John Vlismas Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Awards, Girlfriend, Movies

John Vlismas is a South African stand-up comedian who gained recognition for his sharp and outspoken stage presence.

After winning the 2007 South African Comedy Award for Best Stand‑up Comedian, he earned an international spotlight with a finalist position in the 2008 Yuk Yuk’s Great Canadian Laugh Off.

Beyond stand‑up, he appeared in the 2010 comedy film Outrageous alongside fellow South African comedians.

In recent years, Vlismas has extended his influence into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy, earning an MBA and founding OGO Creative, where he blends comedy, leadership training, and academic insight.

Profile

• Full name: John Vlismas
• Nickname: Fortyshort
• Date of birth: 3 May 1973
• Age: 52 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Marondera, Zimbabwe
• Nationality: South African
• Profession: Stand-up comedian, DEI strategist, academic, film actor, keynote speaker
• Height: N/A
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: He has previously been in a long-term relationship with Taffia Keight
• Religion: Atheist
• Ethnicity: N/A
• Net worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

John Vlismas is now 52 years old. He was born on 3 May 1973 in Marondera, Zimbabwe. Around the age of eight, his family relocated to Durban, South Africa. Details about his parents are limited, and information about his siblings is not publicly available.

For his formal training, he earned a National Diploma in Drama from the Durban University of Technology in 1993. He later pursued and was awarded an MBA from Henley Business School Africa, completing it around 2022.

Personal Life

John Vlismas has not disclosed public information regarding marital status or a formal marriage. He was in a significant relationship with Taffia Keight for over a year before entering rehabilitation for his addictions. He is a father, though he keeps details about his children private.

Career

Vlismas has enjoyed a multi-faceted career spanning stand-up, film, and business. He began performing comedy around the late 1990s or early 2000s. After winning the 2007 South African Comedy Award, he was a finalist in the 2008 Yuk Yuk’s Great Canadian Laugh Off.

He co-starred in the 2010 film Outrageous and appeared in several other comedy films like Footskating 101 (2007), Slam-Bang (2009), and Wonder Boy for President (2016). His television work includes performing in Comedy Central Africa roasts.

After earning his MBA around 2022, Vlismas founded OGO Creative (also called Whacked or OGO Productions), focusing on DEI consulting, leadership facilitation, and creative event management. He also serves as associate faculty at Henley Business School Africa, co-designing and leading courses.

Awards

• Awarded 2007 South African Comedy Award Best Stand-up Comedian
• Finalist 2008 Yuk Yuk’s Great Canadian Laugh Off nomination

Net worth

John Vlismas’s current net worth is estimated at approximately $1.5 million, based on his income from comedy tours, film appearances, DEI consulting through OGO Creative, keynote speaking, and academic engagement.

Social Media

• Instagram: @fortyshort
• Twitter (X): @fortyshort

Filmography

• Footskating 101 (2007)
• Slam-Bang (2009)
• Outrageous (2010)
• Wonder Boy for President (2016)
• Crazy Monkey Presents – Straight Outta Benoni
• Laugh Out Loud (TV special)