Overview
- His son John announced Eckstein’s death and described the loss as devastating while asking the public for privacy as the family grieves.
- Eckstein built a six‑decade career across popular music, television and theatre that made him a familiar figure to multiple generations of South Africans.
- He was a founding member of pop group The Bats, which formed in 1964 and won international attention when it reached the finals of the 1972 Tokyo Song Festival.
- On television Eckstein appeared in shows such as Biltong and Potroast, played Mannie Bloom in the sitcom Oh George, and hosted the SABC’s Telly Fun Quiz in the 1990s.
- His stage work included long‑running productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Pyjama Tops, Not Now Darling and What About Luv?, and further public tributes are expected in coming days.