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News24 | Black-ish actor Deon Cole on 'road to recovery' after medical emergency in South Africa

Deon Cole attends the 56th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on 22 February 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

American actor, comedian, and screenwriter Deon Cole is currently on the "road to recovery" after experiencing a medical emergency during his time in South Africa.

Cole, best known for his role in the sitcom Black-ish, was set to headline the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival in Sandton this weekend.

On Wednesday, the organisers announced that the 53-year-old withdrew from the festival due to an unforeseen medical emergency and would be replaced by comedian and actor Faizon Love.

On Thursday, Cole shared an update on his health but did not disclose specifics of the medical emergency.

He posted photos on Instagram from the hospital, showing medical equipment on his chest and a drainage tube.

Cole captioned the post: "Finally, I'm on the road to recovery. God is a great God. I praise and thank him for his love, grace, and mercy. I want to thank all the doctors, nurses (sisters), and staff here in South Africa at Christiaan Barnard Hospital and my doctor in the States. Thank you!"

He added, "I also want to thank my network BET, cast, and crew on Average Joe for delaying production and patiently waiting and supporting me. [It] means the world to me. Sorry to the African Laugh Festival I was scheduled to headline; thanks for your understanding and support (I’ll make it next year).

"Actually, I appreciate everyone's patience with me. If I cannot respond to messages right now, I just want to rest and get better to finish up the show, but thank you tremendously," he ended the post.