Riaad Moosa Biography: Wife, Age, Movies, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Shows & TV Shows, Career

Riaad Moosa, dubbed the “Comedy Doctor,” is a South African comedian, actor, and qualified medical doctor whose sharp wit and relatable humor have made him a beloved figure in entertainment.

Known for tackling racism, Islamic stereotypes, and everyday life through observational comedy, he’s starred in films like Material and created sold-out shows like Strictly Halaal.

His unique blend of medical expertise and comedic flair inspires laughter and healing across South Africa and beyond.

Profile

• Full Name: Riaad Moosa
• Stage Name: Riaad Moosa
• Born: June 18, 1977
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Comedian, Actor, Medical Doctor, Writer, and Presenter
• Height: 5’7
• Parents: Indian-born father (orthopedic surgeon), Cape Town-born Malay mother (general practitioner)
• Siblings: Three siblings, including a sister (doctor)
• Spouse: Farzanah Bemat (married January 12, 2003–present)
• Children: Zameer Moosa (born 2007), Hanaa Moosa (born 2009), Eesa Moosa (born circa 2012–2013)
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5–$17 million

Early Life and Education

Riaad Moosa was born on June 18, 1977, in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, to an Indian-born father, an orthopedic surgeon, and a Cape Town-born Malay mother, a general practitioner. Growing up in Grassy Park, Cape Town, with three siblings, including a sister who became a doctor, Riaad was immersed in a family of medical professionals.

From childhood, he aspired to follow in their footsteps, driven by a desire to help others. His Indian-Malay heritage and Muslim faith shaped his worldview, later informing his comedy’s focus on cultural identity and social issues.

Riaad attended South Peninsula High School until 1994, excelling academically. A creative spark emerged early, as he spent three years training in magic, becoming a silver medallion graduate of the College of Magic in Cape Town.

His magic career ended abruptly when flash photography exposed a wire during a performance, but this pivot led to comedy. He pursued medicine at the University of Cape Town Medical School, graduating in 2001 after six years of training. His internships at hospitals near Thokoza in Gauteng, and Groote Schuur and Khayelitsha in Cape Town, solidified his medical expertise before he embraced entertainment full-time.

Career

Riaad Moosa’s entertainment career began as a comedy magician during his fourth year at university, earning the Comedy Magic Award from Cape Town’s Center for the Magical Arts. His stand-up debut came in 1998, performing on campus, and by 2001, he supported Marc Curry at the Durban Playhouse.

His early shows, like The Rainbow Nation Tour (1998), tackled post-apartheid South Africa, blending satire and impressions. In 2002, he opened for Russell Peters in Made in India at the Luxurama Theatre and joined Laugh Out Loud, raising funds for the Reach for a Dream Foundation.

Moosa’s one-man shows, Strictly Halaal and Riaad Moosa for the Baracka (2006–2007), sold out across Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, extending runs until May 2007 and releasing on DVD. He headlined the Heavyweight Comedy Jam in London (2006) and toured with the American Muslim comedy troupe Allah Made Me Funny in 2007.

His comedy brand Blacks Only featured stars like David Kau, and he joined Marc Lottering and Nik Rabinowitz in 3 Wise Men (2008), directed by David Kramer.

In film, Moosa played Cassim Kaif in Material (2012), a critically acclaimed role set in Johannesburg’s Muslim Indian enclave, and Ahmed Kathrada in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). Other films include Crazy Monkey Straight Outta Benoni (2005), Footskating 101 (2007), Outrageous (2009), and New Material (2020, delayed by COVID-19).

On television, he wrote and performed for SABC 1’s Pure Monate Show (2004), hosted Comedy Central Presents Riaad Moosa Live at Parker’s (2013), and replaced Michael Mol on SABC 3’s Doctor’s Orders (2013). His segment The Second Opinion on E! News’ Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola became a fan favorite.

His Netflix specials, Why Do You Talk the Way You Do? (2019) and Life Begins (2020), reached global audiences. As a social entrepreneur, Moosa launched The Best Medicine Virtual Comedy Club during COVID-19, promoting healing through humor. His comedy addresses racism, Islamic stereotypes, and daily life, resonating with diverse audiences.

Awards and Nominations

• 2011: Comics Choice Award, 1st Annual South African Comics Choice Awards (Won)
• 2012: Comics Choice Awards (Nominated)
• 2013: South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA), Best Actor in a Feature Film – Material (Won)
• 2013: SAFTA, Best Film – Material (Won, as actor)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @riaadmoosa
• Facebook Handle: Riaad Moosa Official
• Twitter Handle: @riaadmoosa

Personal Life

Riaad Moosa lives in Johannesburg, Gauteng, with his wife, Farzanah Bemat, an entrepreneur whom he married on January 12, 2003. They have three children: Zameer (born 2007), Hanaa (born 2009), and Eesa (born circa 2012–2013, inferred from Moosa’s 2017 interview mentioning a fourth child on the way).

His family inspires much of his comedy, with his children teaching him to embrace the present, as shared in a 2017 Independent on Saturday interview. Moosa describes fatherhood as a “shortcut to finding meaning in life,” balancing his career with family priorities.

A Muslim of Indian-Malay descent, Moosa’s conservative upbringing informs his humor, which he uses to reduce stress and foster unity. His hobbies include performing, writing, and engaging fans online, where his philosophical yet humorous posts reflect his outlook.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched The Best Medicine initiative to promote laughter as therapy. Moosa remains grounded, crediting his medical background for keeping his ego in check, and looks forward to extracting more from life as he navigates his 40s.

Filmography

• Crazy Monkey Straight Outta Benoni (2005) – Supporting Role
• Footskating 101 (2007) – Supporting Role
• Outrageous (2009) – Ensemble Role
• Material (2012) – Cassim Kaif
• Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) – Ahmed Kathrada
• New Material (2020) – Lead Role

Television:

• Laugh Out Loud (2002) – Performer
• Pure Monate Show (2004) – Writer, Performer
• Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola (2010–present) – The Second Opinion Segment Presenter
• Comedy Central Presents Riaad Moosa Live at Parker’s (2013) – Host
• Doctor’s Orders (2013) – Host
• 3rd Channel O Music Video Awards (2006) – Host
• Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Concert (2007) – Co-Presenter

Net Worth

Riaad Moosa’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $17 million. possibly inflating figures with unverified data. His income derives from comedy tours, film and TV roles, hosting, writing, and social media endorsements.