John Howard van de Ruit (born 20 April 1975) is a South African novelist, actor, playwright and producer.

He was born in Durban and educated at Michaelhouse, where he stayed in Founders House and from where he matriculated in 1993.

He then went on to complete a master's degree in Drama and Performance at the then University of Natal.

He is best known for his collaboration with Ben Voss on the satirical sketch show Green Mamba which has toured extensively throughout Southern Africa since 2002.

Van der Ruit portrays the teacher, Mr Lennox, in a cameo role.