South African movie actors born in the year 1971
Here are 8 famous actors from South Africa were born in 1971:
Fana Mokoena
Fana Mokoena (May 13, 1971 Kroonstad-) is a South African actor.
He is best known for his roles in the movies Hotel Rwanda, World War Z, and Blood Diamond. Mokoena started his acting career in the early 1990s, appearing in local theater productions before moving on to television and film. In addition to acting, Mokoena has also worked as a radio and television presenter, and is known for his social and political activism. He has been involved in several organizations that promote social justice and human rights, and has spoken out on issues such as xenophobia and police brutality. Mokoena has won several awards for his acting, including the SAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film for his performance in Man on Ground.
Mokoena was born and raised in Kroonstad, Free State province, South Africa. He attended Vista University in Soweto, where he studied drama. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a radio host on a local station in Johannesburg called Kaya FM. He went on to host various radio shows before transitioning into television presenting.
In 1995, Mokoena made his acting debut in the South African soap opera, Generations. He then went on to star in several other popular TV shows, including Isidingo and the drama series, Jacob's Cross. Mokoena's first major film role came in the 2004 movie, Hotel Rwanda, where he portrayed Colonel Oliver. He gained international recognition for his role in the 2006 movie, Blood Diamond, where he played Commander Rambo opposite Leonardo DiCaprio.
Aside from his acting career, Mokoena is a prominent social and political activist in South Africa. He served on the board of directors of Amnesty International South Africa and has been a vocal advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants. He has also spoken out against police brutality and participated in several protests and demonstrations.
Mokoena has received critical acclaim for his performances in both film and television. In addition to the SAFTA Award, he has also won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Man on Ground. Mokoena continues to act in both South African and international productions and remains a prominent figure in South Africa's entertainment and political landscapes.
Chris Chameleon
Chris Chameleon (July 28, 1971 Johannesburg-) also known as Chameleon, Chris, Chris Cameleon or Chris Mulder is a South African actor and musician.
He is known for his unique vocal range and ability to blend various musical genres, including folk, jazz, rock and classical music. Chris began his music career as a member of the band Boo! before embarking on a successful solo career. He has released multiple albums and has won numerous awards in South Africa, including several SAMA awards. In addition to his music career, Chris has also appeared in a number of South African films and television series as an actor. He is also a visual artist and has exhibited his works in several galleries across South Africa. Chris is considered one of South Africa's most influential musical artists and his work has impacted generations of musicians in the country.
Chris Chameleon was born as Christiaan Naudé in Johannesburg and grew up in the city of Carletonville. He began his music career playing in various bands during his teenage years and later joined the group Boo! in the early 90s. The band achieved great success in the South African music scene and was known for their unique blend of rock and world music.
After the disbandment of Boo! in 2001, Chris Chameleon pursued a solo career and released his debut album, "Ek Herhaal Jou" in 2002. The album showcased his exceptional vocal range and established him as one of South Africa's most talented musicians. Chris has since released several successful albums, including "Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou" and "Made Available".
In addition to his music career, Chris Chameleon has also made a name for himself as an actor. He has appeared in a number of popular South African TV series such as "Egoli: Place of Gold" and "Isidingo". Chris has also appeared in films, including "The Story of an African Farm" and "The Wooden Camera".
Chris Chameleon is also a talented artist and has showcased his work in galleries across South Africa. He often incorporates his artwork into his music performances and has created several album covers for his own albums.
Throughout his career, Chris Chameleon has received numerous awards for his contributions to the South African music industry, including the prestigious South African Music Award (SAMA). He continues to be an important figure in the country's music scene and is highly respected for his unique style and creativity.
Morne Visser
Morne Visser (March 29, 1971 Cape Town-) also known as Morné Visser is a South African actor.
He completed his studies in dramatic arts at the University of Stellenbosch and later became a prominent figure in the South African theatre scene. Visser has performed in numerous stage productions including "The Tempest", "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Importance of Being Earnest". He has also acted in various films and television series, gaining recognition for his roles in "Binnelanders" and "Sara se Geheim". In addition to his acting career, Visser is also a skilled stage director, having directed productions such as "Die Seemeeu" and "Die Presiese Hoeveelheid Liefde". He is known for his dedication to the arts and his work in promoting theatre in South Africa.
Visser has received critical acclaim and recognition for his talent and contributions to the arts industry. He has been awarded several prestigious accolades, including the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2001, the Durban Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2004, and the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Director in 2017. Visser is also an esteemed educator, having served as a guest lecturer at various universities and theatre schools across South Africa. Additionally, he is a passionate advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, and has been involved in various initiatives and movements for equality and inclusivity.
Pierre Malherbe
Pierre Malherbe (March 10, 1971 South Africa-) is a South African actor.
He is best known for his work in the South African film industry, having appeared in numerous popular films and television series. Malherbe started his career in the 1990s with small roles in local TV series, but quickly made a name for himself with standout performances. He has won critical acclaim for his roles in films such as "Hansie" and "Invictus". In addition to his acting work, Malherbe is also a talented musician and composer, having released several albums of his own original music. He remains one of South Africa's most respected and beloved actors, known for his versatility, range, and dedication to his craft.
Malherbe was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and grew up in a family of musicians. He studied music and drama at the University of Cape Town before pursuing an acting career. In the early years of his career, he appeared in theater productions across South Africa and received critical acclaim for his performances in plays such as "Hamlet" and "Macbeth".
