Dieudonné Kabongo
Congolese-Belgian comedian, humorist, musician and actor
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Dieudonné Kabongo (1950 – 11 October 2011) was a Congolese-born Belgian comedian, humorist, musician, and actor. Kabongo co-starred in the 2000 film, Lumumba, portraying Godefroid Munongo.[1] He was the first comedian of African descent to achieve widespread popularity in Belgium.[2][3]
Dieudonné Kabongo | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1950 Katanga, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
| Died | 11 October 2011 (aged 60–61) |
| Occupations | Comedian, humorist, musician, actor |
| Known for | First widely known Belgian comedian of African descent; role in Lumumba |
| Awards | First Prize, Festival International du Rire de Rochefort (1984); Lifetime Achievement Award, Africa Filmfestival (2010); Magritte Award nomination |
Biography
Kabongo was born in 1950 in Katanga, Belgian Congo, which is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.[1] He immigrated to Belgium in 1970.[2] He originally studied electromechanical engineering in Virton, Belgium, before embarking on a self-apprenticeship in theater and writing.[3]
In 1984, Kabongo and fellow actor Mirko Popovitch jointly won the First Prize at the Festival International du Rire de Rochefort.[1][2] His film credits included Identity Pieces in 1998, the 2000 film Lumumba, directed by Raoul Peck, and the 2005 film, Le Couperet, directed by Costa-Gavras.[1][2] He was awarded the lifetime achievement award by the Africa Filmfestival in 2010.[2] For his role in The Invader, he received a Magritte Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Kabongo collapsed and died during a performance on stage at a cultural center in Jette, a district of Brussels, on 11 October 2011, at the age of 61.[1]