South African impressionist and black comic Billy Prince has died after being injured in a car accident in November last year, Parker Leisure Management announced on Tuesday.
Owner Joe Parker said Prince (42), who died on Monday, was the first black comedian to appear on a white comedy programme in South Africa.
He delivered ”stunning” impressions of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Prince later developed the ability to mimic such diverse characters as Margaret Thatcher, FW de Klerk, Eugene Terreblanche, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and Tolla van der Merwe.
”He had a fine singing voice as well, taking off singers like Louis Armstrong and Bob Marley,” Parker said in a statement.
Parker said Prince was the only South African comedian who consistently received standing ovations from audiences across the cultural spectrum.
Billy was involved in car accident after a show in Johannesburg in November last year.
His vehicle hit a patch of water outside Potchefstroom and the car aquaplaned and hit a light standard. Prince sustained internal injuries.
Prince performed in front of leading African National Congress politicians and corporate high-flyers, and was the ”absolute darling” of the comedy club circuit in this country.
The comedian’s passing left a massive hole in the industry.
”The fact that he received a standing ovation at practically every performance bears testimony to his huge talent. He will be sorely missed by his peers and the public and our sincerest condolences go out to his family,” Parker said.
Prince died in the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital, Soweto. — Sapa