Comedian and actor Soli Philander has died at the age of 65.

Comedian and actor Soli Philander has died at the age of 65.

In a statement, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed that Philander had died on Wednesday.

“For decades, Soli Philander brought laughter, insight, and warmth to audiences everywhere in our country. Whether performing on stage, presenting on television, or sharing his always-ready humour through radio and public speaking, he possessed the rare gift of making people laugh by reminding us of who we are,” McKenzie said.

Philander was known for his work on TV programmes such as the South African edition of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and Liriekeraai. Over the years, he appeared in several films and television productions, including Arendsvlei, Dias Santana, Hooten & the Lady, Devil’s Peak, and The Umbrella Men: Escape from Robben Island.

“His work as a comedian and storyteller drew deeply from the communities of the Cape Flats, giving voice to everyday experiences with wit, honesty, and compassion,” McKenzie added.

“What made Soli Philander special was not just that he had obvious talent, but that he used it in such a unique way. His humour carried the rhythms, languages, and spirit of the Western Cape, and through it, he helped bring the stories of ordinary South Africans into the national conversation.”