Before becoming famous on the airwaves, Mark Pilgrim was a consumer researcher  for 10 years and became the Johannesburg Chairman of the SA Marketing Research Association

Determined to make it onto radio, his dream from the age of 12, Mark never gave up through eight  years of auditioning. He got his first big break on 5FM Music radio. Years later he joined the Primedia family and has become a household name, heard daily on  94.7 Highveld Stereo in Johannesburg and 94.5 Kfm in Cape Town.

After becoming a contestant on a television dating show called Kupid back in 1990, Mark realized that he also wanted to be a TV presenter! After years of auditioning he would go on to host a string of television shows, earning the nickname “Baldy” with South African viewers. To date, Mark has hosted  9 television shows and counting!

A winner in more ways than one, Mark is a cancer survivor. At the age of 18 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which spread to his lungs and kidneys. He attributes his positive attitude towards life as being responsible for him still being alive over 20 years later! He often shares his experiences with others so that they can be more aware of what cancer is about, as well as the signs to look out for.

He is a friend of The Reach for a Dream Foundation and a patron of CANSA. Mark is well known as the bald head that leads the annual CANSA Shavathons in South Africa, helping to raise millions of rands for the organisation. He has also appeared on numerous TV shows over the years with other cancer survivors recounting his experiences.

“Seriously the best MC in the country!” - Belinda Chapman. The Production Hub. Netcare Awards 2008