Despite his success on stage, Malherbe was eager to break into film and television. He landed his first major role in the television series "Egoli: Place of Gold" in 1992 and quickly became a familiar face on South African screens. Malherbe's breakthrough role came in the 2008 film "Hansie", in which he played the lead role of Hansie Cronje, a controversial South African cricket captain. His performance was praised by critics and earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the South African Film and Television Awards.
Malherbe's other notable film and television roles include appearances in "The Wild", "Isidingo", and "Snitch". He also composed the score for the 2004 film "Red Dust" and released his first musical album, "Elevator Music", in 2012.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Malherbe is also known for his philanthropic work. He has been actively involved with the non-profit organization Reach for a Dream, which fulfills the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses, and has served as an ambassador for the Pedal Power Association, an advocacy group promoting cycling as a mode of transportation.
Matt Stern
Matt Stern (March 13, 1971 Bloemfontein-) also known as Matt Sterne is a South African actor.
He is best known for his role in the 2001 South African film, "The Forsaken Land," which won numerous awards at international film festivals. Stern's acting career began in the early 90s with appearances in various South African TV shows and films. He also performed as a stage actor, in productions such as "The Zoo Story" and "Cloud 9."
Aside from his acting career, Stern is also a musician and has released several albums. He is known for his unique blend of South African folk music and rock. In 2014, he won the SAMA Award for Best Afrikaans Rock Album.
Stern is also an avid environmentalist and has participated in various initiatives to promote sustainable living and conservation efforts. He is a trustee of the Endangered Wildlife Trust and is actively involved in local conservation programs.
In addition to his acting, music, and environmental work, Stern is also a philanthropist. He has worked with various organizations to support education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in South Africa. In 2020, he joined the board of trustees for the Amy Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides education and youth development programs to underprivileged communities. Stern is married to fellow South African actress, Candice Boucher, and the couple has two children. In his free time, he enjoys surfing and photography.
Jack Devnarain
Jack Devnarain (February 9, 1971 Durban-) is a South African actor.
He is best known for his role as Rajesh Kumar in the popular South African soap opera Isidingo, which he played for over a decade. Devnarain has also appeared in several international films, including the 2008 Hindi film Contract and the 2015 Hollywood film Mad Max: Fury Road.
Devnarain is also actively involved in the South African entertainment industry as a voice artist, writer, and director. He has lent his voice to numerous radio and television commercials, documentaries, and animated films. Additionally, he has written and directed several stage productions, including the award-winning plays Pieter Dirk Uys: Live from Boerassic Park and The Coolie Odyssey.
Aside from his acting and entertainment work, Devnarain is also a skilled martial artist, holding a black belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate. He is also a former member of the South African Police Service and served as a detective for several years before pursuing his career in acting.
Devnarain is a well-respected figure in the South African acting community and has been recognized for his contributions to the industry. In 2015, he was appointed as the Chairperson of the South African Guild of Actors, a non-profit organization that aims to advance the rights and opportunities of actors in South Africa. He has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of representation of South Asian actors.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Devnarain is also actively involved in charity work. He is a supporter of the Chatsworth Youth Centre, a non-profit organization that provides educational and mentoring programs for underprivileged youth. Devnarain has also worked with the Durban International Film Festival to raise awareness and funds for various social causes.
Despite his success, Devnarain remains humble and committed to using his platform to create positive change in the world. He continues to inspire and influence aspiring actors and artists in South Africa and beyond.
Nico Panagiotopoulos
Nico Panagiotopoulos (August 25, 1971 Pretoria-) also known as Nico Panagio is a South African actor.
He is best known for his roles in popular South African TV series and films such as "7de Laan", "Generations", and "Survivor South Africa". Nico started his career as a model and then transitioned to television and film acting. In addition to acting, he has also hosted multiple television shows including "Strictly Come Dancing South Africa" and "Survivor South Africa". Nico is also known for his philanthropic work and is a goodwill ambassador for the Helderberg Society for the Aged. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his charitable work.
Nico Panagio was born to a Greek father and a South African mother. He grew up in both South Africa and Greece and is fluent in both Greek and English. Nico attended the University of Cape Town where he studied drama before starting his career in modeling. He soon landed his first acting role in the popular soap opera "Egoli: Place of Gold" and has since starred in several other successful TV shows and movies.
Aside from his work on screen, Nico also runs a production company called "Nakedi Theatre & Film Company" which produces socially-aware theater productions that tackle issues such as HIV/AIDS, discrimination, and violence against women. He is also involved in various other charities and gives talks and motivational speeches at schools and corporate events.
Nico is married to Christi Panagio, a television presenter, and they have two children together. In his free time, Nico enjoys sports such as tennis and golf and is an avid traveler.
Craig Urbani
Craig Urbani (December 12, 1971-) also known as Urbani, Craig is a South African actor and musician.
He was born in Durban, South Africa and began his career in the arts as a singer in a local band. Urbani later transitioned to acting and made his debut on South African television in 1993. He is best known for his role as Douglas Archer in the BBC series "Criminal Justice" and the SABC drama series "Jacob's Cross". Urbani has also acted in several international films including "The Bone Snatcher" and "District 9". He has won numerous awards for his work in both television and film, including a SAFTA (South African Film and Television Award) for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Drama. In addition to acting, Urbani is also a talented musician and has released several albums in South Africa.
He has also performed on stage productions, such as "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "West Side Story". Urbani has been lauded for his versatility, range, and ability to seamlessly portray complex characters. In recent years, he has taken on roles in the US, such as on the hit series "Homeland" and "24: Legacy". Urbani continues to be an active participant in the South African entertainment industry and advocates for the advancement of local talent. He also dedicates time to various charitable causes and serves as a mentor to young artists in the country.