute to his late wife, Lisa Koppel.

Days after losing her, the singer posted emotional tributes on social media, leaving fans and industry peers heartbroken.

Source: Briefly News